On April 14th, I had the opportunity to climb Mt. Si solo. I had recently been cleared for physical activity since my shoulder surgery on the 1st of February, and needless to say, I was really excited to be active again.
a picture i had take of myself at the top of the peak
The hike began with an hour drive out to north bend. I found myself getting really frustrated while in Seattle headed towards the highway. It took about 15 minutes to get to 1-5 from my house, a trip that normaly takes 2 minutes max. After getting on the highway, it started to pour and I seriously considered turning back. But, after coming out of the I-90 tunnel headed toward Issaquah, the sun poked through and the rain had been left in the city. At this point, I knew the decision to climb Mt. Si was a good one!
Driving in to North Bend, I found myself wandering around the small town searching for the trail head. The information I gathered from the Internet proved to be tricky and misleading. So, I used my trusty digital phone to call up Rob who steered me in the right direction. I pulled into the parking lot at about 3 in the afternoon, ready to make the 4 and a quarter mile trek up to the top of the peak.
THE ASCENT
Seeing that I had been limited in physical activity for the past couple months, I war a little ambitious in my inicial ascent. I ran for the first quarter or a mile or so and got breathing heavy quickly. After walking a little more to catch my breath, I thought I had at least traveled one mile. Then I came up to a sign that said I had gone half a mile. I was in for a lot more climbing! I passed several people on the way up, and would get a little boost everytime I saw someone in front of me on the trail.
I came up to the top of the trail and had a decision to make; whether to walk over to the snoqualmie valley view, or to climb the rocky haystack scramble. Of course I went for the scramble. (come on, the signs said it was extremely dangerous, how could I back down from that?) I began to head over the rocky mass and began climbing. It was much more difficult then I had expected. I was definitely getting a rush from the exciting climb.
looking west towards downtown Seattle
THE PEAK
When I had reached the top, the cold wind was blowing pretty good and I could definetely feel it in my shorts and light dry fit tob. But, when I placed myself on the highest rock, I was taken a back and realized the unbelievable 360 degree view that was around me. I saw the clouds rushing upwards over the back side of the peak. I saw the clouds overhead rushing east towards the cascades.
I could even see downtown seattle! Another older gentlemen who made the ascent was kind enough to take my picture, and then he headed down because he was getting cold. I stayed up there for another 15 minutes and encountered one other climber that had come up. He had a Norwegian accent and asked if I'd take his picture. He kept saying "I'm the king of the world" as he stood on the uppermost rock. He was clearly excited.
I began to make my way down the rocky face, and as soon as I had made the bottom of the rocky climb, it begain to sleet and snow pretty good. I was thankful I had left the peak before it became slippery and wet. I decided to jog down the 4 mile trail all the way to the bottom to get to my car before it became dark. I passed a ton of people on the way down. When I had reached my car, it was 7pm. After stopping by the Nike Outlet in North Bend for the first time, I drove home and got back into Seattle at about 9. It was definetely a re-charging experience, and I'm very glad I decided to make the journey, even though I was alone.
REFLECTIONS
Alot was on my mind during the initial climb up. I had a couple hours just to let my brain run wild, something I don't normally have time for. It was good to mentally go through everything occuring in my life at the moment. My brain was entirely focused and thinking of nothing but hand holds and feet placement when I was going up the rocky ridge. I thought back later and realized how incredible God designed our minds and our thinking capabilities. What focus, coordination, and adaptability our designer had in mind when creating us. The run down was a mental workout. My eyes rapidly fired signals to my brain to let it know where my feet would take the next step. I could not slip and risk falling on my shoulder. It was good for my brain to be in such an intense, demanding position. I miss that quick thinking that usually accompanies me with sports. That hike has helped motivate me to explore God's creation more, and seize opportunities like it that come up.
