On Hiking

"We are are starved for the glory of God, not self. No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem. Why do we go? Because there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self." John Piper
I adore hiking.  ADORE.  I am a complete sucker for the simplicity of using your own two feet to explore God's Creation.  Even better if there is some sort of (minimal) climbing involved.  What can I say?  I like heights.
A not-so-secret dream of mine is to one day hike the Pacific Crest Trail.  While I've resigned myself to the fact that this dream will most likely never become a full blown reality (who has that kind of time?), I still think I would like to attempt at least one state.  A few years ago, I followed the blog of this couple as they hiked the entire trail.  I rapidly became obsessed with all things PCT.  The concept of carrying everything you needed for survival on your back, walking nearly a marathon a day, setting up camp wherever you landed for the night... it all fascinated me.  (Not to mention the fact that every weekend they got to hitchhike into the nearest town and eat WHATEVER THE HECK THEY WANTED because they hiked a near-marathon every day)
This week I had the pleasure of driving my not-so-baby sister back up to Seattle for her junior year of college.  We took a detour on our way up and explored Camp Cascades, where she spent her summer as a counselor.  It was so special for me to see the place where so many of her precious memories were born.

She even took me on her favorite hike up Fossil Rock.  The view along the way was incredible...
Cute sister during a water break
Madrona Tree - my new favorite
...and the summit was absolutely breathtaking...
 
 
 ... but the walk ride down was definitely my favorite part.
P.S. Isn't it a little bit creepy how similar we sound on video?
Thanks for such an epic adventure, sis.
Psalm 104:24 (message) “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.”

Comments

Vanessa's Dad said…
I'm undone... Smiling... but, undone.

LOVE,
DAD