South Sister, Oregon Summit Campout

I am often alone in thought, like this single indian paintbrush next to a mountain stream. These are some of the moments I am most thankful for. The moments I realize that the little things are what really matter. If it were not for the little things then nothing of substance would ever be possible.

For example, we do not set out climbing to reach the summit, but rather to step one foot in front of the other. If we fail to recognize the beauty of each step then then we will miss the adventure in getting to where we wanted to go all along. And, the adventure is where the true miracles happen.

---

Lucas Wachs and I set out hiking to the top of South Sister at 5:45PM on Friday. Our goal was to sleep on the summit at 10,358 feet. The journey was amazing, mind opening and worth each step. We reached the summit around 9:45PM, and walked the entire circumference of the crater before settling in for a crisp, peaceful and highly deserved night of sleep. 

Rising with the Sun

"Nothing compares to waking up on top of a mountain and watching a new day come to life."

Life awakens with the rising sun. Sunrise hours are some of the most powerful of our day, for they set in motion the tone and mood that we will carry throughout our waking hours. You get a chance to reflect on how small you really are and just how vast a landscape surrounds. You feel grateful just to be where you are.

---