Deep in the heart of Glacier National Park, we learned in our time visiting that there sits a special mountain whose peak extends life to various parts of the globe. I’m talking about Triple Divide Peak. Depending on where a single drop of rain lands on said peak, it could have a very different journey. The triple divide point can send flowing water on an expedition all the way to either the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, or the Hudson Bay, providing vitality to numerous life forms along the way. Learning about the divide point and experiencing the park first-hand caused wheels to start turning in my brain that will never again be turned off.
Many miles away and a week’s time later, I sit by the creek at our last campsite in the backcountry, soaking my feet after a long, hard day (7.5 miles, 1000ft elevation incline and decline). In front of me sits a small waterfall, flowing over a small rocky edge in 2 places, meeting in the same creek. The water all comes from the same direction – upstream to downstream. Although, the current flows differently while traveling. In some places, the water is calm and seems not to be moving at all. In some places it is rapid. The water staggers off, creating tiny streams, waterfalls, or pools – but no matter the current or route, eventually it all ends up meeting at one place.
Rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, the ocean, or even something as simple as a puddle are my favorite things to ponder on – anything to do with water. Humans are mostly made of water. I am mostly made of water. I feel as if it’s the perfect metaphor for life. Some days I feel stagnant, barely moving or not at all. Other days I have rushes of energy as if I’m flowing rapidly. There are many routes in life to be chosen just like how the river can split (and not just in 2 ways). Some days I’m huge like the ocean or some days I’m small like a rain puddle. No matter the circumstances, I will always be flowing in a standard direction. I will always be a part of something bigger. I’ll always get to where I’m going, wherever that may be. I value the lesson of fluidity learned through my experience with WRFI. As I continue to flow and form to my surroundings, I know this lesson will stick with me through my different stages of life.
