The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. So wrote Henry David Thoreau in Chapter 1, Economy, Walden.
Welcome to my life as I search for something beyond quiet desperation. I find the only time I have any success in this regard is when I am on my own “pond”, which more and more is far beyond my corporate life in Sacramento California. Thus, most of the entries here are from my travels where I have time to think, reflect, and write a few notes about what is important in my life. The oldest entries are from my 2006 thru-hike of the the Pacific Crest Trail National Scenic Trail; originally that trail journal was published at 2006 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) “thru” hike journal . Following that journal is a short recap of thoughts from the Southern Island of New Zealand. Finally, in a few days I am on my way to Asia for a multiple month trip into the Himalayas and beyond. If things go as planned, I will be updating up from the land of the snow leopard in the coming months.
Robert Francisco 
Robert,
Nathan Jennings here, from past J&S. I heard of your travels from Alan and am enamored by your journey. I too can relate to you quiet desperation and to find a place for quiet and reflection. I have always been comforted when I am “in” nature and around beautiful surroundings. I have always been drawn to Thoreau, Walden, and his other writings….simplify, simplify, simplify and “living deliberately.” I wish you well on your journeys and am eager to hear updates as you travel. I have recently discovered the beauty and grandeur of the North Fork of the American River. One of the trails that is mentioned in a North Fork Trail book I have describes a neat hike that covers part of the PCT. Although it is not Nepal or the Himalayas, it will serve as my “pond.”
I wish you well.
Nate
http://www.allthingsgeography.blogspot.com
Nate, wow – it has been a long time. Good to hear from you. If you want to see simplify, come to Nepal…they take it to a new level.
Roberto!!
I heard thru the grapevine that you took a bad fall. I came to read your posts for myself. I’m so glad you were able to recover. Your pictures are beyond words, as is your expeience to date. You are on the top of the world, litterally and spirtually.
I envy your ability to let go of everything here and take this trek. As much as the idea appeals, I know I never would. But Nepal…wow. How can you go there and not be changed?
Take care, my friend. I’ll keep checking in to watch and vicariously enjoy your physical and personal journey.
-Karen
Roberto, saw Lizzie yesterday at J&S for a PCT talk during staff meeting. She did great. Was good to see her. Wow, what I’ve always admired about you is that you definitely go for it! Lock in and make it happen. We are all on our own personalized treks literally and figuratively. I decided to step down from the regional ops position and am now doing water work for ICF J&S. It was time and it feels better. I definitely have a clearer perspective, and renewed respect for what you accomplished while you were doing that job.
My “trek” has led me “inside”, in a spiritual sort of way. Why are we desperately searching for something to fullfill ourselves? Maybe that next promotion or mountain or conquest will make us feel prosperous, whole and at peace. But it never does because it can’t. Nothing outside ourselves can ever transform us in the way we want. That has to come from within. We are already perfect right at this moment and we are exactly where we are supposed to be. If we can pause the brain and ego on a regular basis we have a chance to sense the peace and love that is with us every moment. Then what we do takes on a more honest quality. Life flows easier because we are not struggling against it, filled with fear and wanting. I’m not saying its easy (certainly haven’t mastered it) but it is worthwhile. If there is a place to realize that, Nepal has to be it. Man you suck. This trip is incredible, just like you. Don’t forget it brother.
Steve
Hi, Robert:
(please do not publish this, ok?)
I am so pleased to have discovered that you are doing well. I enjoyed following your journey on your site. I was most struck by I Quit and wonder if that was as life-changing a turning point for you as it might seem. Well done and well written. I often remember, ponder and try and place in context such concepts as perception is reality, and of Janis Joplin in Bobby McGee…. saying something like freedom means having nothing left to lose, or Plato writing that self conquest is the greatest of victories. I live in Sacto now, but continue to find peaceful satisfaction and personal joy spending my time teaching 11-13 year old Boy Scouts hiking, backpacking and wilderness survival skills while climbing southern California mountains, walking cross-country through the Joshua Tree desert, enjoying the stark and solitary beauty (and dangers) of the desert and winter chill.
Thank you for sharing your adventure……..
Robert my friend…..I tried calling your cell without success. Had a feeling you might be taking another hiatus on your spiritual quest so I Googled you and there you were. I’m fascinated with your journey. You have always been a seeker Robert. No doubt you’ll continue seeking, enjoying the journey. I had a flashback to that new age fair we attended at the memorial auditorium. How far you’ve come from that day. You never stoped seeking.
Robert…I’m about to become a grandpa, finally. Bree is pregnant with twins. For now, that’s the most spiritual event in my life. New life is such a mystery. I got to see an ultrasound of the twins at 8 weeks. Incredible, amazing, miraculous. Bree is at 11 weeks now. In a few weeks an ultrasound will determine the sex.
When you return from this leg your journey, give me a call. We have some catching up to do my friend.
Ciao, Dave
Dear Mr. Francisco
I was graciously given your blogspot address by a friend (Gwen P) I work with. I have not been fortunate enough to travel as I would like and she knows I love this kind of thing. She was correct in believing I would enjoy the reading and photographs. What a wonderful adventure you have had so far! I eagerly await hearing (and seeing) more. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures.
Hey Robert….Dave Coy here. Lots of changes in my life since we last spoke. The twins turned 2 Sept 8th. Love being a grandpa. I’m also in love. Didn’t think that was possible at my age. I mean one doesn’t “fall in love” at age 70 (2 more months)….one simply “FALLS”. : ) I’ve done my share of that too. Both hips ache and I walk with a cane, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I dated Marie in high school. Fifty plus years later, we’re dating again, except it’s more than dating….much more. How’s your love life Robert? Still have my email? It’s misterc42@comcast.net
Later Robert….Dave