"I have seldom gone on a tramp without seeing things hat made the heart ache with their beauty or pathos, and other things that set the mind a-tingle with intellectual curiosity. I do not refer to great episodes, but to the little things, unexpected visions of life! Some were unforgettable in themselves and seemed to need no other tablets than those of memory, and yet it was a great addition to inner content and happiness to describe them in my day-book of travels." (pg 5)
--Stephen Graham, The Gentle Art of Tramping
"It is in description that the keeper of a diary becomes artist. All description is art, and in describing an event, an action or a being, you enter into the joy of art. You are more than the mere secretary of life, patiently taking down dictation; you become its singer, the expresser of its glory. With a verbal description goes also sketching, the thumbnail sketch, the vague impression. There is no reason for being afraid of bad drawing in one's own personal travel diary. The main thing is that it be yours and have some relationship to the eyes and the thing seen." (pg 12)
--Stephen Graham, The Gentle Art of Tramping
"Believe in yourself. Believe in your capacity. Believe in your goodness. Seek adventure. Climb high mountains. Run wild rivers. Live daily with this spirit. Take care. Follow your dreams, but watch your step. Have fun, sing, dance, laugh, and spread joy wherever you journey." (pg 65)
--Royal Robbins
"Be strong and do not betray your soul. Carry your light to illuminate your destiny. Rejoice, for you are part of the Great Mystery." (pg 34)
--old Indian saying
