"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary
Mount Rainier was a force! It took two hours to get to Paradise Park in Mount Rainier National Park from my campsite in Gig Harbor. The drive was just beautiful, and the mountain peak appeared sporadically throughout. The day was idyllic, with temps in the 80s. It was cooler on the mountain, but still just a perfect day. Traffic moved along pretty consistently... until it didn't. I had no cell service, so I didn't know how close I was to the park's entrance. Traffic suddenly stopped and barely moved for 45 minutes. I wondered if there was a wreck or if it would ever open up. Little by little, we edged our way around a curve and the reason for the bottleneck. It was the line to get into the park. Just my luck; it was the last beautiful weekend before the rainy season started, and everyone was taking advantage of it. Once through the gates, I didn't notice the traffic as much as I thought I would.
As I made my way through the park, Mount Rainier came into view with all of its glory; I was utterly in awe of its magnificence.
It is worth mentioning that it is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA, spawning five major rivers. Mount Rainier is 14,410 feet and is the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States. It has the most extensive alpine glacial system outside of Alaska and the world's largest volcanic glacier cave system (in the summit crater)
I can tell you I did not witness that glacier cave system, but I'll take their word for it.
I mean... Really?! I got the overwhelmed feeling I get when I experience something so awe-inspiring it is too much for my senses to process. . It's a combination of the descent on a rollercoaster and my skin crawling. It's a lot and usually requires time to decompress from what I have seen. This took a minute!
Maybe you can see it here, but I was incredibly uncomfortable and holding on for dear life! In my mind, any sudden move and I'm doing a backflip over the log and plunging to my death. That is probably the reason for the uncomfortable look on my face. lol
There was a relatively easy hiking trail along the mountain with steep inclines. You could tell from the faces of those coming up as I was starting my descent that it was a little painful for some, but again, definitely worth it.
You will notice the smile on my face because I'm on the safer ground, away from the edge! lol
Again these views are just incredible. It always amazes me how different the mountains look in the afternoon shadows.
On my drive back to Gig Harbor, I rediscovered a song. I believe I attached it to another post. It resonated with me in a new way on this trip.
To me, it's about a journey of self-acceptance, self-awareness, and self-discovery and it's okay to not have all the answers.
So long as the blood keeps flowing
I'll set a sail and swim across
I'm not looking to be found
Just want to feel (un)lost
For a while, I have felt a little lost and trying to get my footing. This trip is definitely helping me find that footing, my voice, and a lot of self-acceptance. Honestly, traveling around in my own little world right now, I'm okay with not being found, and I'm certainly feeling less lost.
Next, I meet up with my brother Erik. I'm SO excited!
Stay Wild 🌿
One of my favorite places on Earth! So beautiful!