Friday, March 18, 2016
I’m grateful that pictures of Hua, and images of places she made, radiate some of her intense joyful and confident spirit. I experienced her presence (the best way I can put it) on two trips, but knew her better, in a removed way, through astonishing accounts of her exploits and stunning feats, and therefore her legendary DCUL status.
The second time our paths crossed, doing Mud Hole Gap, I slipped on snow, sprained my wrist, and had to abandon the trip. She offered medical assistance, assessing and wrapping the injury. But she also insisted on accompanying gracious trip leader Mike in walking me out. Above and beyond, but nothing I said could dissuade them from walking me out, and her coming meant Mike didn’t have to hike to the campsite, late, alone. Crazy kindness. I was sorry for the trouble I caused, yet so grateful for the compassion.
Last weekend, when a hike leader didn’t show, another hiker and I chose to do Cedar Run / WOC instead of the announced hike. Thus, unexpectedly, I wound up at the first place I encountered Hua. I found myself at the upper Cedar Run crossing, remembering Hua seated in meditation on a big beautiful boulder mid-stream surrounded by the sound of rushing water. Alone on the trail, I lingered awhile there. I couldn’t fathom her power, or her death, but I am convincing myself that she lived long enough to accomplish more than most in deeds and spirit.
