Notes on Living Outside Cultural Norms. A Chance Meeting.

March 31st, 2014, 5pm

In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks. 1

I find that a mountain top is perhaps the most suited location for meeting interesting people. Take today for example, arriving at one of my local summits shortly before sunset over Kyoto; along comes a curious fellow wearing cycling shoes, yet no bicycle in sight. Naturally a conversation ensues—as is customary with mountaintops & trails—and I find myself learning about John the architect from Canada. He builds his own titanium bicycles; on which he is soon to be starting a weeklong ride from Kyoto to Tokyo, camping on the way. With goodbyes said as easily as hellos (and a promise to see you on social media, naturally) I started on the home trail energised and thinking; “amazing, hand made titanium bikes, only 550 km, and camping; wish I could join him”.

Note to self. Remember to remember there is a community of likeminded folk out there, just sometimes it’s hard to see. Changing perspective can help you see with fresh eyes. Keep doing what you’re doing and climb more mountains; you’ll be more than fine.


  1. John Muir, Steep Trails, 1918 (University of California Press, California) 


David Wade and Christine said thanks.

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James Gibson

Hungry & Footsore

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