Thoughts of a Modern-Day Mountain Man:A Field Guide to Leadership in the Great Outdoors Chapter 52

This is the fifty-second and final chapter of a weekly blog series that will focus on leadership in the outdoors and how to get the most from the least. Even though the title is called, “Thoughts of a Modern-Day Mountain Man”, it will hopefully cover topics that are useful to everyone.

Chapter 52: The End of an Adventure

“Search of the Raven”

Sent out to find telling sign,

across the earth of grand design.

Over the flooded hills and mountains high,

Searching for a place that was now dry.

Sent by a man upon a great ark,

Protecting life from a place that was dark.

The Creator decided the world could not turn,

cast into the sea the evil would burn.

When time had passed the Raven was called,

to find refuge that would be a place for all.

To and fro the search did not end,

until the Raven never returned again.

Since that day the search has not ceased,

always looking for the uplifting breeze.

A searcher of such grand design,

willing to hunt or take what you find.

When the Raven was finally called home,

The knowledge of its sacrifice finally made known.

This noble bird, a knight of truth,

ended the search and offered us proof.

The Creator's love and plan for us all,

will be remembered when we hear the Raven's call. -M.D.M.M.

In the mountain man’s time of yesteryear, there were many seasons of the shinin’ times. Like all great things, the period of the Rocky Mountain trappers and traders came to an end. Brought on in part by a scarcity of animals to trap, constant disputes over land ownership and the overall decline of the beaver fur market, the end came all too quickly for this way of life. People’s taste and inklings change. When the desire to no longer have a fine garment or hat made of beaver fur, but instead a hat made a fine Chinese silk, it began the end of the Golden Age of these fortuitous men and women.

Almost all of the trappers and traders left the Rocky Mountains behind when it was no longer a lucrative financial prospect. Some of them would return in following years as guides or surveyors on future expeditions to map and settle the ever expanding Westward movement of the fledgling United States. Others would settle into a life of solitude and farming in the East. Many others simply faded off into history with little or no trace left behind. It did not matter how much skill, experience or knowledge a mountain man had, their way of life and adventures still came to an end.

An ending similar to this will ultimately be all of our fates. No matter our leadership abilities, quality of program or the level of skill we possess, our ends will arrive someday in this profession and this is always part of the overall plan. It is a very good thing. Living life and conducting our profession on our own terms may give us some say or input into how our ends come as outdoor leaders or professional guides. Sometimes however, the choice is made for us. The shinin’ times will not last, no matter how strongly we may wish them to. The proverbial torch of our teaching, leading, and knowledge will always be passed down to the next group of upcoming leaders. Our goal should always be to equip the next generation with the best skills and knowledge possible before our shinin’ times come to an end, and it is our time to head East for one final adventure.

The past year of this writing project has brought many changes in my life and my family's lives. Some of the changes were anticipated and hoped for, while other changes were very difficult and hard to deal with. It is very easy to get down on oneself or wallow in self-pity when a plan or life doesn't go as expected or the way we envision it. For many years I never thought that the great times I’ve had in the mountains would ever come to an end. It must be how the mountain men of yesteryear felt, like life was eternal and that the sun would never set on the shinin’ times, but those days were fleeting and like all earthly things they expire.

Looking East for Another Adventure

This isn’t to say that our newest adventure isn't highly anticipated, quite the opposite in fact. It isn't always easy to see or understand why or how, but God has a purpose for everything in our life. We must exercise patience and humility to see the beauty in what life offers. Just the other day, I lost my Grandfather. He was one of the most honest, knowledgeable, and noble men to have ever walked this earth. He is the ultimate namesake and foundation for Raven Adventures and Training, and all I hope it represents and becomes. A true light in the dark times, bringing the knowledge of God's word to a world that desperately needs it. Many days I spent with my grandpa I thought the good times and the adventure would never end, but alas, his adventure was finalized on this earth. He has traveled East, on the ultimate adventure. Someday I look forward to joining him and all of the other believers that have been called from this place. It certainly doesn't make the change or loss any easier, but knowing where the final adventure will lead us gives me motivation to continue on in the manner I know he would be proud of.

I sincerely hope this yearlong project has brought the reader some knowledge, some humor and some insight, but above all I hope it has provided a reference that reminds us that we're all in this adventure together. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all need Christ in our lives as our Savior. No matter how well a program is designed, how thoroughly the staff is trained, or how great the times are, we will all eventually be called from the mountains onto a greater and grander adventure with Him in heaven. Love always and forever, The Modern-Day Mountain Man.