We live in Colorado now. That sounds strange to my ears. For how long we'll be here only our good God knows. While we're here we have some ideas on how to fully enjoy "Colorful Colorado"! Last August we bought a Colorado State Parks pass and have frequently hiked hills, mountains, canyons and around lakes. When our friend, Mary Lynn Vander Ploeg, posted on Facebook in January that one of her 2020 New Year's resolutions was to hike a 14-er, we got inspired to accomplish the same!! We met Mike and Mary Lynn last fall when our kids began school at Front Range Christian School. We've enjoyed getting to know them through shared dinners, "Financial Peace University" classes, our kids' sports activities, and social gatherings. When Mary Lynn said she wanted to climb a 14-er we asked if we could join her. Both she and Mike graciously let us plan with them.
Yesterday, August 8, 2020, the goal, the prize, the literal pinnacle of my view became the ground underneath our feet--all 14,154 ft. of Mt. Democrat!!!!!
Democrat's summit holds a commanding view of the valleys and other nearby 14-ers. I did it!
I didn't do it alone!!! I wouldn't want to have done it alone! Mike and Mary Lynn, me and Geoff at 14,154 ft. on the summit of Mt. Democrat!!It was not easy. About 80% of the climb entailed rock scrambling and 95% of the ascent was at a steep incline. And during our descent I enjoyed my second case of altitude sickness. (The first was in LaPaz, Bolivia, in 1992 where I sipped Coca tea to combat the headache and intense nausea--no Coca tea available yesterday!) The descent was almost as slow as the ascent because if I'd moved any faster things might have not remained contained, so to speak.
What did I learn? It's so cliche, but true, I learned to not quit, to not give in to weakness, but to keep my eyes on the prize and silence whispers of, "it's too hard, you won't make it." I kept going and believing I was going to make it to the summit--even when we all experienced the"false summit"!
Early on in our ascent the sun rose on the mountains before our view of Mt. Democrat was realized.
So, many of our hikes this year have been chosen with an eye on it being part of our training. We've also been consistently walking up hills in the mornings about 5-6 days a week. We've pushed ourselves to remain active. We believed we were ready. But, our lungs weren't prepared for beginning a hike at 12,000 feet and within only two miles reaching 14,000 ft. Honestly, I thought I was in pretty good shape, but as the 20-something young man said to me with labored breathing as he rested on a rock on his way up, "It doesn't matter even if you're in good shape, the altitude affects everyone." I was thankful to be on my way down at that point!
Mary Lynn & Mike descending Mt. Democrat's summit.
The enjoyment of accomplishing with friends while climbing, summiting, and then the labored descent overtook the strain. We encouraged each other throughout the climb and together we shared the victory!!! May I have such a take on all of my days. The joy God gives with His presence through difficulty overtakes the human strain I must put forth in this life.
I climbed a 14-er! As I exhaled the little oxygen afforded at such an altitude I reflected that I've done most of my important feats in life later than most other people. I got married later, had kids later and now, at 56, climbed my first 14-er! Best. Time. Ever. And it won't be my last! Our eyes are already scanning the countryside for the next one. Although Mary Lynn mentioned as we were descending yesterday that said next one will be easier and near a hotel. I quickly agreed.
Mary Lynn and I are summit happy!!!
