In a back issue of The Yosemite Journal, Howard Weamer
writes about the Ostrander Hut that is in the area behind Glacier Point. The
Hut is ten miles out in the backcountry, at an elevation of 8500 feet, and in
winter is accessible only by cross-country skiers. Weamer was its caretaker and
host for many years, and writes of the wide-ranging discussions that would go
on into the night between people of different backgrounds. He also mentions the
need for solitude that was often expressed by his visitors: "those who
welcome it are assumed to have attained something special."
This phrase stayed with me as
I hiked by myself out to the hut one gorgeous autumn day. The stone hut was
locked up when I arrived because it’s a winter destination, but I looked in the
windows at the close sleeping quarters, then looked out at the tranquility of
the forest, mountains, and the small lake that feeds Bridalveil Creek, and I
felt contentment.
Does being comfortable with
solitude mean that we have arrived at our goal of attaining solitude? Is there
nothing that happens once we arrive? What about self-exploration?
Does solitude lead us into self-awareness, or does
self-awareness lead us into solitude?
