The memory of stars and mountains are deeply influenced by one man. My friend Ron Smith. He recently made the journey to the other side of life. Although we no longer were hanging out together, it took me awhile to wrap my head around the fact I will not be running into him and sharing a smile. Looking through two volumes of old photographs taken during
a 5 year period, I began realizing the impact this one person had on my life and on both my children. It is the good things you remember about those who showed you kindness in life. Ron gave these gifts to many people who became a part of the groups he organized. While sharing his knowledge and love of the stars and mountains, Ron also photographed the vision of beauty he held for the natural world.
I met Ron Smith through our sons and his wife. When I came to their home over 15 years ago to pick up my son, I walked into the middle of a gorgeous slide show. The wall sized screen was filled with beautiful photos that were taken by Ron and filled with places that took your breath away. As he narrated the details of their many trips out west, amazement and questions filled my head. Sadly at that point in my life, I had been from a family and with partners that never went anywhere! True. No vacations. Suddenly I was in a room full of people who happily took adventures all the time! This photo below is me sitting on Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry during a lovely day of light hiking with Ron and friends. Happy days to be sure! I am so glad I had that time in my life, since now my thyroid condition keeps me from being that physical.
Shortly after that initial meeting, I got a call from Ron's wife that he had to go out to their star observation property in West Virginia. Would I like to take the ride out? Oh yes! There was the beginning of my adventures with the hiking and star party groups. Nearly every weekend during those 5 years a trip was planned. That is a heck of a lot of wonderful times being out in nature! As a single mom this situation was priceless... as nature is free most of the time! I kept a small art journal with me sometimes to do a quick sketch. The one below is from the camping trip with our sons to White Mountain and the New England area.
Ron was always willing to pick up my very tired zombie butt early in the morning for mountain climbing, canoeing, camping and rock climbing excursions. My children were able to experience and learn the enjoyment of these things along with me. Spelunking was a favorite of my son. Although I sat outside of the bat caves sketching with my daughter on those trips! Music became an integral part of our drive to get to our destinations, creating the perfect backdrop to the sky and mountains outside the van window. The views and experience were soul food.
I love being a mountain momma. Yet at that time I was afraid of heights and these wonderful friends helped me to face my fears and enjoy my vision of being on mountaintops. Fulfilling a dream and gaining confidence about yourself are powerful and life affirming events. In the photo above we are at 'Old Rag Mountain' in Virginia near Skyline Drive. Scrambling across the top of the mountain rocks, this crevasse needed the technique you see me doing to get down by yourself. I had learned from a previous hiking trip down the White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail, which is also along Skyline Drive, that I need to wear knee pads so I would not blow out my knees again. Maybe not so attractive, but my knees now had springs and that was way cool!
Ron taught me about the celestial world. Messier Objects became a past time where he even had me filling out the official observation form. A truly incredible moment for me was when I got to view the famous Deep Field Negative at the Space Telescope Institute while sharing a loupe with John Dobson. Wow! So many galaxies! Plus I attended the Star Party in the Florida Keys on three occasions because I won the t-shirt design contest. Camping under the stars by the turquoise sea we spent very dark nights walking around with red flash lights viewing the amazing universe. Day trips to Key West and Bahia Honda were always a highlight. A quick sketch of the Eagle Nebulae was easily accomplished one night while viewing from the ladder of the mighty Dobsonian telescope in the photo above. One night as I saw the Southern Cross rise from the water I thought about 'Hectic Red' (my future husband's band) performing the song 'Southern Cross' by Crosby Stills and Nash. I could hear in my mind the words..."When you see the Southern Cross for the first time you understand now why you came this way...
...Spirits are using me, larger voices callin'... What Heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten..." Thanks for the memories Ron. They are spectacular my friend! The adventure will continue.
You can view Ron's nature photography at this online gallery.
