California Wilderness: A new beginning in Death Valley

The Spring California Wilderness group has just finished the first segment of their journey: Death Valley. In this passage, John O'Mara shares his experience of wild horses, turquoise mines and how time in the wilderness has already impacted him profoundly.

On April 4th a group of complete strangers embarked into the Death Valley wilderness.  We arrived at Cottonwood Springs in the afternoon and immediately we were awestruck by rolling plains, jagged mountain ranges and warm soft sand between our toes.  The spring boasted of watercress, which became a staple in our nightly cooking.  In our time here at Cottonwood springs we explored the local history, and found traces of past life-- run down shacks, burned treasure chests, arrowheads, beads and remains of big horn sheep.  On one of my very first mornings of watching the sunrise, sitting in the big field overlooking the entire canyon I was approached by a wild horse. He was just as timid and nervous as I was, but over the time of our stay here at the springs this horse became a part of our group.  One morning, he even  came into our camp and made himself comfortable.  Through this experience I became so enthralled by the beauty of these majestic animals.  A few days later a herd of wild horses came and visited us, an experience that I will never forget.

In our days here we explored the surrounding areas, to an old turquoise mine and a mud flat overlook of the entire park.  A birds-eye view of a birds-eye view.  The experiential knowledge of the wilderness that I have gained in participating in the program has blown away any expectations that I had.  The sense of community that we have built amongst us is an extremely comfortable, tight knit and compassionate feeling.  I wake up every morning to the glow of dusk and go to bed every night in awe of the stars.                                                                                                                       

Academically our studies are an integral part of why this experience in nature is so special.  The curriculum is paired with each location; the wheels of knowledge are turning as our legs are churning out mountains and through meadows.  With each other we have a constant conversation of our academics foreshadowing the beauty of the state of California.  Almost daily I am struck with a moment of wonder in reading, discussing and critiquing the readings.  Personally this material has helped me reflect on my life thus far and what in life is important to me.  The time alone that we have the opportunity for has opened me up to see the value in what I am doing for my personal fulfillment as well as my contribution to a community.  Campfire dinners are boasting with flavor and the music that we collectively make with rattles and cans runs a euphoria through my body, as if I become part of the inspiring land with every meal and every song.  

The people that are in this program with me make the experience what it is.  Despite our age differences, interests, areas of study, we come together to create a transformational experience.  The opportunity to participate in Sierra institute is something I plan on sharing for the remainder of my life, the integration of nature and learning is like nothing I have ever or will ever again experience.  I plan on shifting my style of learning for the remainder of my college career, as this program is creating change within me that has and will positively affect me for the rest of my life.

 

California Wilderness: Reflections from Death Valley

Overview:

The spring California Wilderness 2013 program begins with a backpack into Death Valley. Since the early stages of a program can emphasize the so-called "separation phase" of the journey, Death Valley is an especially favorable starting place because it is unfamiliar and challenging to most participants. Discomfort is quickly dissipated once we have settled into our basecamp under cottonwood trees with spring water nearby. In the expanse of desert, the days pass and seem to float independently and timelessly, losing their connection to any calendar.

From Antonella De La Torre, aka Pachamama:

Under the afternoon sun of Cottonwood Springs, we sit in shady sit spots reading, journaling, and watching the wildlife interact with both earth and sky. Cottonwood Springs shelters a plethora of migrant birds, colorful lizards, wild horses, and even a few snakes! Because of the amount of life in this seemingly barren desert, I never felt alone during this last stretch of our educational adventure.

Inspired by all the amazing readings by authors such as William Everson, Bill Plotkin, John Tarrant, Jon Young, Starhawk, and other ecopsychologists, my ecological and personal consciousness expands with every day that passes. Endless learning and infinite questions pervade my Sierra Institute experience so far, and what I am getting out of this is beyond any sort of knowledge I’ve gained in the typical educational institution.

From Kelan Ilya:

As we enter the Oasis of Cottonwood Canyon, we endure solitude to the highest degree. We face the reality of the emptiness of the desert.The dialogues that take place in such an astonishing setting allow us to relinquish the stresses of our everyday lives. Both personal and universal mysteries are addressed and investigated in a manner that enables the group to express themselves freely.

The group dynamic is sophisticated and enables an intimate bond similar to one of a native tribe. Being a part of such a unique community is an honorable experience and seems unachievable elsewhere in society.

A wild horse in Death Valley 

To see more images from the Spring 2013 California Wilderness trip, visit Sierra Institute on Facebook.