A River Runs To It - thoughts about the previous months from Managing Partner Ron Richardson:
“The important thing is not to stop questioning.“ - Albert Einstein
Autumn is a spectacular time to be in the Tetons. The snow has returned to the peaks, marking the end of my stay in the region. The summer was a wonderful time of discovery, and I was fortunate to enjoy it with friends and family.
There was our wedding in June, a blessed event we shared with Dina's children. The wedding party consisted of seven people: the three adult children, a photographer, and our friend Brian, who masterfully performed the ceremony. Cotton was here in spirit, though he was unable to attend. 😊
We have wonderful pictures captured to share with friends and with Cotton.
...and lots of fishing.
My path this summer was a continuation of a search that began years ago, to connect with nature. There is something special about spending time alone and together in nature. It can be magical and terrifying, soothing for me, and frightful for some. What I gain from this time is a feeling that there is a much greater purpose for our time here.
The Snake River is the artery that connects Yellowstone and the Jackson Hole Valley. The name "Jackson Hole" came from trapper David Jackson, indicating an area between mountain ranges. The trapping business declined, largely due to silk hats coming into fashion. Wyoming became a state in 1890, with Yellowstone being the first National Park established in 1872. There is great history in this little valley I come to reconnect with—the river, the mountains, and the fresh air.
The incredible pictures from the summer represent places and moments that inspired me. There were many, with the most recent ones being just this past Sunday. These were significant because I witnessed incredible beauty, both in my mind and on my phone. Breathtaking beauty in the Autumn colors, the lakes, and the wildlife.
The hike was not one I remember from a previous trip. It was not a hike that is revered by locals as spectacular. However, on that day, at that moment, it was the perfect place and time when the foliage was perfect. The day was perfect—it had the perfect temperature and no wind.
The aspens were golden, and there was orange, yellow, and so much red. Green still adorned the pine trees. A rainbow arched over a mountain lake, and ducks, geese, and a lone eagle graced a tree by the river. The day was picture-perfect, even though pictures could not do it justice.
I found my connection, and my hope is to share it with you.
This summer, I have had the pleasure of reading "Meditations" written by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, interpreted by Gregory Hays. The main reason I introduce this work is due to a random reading this morning: "Now, the main thing we were made for is to work with others." Marcus was born in 121 A.D. My purpose is to help others, and it is rekindled with each visit to nature as I connect with this world and its beauty. Thank you for affording me this ability.
My hope is that you are fortunate to connect each day with nature and with other human beings.
enjoy the day...r2