"According to the pain is the gain."
Rabbi Ben Hei,
2nd century, C.E.
While taking these photos on Monday, I received the beginning stages of frostbite on my fingertips because I had to remove my heavy gloves, even though I was still wearing a pair of thin gloves. The wind came in 50 mph gusts, driving the wind chill below zero. At one point, I had to remove the outer gloves for about 30 minutes. It wasn't until the next morning that the tingling in my fingers stopped. Six weeks ago, I frostbit my toes somewhat more seriously, and I've been wearing chemical toe warmers during every excursion ever since. Since Monday's episode, I believe I'll begin wearing hand warmers as well. Although I've learned through these experiences to be more careful with the elements, there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that I've had to give a part of myself as payment for experiencing all of this beauty. For that is truly one of the redeeming elements of suffering: a part of us must "die" in order for beauty - in this case, the photos - to be reborn!
Photos: Dream Lake Trail on a windy day, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, February 2, 2015
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