Rock stacking is a tradition cherished across cultures for centuries. It is a ritual of meditation and prayer that requires patience and balance. Each rock signifies an act of grace: gratitude, prayer for a loved one, remembrance of those who have gone before us, or an action of serenity and balance.
On Day 17 of our EUR09.03.15 tour, I spent most of the day hiking through the mountain paths and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I was traveling along the valley path towards our chalet. I was so very tired and wondering when I would finally reach "home." Thank goodness for my tour mates I met along the path. They encouraged me to continue my hike and shared pieces of Swiss chocolate as encouragement. As I was stepping into my twelfth mile, I spotted the stacking stones along the Lutschine riverbed. To me, this was a sure God sign to rest awhile in contemplation. I placed two memory stones on top of the stack to honor my brothers, Ed and Gary. They were with me each and every step I took that day, forever eternally. My time of reflection along the glacial waters gave me energy to complete my hike “home.”
On Day 17 of our EUR09.03.15 tour, I spent most of the day hiking through the mountain paths and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I was traveling along the valley path towards our chalet. I was so very tired and wondering when I would finally reach "home." Thank goodness for my tour mates I met along the path. They encouraged me to continue my hike and shared pieces of Swiss chocolate as encouragement. As I was stepping into my twelfth mile, I spotted the stacking stones along the Lutschine riverbed. To me, this was a sure God sign to rest awhile in contemplation. I placed two memory stones on top of the stack to honor my brothers, Ed and Gary. They were with me each and every step I took that day, forever eternally. My time of reflection along the glacial waters gave me energy to complete my hike “home.”
A travel tip for my solo friends: don't ever over indulge in "spirits" unless you have a tour mate to watch over you. That evening, we had a group dinner. I was exhausted emotionally and physically. And was excited to sit and enjoy the evening meal and some wine, of course. In my jubilant celebration of completing my mountain hike, I indulged a bit too much in the "spirits" of the evening. Thank goodness for two of my tour mates who were watching over me. They gracefully prevented me from yodeling in the street that night and made sure I got back to my room peacefully.