Introducing the Mountain Mentor

In the realm of outdoor education, few figures exemplify a deep, intuitive connection with nature like the renowned writer and educator, Shepherd. Her approach transcends the traditional mountain obsession found among some of her male peers, focusing more on the essence of nature and the interpersonal connections it fosters. Despite her rugged dedication to the mountains, she remains profoundly relatable and accessible.

Insights from Nature

Shepherd’s writing serves as a vibrant tapestry of ecological knowledge and personal observation that allows readers to visualize the natural world vividly. Through her articulate descriptions, one can identify the plumage of a ptarmigan or distinguish the delicate petals of St. John’s wort, all without the need for images.

The Sensations of the Wild

“Cold spring water stings the palate, the throat tingles unbearably; cold air smacks the back of the mouth, the lungs crackle. Wind blows a nostril in, one breathes on one side only, the cheek is flattened against the gum, the breath comes gaspingly, as in a fish taken from water — man is not in his element in air that moves at this velocity.”

These sensory experiences exemplify how Shepherd vividly captures the struggle and thrill of being in such a breathtaking environment. For her, the aroma of sawed pine is reminiscent of “strawberry jam on the boil,” enriched by a unique tang, while the waters of the Cairngorm region are likened to “green like the green of winter skies, but lucent, clear like aquamarines.”

Framing Nature as Familiar

Shepherd maintains that, although the mountains embody an awe-inspiring presence, they are more akin to companions than deities. In her view, life in these elevated realms is infused with relatable human emotions such as love, jealousy, loyalty, and a sense of mundane happiness. Her experience is enriched through interactions with other mountain enthusiasts, guides, and even the spirits of those who ventured too far into nature’s capriciousness.

The Human Element of Adventure

Shepherd confronts the inherent risks of mountain exploration directly. Reflecting on the experiences of those who have perished due to unfavorable conditions, she notes, “They committed, I suppose, an error of judgment, but I cannot judge them. For it is the risk we must all take when we accept individual responsibility for ourselves on the mountain, and until we have done that, we do not begin to know it.”

Embracing Mystery in Knowledge

One of the most compelling messages in Shepherd’s work is the delicate balance between knowing and not knowing. She asserts, “The more one learns of this intricate tissue of soil, altitude, weather and the living tissues of plant and insect, the more the mystery deepens.” This illustrates her philosophy that education and exploration evolve alongside the profundity of nature’s unpredictability.