“There are things that just cannot be proven true or false. The play of mind with the environment may demand the freedom to explore the limits of reality. In fact the expl
oration of a poetic life may lead one to another reality altogether”.
- from "Song of the Salmon"
Come along on a journey exploring the meeting ground of consensus reality and the magical realm of ancient myths! Where can the river, the river, take you? Perhaps to the discovery of the ever-changing “blueprint” of life...
“In addition to his specialized knowledge of cetacean intelligence, Bishop David (Knights Templar) is an expert on the mysteries associated with the Grail, the enigma of the Arcadian treasure...and "Arcadian memory"- Unsolved Mysteries of the Sea by Lionel and Patricia Fanthorpe, British authors,
Lionel- TV and radio personality
“This book (Yellow Dog River) reminds a bit of “Walden Pond” by Henry David Thoreau. Both authors are interested in the environment and the animals who are around them”-Andrew Grgurich, Marquette Mining Journal
“In his book...fascination with rivers in general and the Yellow Dog in particular prompts him to use the river as a metaphor for life”- Cari Noga, Traverse City Record Eagle
The Yellow Dog book is an intimately poetic, event-filled tome, highlighting the love of water in general, taking place along a very special river, in particular.
Amazing and entertaining events take place that are both "real" and “surreal”. The premise is made that adopting a mythological view of nature may lead to the broadening of awareness, at once physical and spiritual. In fact, the events lead to a revelation of a “blueprint”* (circa 1998) with features wrought from water and tone. There are enough tantalizing references to this water/tone blueprint to leave one "thirsting" for more in the form of a complete analysis of the blueprint. In this regard, a book is in the works.
Here is an excerpt - from the chapter “Song of the Salmon”
...And now... the stones, still evolving, still tinkling out accompaniments. I pick one up, banded red, gray dashes, lovely. Delicately tossing it back, I strain to catch the sweet splash of sound. Over here is a tiny fleck of gold, real gold, everlasting. Here were these rocks and stones continuing on, slowly being overcome by the soft, instrumental water, imparting tones to infinity.
The Yellow Dog, running free but for the lake dam, still told of this tale- owing to the eternal song of stones. Yes, the music effortlessly playing, but those who could appreciate it most were gone. Sure there were trout remaining, all sorts of animals hearing a few lines, (more like us) but not really getting the whole experience. What of the music playing within un-dammed rivers?!
The spirit of nature, ever vigilant, cannot be permanently silenced. No matter the degree of affront, it prevails. Some time in the future even our dams will be gone, allowing former passages to take place. We live short lives, shorter if we never hike or hear an un-dammed river. Someday, when it is warm and the chill of the Yellow Dog inviting- jump in. Do it by some falls, assault your senses. Go deep...close your eyes... drift a little. Listen to the complex rhythms, a concerto of epic proportion.
There are things that just cannot be proven true or false. The play of mind with the environment may demand freedom to explore the limits of reality. In fact the exploration of a poetic life may lead one to another reality altogether. This I will always believe because it just feels good; that great rivers carry the song...The Song of the Salmon.
