Rest, Healing, Laughter and Backpacking

On Tuesday June 29, with the handing in of my final two papers, I officially became a third year student at MHGS. And, hopefully, the third year will be my final year. I knew year two would be exhausting with taking additional classes, and it was. After the papers were turned in I was taking 2 hour naps in the afternoon and going to bed early and I still couldn't shake the exhaustion. I didn't realize how tired I was. But, after four days of this pattern, I knew I needed something different. I needed a backpacking trip.

Sam, Alina, and I headed out Wednesday––eight days after classes were completed––to Rachel Lake for a three day backpacking trip. Jean had to stay behind to prep for the biggest week of Children's Ministry––VBS! But, she blessed us by making yummy provisions for the trip.

This was Alina's third backpacking trip and Sam has been on several. Normally we try to do a flat hike around 2 miles in length. This trail was 3.8 miles from the trailhead to Rachel Lake, with an elevation change of 1900 feet.

The first half mile was a decent climb, and it was tiring. The next 2 miles or so was more gradual yet we knew we were climbing. We took lots of breaks. It was more grueling in real life than the topographical map had let on.

Many of the stream crossings were wider and deeper than when we went to Hiyas Lake last year. Alina could do many, but not all of them. This meant taking off my pack and carrying Alina over, then going back for her pack and mine. Sam is like a mountain goat with or without a pack, so he often made several trips back and forth at each crossing "just for fun."

The hike in was going a lot slower than I had anticipated. Whenever we came in contact with another party on the trail I asked how long they had been hiking back down from Rachel Lake. I always needed to at least double their time for short legs, and us going uphill as opposed to their downhill. I knew we were getting to a point where, if we couldn't get to Rachel Lake in the next hour or so, we would need to make camp for the night.

We came to our deepest and widest stream crossing yet at the base of a large, cascading water fall. At about that time, another couple was coming across. They had been coming down for about 45 minutes, and we were told that there was another waterfall further ahead that was more treacherous due to its width and because of water depth at this time of the day because of the day's snow melt. They were kind enough to help me shuttle gear to the other side of this stream. This stream was crazy to cross with rotten and unstable logs and limbs as our footings to make it across. We were told that there were a few possible campsites ahead next to the waterfall.

We started the "big climb." This last mile to Rachel Lake was the steepest. We went a little ways and dropped our packs and went UP the trail to see if there were any places to reasonably pitch a tent. The only place was next to this taller, cascading waterfall. But, it really wasn't a safe place to pitch a tent because of the drop. One wrong move and someone would be down the mountain. Imagine Amazon waterfall here. I found myself thinking, "What have I done?"

Sam said, "Dad. I think we should go back to the campsite we saw before the other crossing." I told him that I hated going backwards. But, deep down I knew he was right. Sam has great instincts. We did go back down and crossed the rotten logs at the base of the falls. And, yes, I went in up to my knees more than once! We made safely to set up camp in the area Sam suggested and that would be our home for two nights. We had dinner and the kids turned in. It was hilarious to see Sam's silhouette dancing in the tent while I did dishes. They laughed in the tent together for over 90 minutes before finally falling asleep. I think I may have fallen asleep before they did.

Thursday we made it a day hike to Rachel Lake. Near the top of the mountain we hit snow, making finding the trail up the steep slope a curious task. But, we did it, and we made it. When we made it I realized my "What have I done?" from the night before had turned into gladness for doing this. The lake was freezing cold, but the view and the feeling of accomplishment were amazing. Alina said, "I know what I'm going to write in my journal tonight. 'Today was SWEEEEEET!"

My kids amaze me. Alina, for a girl who loves pink, loves getting dirty. And, her little legs never stopped as she carried her pack. She is one determined little girl. Sam was helpful to his sister getting her over obstacles when she couldn't, and his wilderness intuition is incredible. On our hike out he impressed many hikers with his knowledge, time markings, and trail markings. Both Sam and Alina had positive attitudes Wednesday hiking in, making the 1200' ascent from our campsite to Rachel Lake and 1200' descent back on Thursday, and on the hike out Friday. It was adventuring with them in this place where they personalities were able to shine which healed me from the brutal toll of my second year of school.