Challenging Lessons

Thrilled to be back in the wilderness areas of the National Park system, we were eager to get back to hiking.  We made a plan to explore the Thunder Creek Trail and onward to 4^th of July Pass… but the cool morning air and shade of the tree canopy at the campsite was the perfect combination for sleeping in and a bit of a lazy morning… especially after all of our time in the exposed concrete city RV parks.  We began our day slowly – listening to the birds chirp busily outside our windows and the river rush by in the distance.  We sipped our coffee and hot cocoa as the day greeted us with all of its possibilities.

But after a late breakfast (or maybe an early brunch), we went in search of the trailhead to see what the forest and mountains had to teach us.  We walked quickly along the creek for a couple of miles, listening to the rushing waters carry the snow melt down from the glaciers and snow fields high above us, chattering often with one another.  We were happy to be back – experiencing creation from the tiniest flower clinging to the trailside to the craggiest mountain peak looming in the distance.  I feel at home here.

After a couple of miles, we turned and headed up the 4^th of July Pass trail in search of these higher mountain peaks that surrounded us, known as the American Alps.  The path began to climb.  Higher and higher we went – switchback after switchback – winding our way up the mountain.  Somewhere close to 3,000 feet later, and numerous grumpy faces and complaints totaling just slightly less than that, we reached the pass.  Snowy covered peaks surrounded us at every angle, peeking out from between the hemlocks and firs.  We found our way to the campsite area and plopped our packs down – eager to give our knees and quadriceps a break…

The climb had been a challenge for all of us.  When walking steadily uphill for any length of time, we tend to shift into low gear… but combine that with steep and miles at a time… and you can often add mental exhaustion to the list of ailments.  But I have yet to have an experience where the reward was not worth the effort.  I always learn something – usually about myself.  I think on this particular hike, we all learned that negativity usually compounds your ailments and, in this case, doesn't get you there any more quickly.

But taking a long break at the top as we enjoyed our lunch from a gorgeous spot renewed our spirits.  We took a moment to remind ourselves of how amazing it is to be afforded this experience, to have the physical ability to see places like the one we had reached, and the gift we have been given to help protect and preserve.  Once we finally brought ourselves to head back down the mountain, the kids energy levels had returned and they seemed to bounce merrily down in front of us… as our older knees, with more miles of trail on them, let us slowly down… with only a handful of audible groans.  As we drove back to the campsite, we were treated to a rainbow in the mist coming off the dam - yet another reminder of the unexpected surprises that may be around every bend.