In the realm of mountaineering, there exists a profound connection between climbers and the landscapes they traverse. This bond, marked by perseverance, acceptance, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, is beautifully encapsulated in Terry Gifford's poignant poem dedicated to his climbing partner, Jim Curran. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, the poem takes us on a journey through the rugged terrain of Wester Ross, inviting us to savour the challenges and rewards of the mountain experience.
comes from a journey not a fight,
steady patience,
savouring acceptance
of the ever-wet, the elusive distance,
the commitments of flesh to place:
Wester Ross
Poolewe
Carnmore Crag
Fionn Buttress,
bikes, boots
big sacks
Plasters
bothy, tent.
Limestone letterboxes
reward a blind reach,
Etive edges
enlighten a long stare,
wet pocket
dry pocket
wet pocket
slap and step
The Overhang.
"You have to want it'
this move
this route
this place.
Traverse the wilderness
step across wild space
on gneiss holds
to the soaring alternatives:
slab, wall, arete
and somewhere a 'step left'
rising wind
dipping sun,
white slab
rising wall
flat grass suddenly
and the best walk-off in the world.
The best dram in the world
is backs to the bothy wall now
feet in mud, bums on sacks
sun setting sideways
and Fionn Loch winking back.
First light through tent skin
snipe drumming and drumming
greenshank shrilling up from the bog
and the walk out
past sparkling wind-scoured water
over the narrow causeway
cairned at each end by cement
and a metal sign declaring:
No camping
No litter
No fires anywhere
Walkers keep to footpaths
No mountain bikes
No fishing
No vehicles except on estate business
Please help us preserve
this precious wilderness
Gifford's poem reminds us that the essence of mountaineering lies not in conquering the peaks, but in embracing the journey itself. With steady patience and a willingness to accept the unpredictable nature of the mountains, climbers like Terry and Jim Curran find solace in the ever-wet, elusive distance of the terrain. From the tranquil shores of Poolewe to the majestic Carnmore Crag and Fionn Buttress, every step is a testament to the commitment of flesh to place.
As the poem unfolds, we are transported to the rugged beauty of Wester Ross, where bikes, boots, and big sacks are the tools of the trade. The climb becomes a dance, a delicate balance of wet pockets and dry, culminating in the challenge of The Overhang—a test of skill and determination where every move, every route, every place must be truly wanted.
In the heart of the wilderness, climbers traverse wild spaces on gneiss holds, exploring soaring alternatives of slab, wall, and arete. Amidst the rising wind and dipping sun, the landscape unfolds like a canvas, revealing hidden treasures and unexpected vistas. And yet, amidst the awe-inspiring beauty, there is a reminder to tread lightly, to preserve the precious wilderness for generations to come.
As the poem draws to a close, we are reminded of the importance of conservation and stewardship in the mountains. The image of Fionn Loch winking in the setting sun serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and the natural world. With each step, each footfall on the wind-scoured paths, climbers are urged to heed the call of preservation, ensuring that the wilderness remains unspoiled for future generations.
In Terry Gifford's poetic tribute to mountain journeys, we find a profound appreciation for the beauty, challenges, and inherent value of the wilderness. Through his evocative verses, we are transported to the rugged landscapes of Wester Ross, where every climb is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for adventure and exploration. As climbers like Terry and Jim traverse the wild spaces of the mountains, they embody a deep reverence for the natural world—a reminder that in the embrace of the wilderness, we find not only adventure but also a profound sense of connection to the land and to each other.
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