Mt. Rainier

If one climbs mountains solely for the purpose of reaching the summit, one constantly chases an elusive and ever-diminishing satisfaction. Now, one could argue that I am only saying this because I did not reach the summit of Mt. Rainier...in fact, I only reached 12,500 feet.
I will not argue that the mountain's summit is the crown on a challenging and beautiful climb; however, it is the whole experience that is so addicting for me. Perhaps it is remembering a proper sense of perspective as our tiny bodies clamber up the side of a vast mountain. Perhaps it is regaining a sense of the wildness, majesty, and beauty of God. Perhaps it is the cleansing experience of pushing one's physical and mental limits, and emerging on the other side with a sense of amazement and accomplishment. Perhaps it is the comradeship of good friends facing such an obstacle together. All of these factors help explain, but cannot completely define why some are driven to climb mountains. Perhaps some factors remain obscurely on the edge of logic!

We turned back because one member of our party became altitude sick and was mentally done with the climb. As we descended back to base camp, a storm picked up and eventually covered us with 7,8 inches of fresh snow. Life becomes very interesting when you are trapped in a tent in the midst of a white out blizzard for 12 hours! Nonetheless, Rainier is a vast, awe-inspiring mountain, and I do not regret my attempt, but look forward to returning someday!