Mountain Music

Who publishes the sheet-music of the winds or the music of water written in river-lines?

John Muir

You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12 NIV

My car’s name is Mountain Song.  It’s reminiscent of my time in the mountains listening to the music of the mountains whether hiking, paddleboarding, or otherwise enjoying nature.

When hiking, there’s the sound of the bear bell on my daypack which is joined in by my pup’s collar tags jingling together as he walks, the two combine to make a merry noise.  Then there’s the click of my hiking poles when I cross rocky areas or granite slabs.  The melting ice and water in my water bottle create a sloshing rhythm while the crunch or thud of hiking boots gives a more regular background cadence.

Aside from the logistical sounds of the hike, there’s the various beautiful sounds of nature! Streams tumble happily down the mountainside, splashing against rocks to create a cool refreshing melody. Then there’s the sound of countless birds singing a chorus of joy! Sometimes, the wind whispers in aspen leaves…or moans or groans and sighs on breezy or stormy days…as it swirls among the trees and rocks. On some days, there’s even the light pitter patter of raindrops on leaves or ground.

If on the lake paddleboarding, there’s the sound of lapping water and soft splashes as the paddles slip in and out of the water. The aforementioned sounds sometimes mix with distant, indistinct shoreline voices and laughter of people playing nearer the shore.

Whether hiking or paddleboarding, my absolute favorite part of mountain music is when a rich harmony is added in…the voices of family or friends! Sometimes, I’m talking with my companions, but other times it’s hearing the quiet murmur of conversation between loved ones, punctuated by occasional laughter.  Either way, it’s the sound of love and joy!