Today I went to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been – and wasn’t too far away from killing myself.But I’ll get to that later.
Sarah and I decided to head up to Plummer Peak, which is right next to Pinnacle Peak in Mt. Rainier National Park.
Most of the trails that are in higher elevation don’t open until mid-July.The Plummer Peak trail was probably 85% covered in snow, which made for difficulty in keeping on the trail as well as being rather wet and slippery.Plummer Peak is about 6,300 feet, which is one of the highest peaks in the park you can hike to without climbing gear. It has some amazing views of Mt. Rainier, which is the fifth highest mountain (and largest active volcano) in the lower 48 states, at 14,411 feet.It also provides great views of Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens to the south, along with the Tatoosh Mountain range in the Cascades.
Mt. Rainier, 14,411 feet.
Mt. Adams, 12,281 feet.
Mt. St. Helens, 8,365 feet.
We made it up to the end of the trail, which is the saddle between Plummer Peak and Pinnacle Peak, and came to this sign:
Many people continue on, and there were a few people ahead of us.We decided to hike up to Plummer Peak, and quickly came to a snow-covered pass.This is the pass from earlier on the trail. You can see a line of footprints near the top.
Here is a picture of Sarah as we tried to cross.
Sarah went ahead and made it across.I was following, and the melting snow (it was about 75 degrees up there) gave way.I started sliding down the ice.I ended up stopping myself about 100 feet down, just above an island of trees (in the middle of the picture of the pass).I wasn’t sure what to do, and I tried to climb back up to the trail, but quickly realized that it wasn’t going to happen.Sarah decided to go find some help, while I started to climb down to see if there was any way back to the trail.I quickly discovered that on either side of the island of trees was snow and ice at about an 80 degree slope.Nothing but snow and ice for hundreds, maybe even thousands of feet.As I looked back up at the trail, I realized that if I’d slipped earlier or later than I did, I may have slid thousands of feet down the mountain.My first few thoughts as I tried to wrap my mind around my predicament:
If I try to cross the ice and get back to dry land, and I don't make it, it could cost me my life. Don't do anything stupid...
I wondered whether I would have to pay for a helicopter rescue, or whether it was free.
I figured this would make a great sermon illustration if I made it out alive.
I was worried, but still pretty calm.I spent a few minutes praying, and I was reminded that nothing can happen without God's consent. I enjoyed the view for a few minutes, then climbed down the island, scraping myself up and finding that it was hundreds of feet to the bottom.After about an hour, four guys climbed down to the other side of the ice with a rope.They ended up making their way to the island, and helped me back up to a spot where the ice was only about 10 feet across.Using the rope and making some footholds in the snow, we eventually made it back up to the trail. Sarah then informed me that she’d found an easier way to the top.I was a little nervous, but we ended up making it to the top. It wasn't until I hiked back down to see exactly where I'd been and what was below that I really understood how dangerous a place I was in.
At the top of Plummer Peak was a HUGE snow glacier. After having lunch at the top, we decided to slide down (apparently I hadn't had enough of sliding down ice.) It was a blast.
Here is Sarah being helpful by videotaping me from the trail. As you can see, the snow on each side of that island is really steep. Here are a few more pics from the day:
On the way down after my escape!
Reflection Lake.
Reflection Lake - where our hike started.
The town of Paradise, WA, the highest city on Mt. Rainier. It is also known as the snowiest town on earth! It's gotten up to 94 feet of snow in one winter.
I'm very thankful I'm alive and only have a few scrapes to show for my ordeal. I'll definitely be a lot more careful on future hiking trips. I have lots more photos on facebook!
Here are the lyrics to "The State" by Derek Webb, off his new album Stockholm Syndrome. If you have any corrections let me know. Derek is obviously talking about how we can't make our moral decisions based on what the government declares legal or illegal. Any thoughts about what specific issues he's talking about in the verses? I have a couple ideas, but I'd like to hear yours...
I was free to live and love and kill as I saw fit
I was at peace, there really was no one I was at war with
The only common good was that we understood
That laws unjust were only good for breaking
The difference legalized instead of (saneness?)
Left nobody free
That was the day before I married my conscience to the state
My taxes paid, these roads were laid to places of my choosing
There were no eyes up in the skies looking down into my bed
There was no government without our consent
And keys were made for anyone who just claimed it
And glass was all of every wall that framed it
From sea to shining sea
But that was the day before I married my conscience to the state
Right and wrong written on my heart, not just in the laws that condemn me
But now with Caesar satisfied, I can even do the things that should offend me
I finally got a copy of the controversial song that delayed the release of Derek Webb's new album. Musically, it's much different than anything he's recorded before. Here are the lyrics:
You say you always treat people like you like to be I guess you love being hated for your sexuality You love when people put words in your mouth ‘Bout what you believe, make you sound like a freak ‘Cause if you really believe what you say you believe You wouldn’t be so damn reckless with the words you speak Wouldn’t silently conceal when the liars speak Denyin’ all the dyin’ of the remedy
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you? Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
If I can tell what’s in your heart by what comes out of your mouth Then it sure looks to me like being straight is all it’s about It looks like being hated for all the wrong things Like chasin’ the wind while the pendulum swings
‘Cause we can talk and debate until we’re blue in the face About the language and tradition that he’s comin’ to save
I recently came across this video via facebook from a friend (or a friend of a friend) who's dad is in the house of representatives (Louie Gohmert). He's wanting to read 300 pages that had been added to a bill of 1,090 pages before they vote on the bill, and it seems that the speaker of the house has no idea where he can get a copy of the amendments. Gotta love our government in action.
Francis Chan's book Crazy Love is available in audio format for FREE this month at www.christianaudio.com I haven't read the book yet, although it's in the mail. I had a friend highly recommend it, and I'm a big fan of his weekly sermons. His church's podcast is available through itunes, just search for Cornerstone Simi Valley.
