I don't give up!

I find that some of the most important lessons that I have learned in my life have come while I have been out amongst the trees and rocks, mountains and streams. It is out in nature away from the distractions of life that I find myself with a heart that is more open and free to receive truth and beauty. A few weeks ago I have the chance to visit the Olympic National Park for the first time. And I was so in awe of the things that I saw in that place. Every turn made way to a new beauty more inspiring then the view before. But these views were not free. I have found that all of the most beautiful places in the world take hard work to get to. Perhaps that is why they are so beautiful.

The hike to the top of Hurricane Hill was no different. There is still much snow up in the heights of the Olympic mountains this time of year and the roads that led to our trailhead were still thick with snow. We had to hike nearly 2 miles through ankle deep snow just to get to the trailhead. I was ill prepared for hiking in snow, wearing only a pair of running shoes with insufficiant traction and no water-proofing. But thankfully I did have wool socks that at least kept my wet feet warm. I wore jeans and attempted to keep dry in the snow by wearing my rain pants over them, but apparently enough of my jeans were exposed to the wet snow and acted like a wick which made my jeans completely wet my the time we reached the summit. Not to mention my hiking muscles were very out of shape.

I made the climb with a group of very athletic folks and avid hikers who often left me in the dust (or snow in this case). I found myself having to face some of those demons along the way that pop up to say I am not good enough, strong enough, or capable enough to make the journey. (I felt like Much Afraid in the book "Hinds Feet on High Places" much of the hike.) I wanted to give up so many times along the way. At one point I took a pretty bad fall when my legs slipped out from under me in the snow. I landed first on my wrist and then my face. I even stopped at one point, telling everyone to go on without me because I was planning to turn back before reaching the summit.

I sat for a few minutes in solitude on the side of that mountain and as I looked out on the majestic views somehow I managed to muster up the strength and will to go and meet my friends at the top. The journey back was even more of a challange then the trip to the top, for the snowiest portion of the hike was uphill on the way back.

It is always a humbling experience for me to hike. Down at Sea Level on even ground I am able to move around with ease. But up in the higher elevations with steep ascents and descents, rocks and snow to contend with, I become very aware of my short comings. This can be both a tremndous blessing and a huge challange. I am reminded on the heights that it takes great will to press through pain, doubt, and discouragement. But it is so important to push through to experience the gifts that wait on the other side.

Here are a few more pictures from my hike on Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park.