They stand nervously in the parking lot as introductions are made, and they receive their instructions for the hike. At twilight they head up the hill. They are equipped with boots, packs, a small amount of food, and water––all the equipment they will need to summit the mountain top. They hike together for the morning as the sun comes up over the mountain tops. They pass through the dense forest of trees and over streams––always steadily climbing the mountain. The weary hikers stop for a mid morning break. They eat their trail mix and drink from their water bottles. The weather is clear and sunny, but it feels brisk in the high, thin mountain air. They empty their boots of pebbles and nurse blisters and readjust their pack loads. Then, when what seems like way too soon, their guide urges them on. They must push on to reach their goal for the evening. They must continue up the trail.
Finally, early afternoon they round a bend. In front of them they see a beautiful high mountain meadow, green and lush, full of wild flowers. In the distance, at the end of the meadow nestled into the hillside is a lodge. Smoke rises from the chimney. Out on the deck appears a gray haired couple waving and shouting a “Hello” to the group. Encouraged by seeing their destination for lunch, the group quickens their pace.
Upon arriving at the lodge they soon smell the scent of fresh baked bread and fresh ground coffee brewing. They hear the crackle of a warm fire. Each hiker is greeted warmly by the kind elderly couple. They each find a comfortable chair and slip their tired feet out of their boots. They sit in front of the huge windows of the lodge with the gorgeous view of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. Shortly, a delicious meal is spread before them on the long heavy log table. Fresh baked bread and sliced meats and cheeses with all the fixings adorn the table. Hot coffee to warm them and fresh baked mountain berry pie.
Just as they are finishing the lovingly prepared meal the guide instructs them to load up. It’s time to go, if they are too make the campsite that night. The summit awaits.
A few of the hikers complained. They were tired. They wanted to stay at the lodge where it was warm, and the food was prepared for them. The guide told them, “You don’t have to go on climbing. You can stay the night here and we will pick you up on the way back.” Several group members chose to stay behind. They chose to enjoy the wonderful stories of the couple, to play checkers by the fire, to indugle in hot chocolate, and gaze at the magnificent view out the picture window. They have done enough climbing. They have gone further than most, and they will stay in the comfort of the lodge.
The rest of the group presses on for what is to be the steepest part of the climb. They are carrying overnight gear and equipment for the snow and ice covered terrain. They are weary from the day’s climb. They are above the tree line and each step becomes an effort––the air is thin. By late afternoon they must stop for a rest, and to strap on the now needed crampons to the bottom of their boots. As night begins to fall, they stop to make camp before darkness overtakes them. It is cold and windy, and then it begins to rain. Due to the wind they are unable to light their sterno cans to heat their dinner and are forced to their remaining pieces of dried fruit instead of a warm meal from their dehydrated food. Even using the “restroom” is awkward. Sleep does not come easy in the cold and howling wind, or on the hard, lumpy and stony ground. But, exhausted, they finally fall asleep.
At daybreak the next morning the group wakes. However, they are again unable to enjoy a hot meal. For breakfast they must settle for eating what trail mix they have left. They make the effort to break camp. The gear never seems to fit back into the packs the way it went in. Wearily, the group presses onward towards the summit.
They arrive to the summit, but only after a brief time at the summit, they must descend if they are to make it back to the trailhead by sundown. Cold, tired, and hungry––yet exhilarated from having reached the summit––they start the journey down.
In contrast, those that stayed behind have enjoyed the comfort of the lodge. They spent the evening visiting with one another, eating another fabulous meal, and retiring to a warm feather bed. They awoke to the smell of country bacon and pancakes. They spend the morning in leisure.
Then those in the lodge hear the rest of group approach. They have watched the hikers wind their way down from the top of the mountain. Even from a distance, echoing through the valley, they have heard the summit group laughing and joking. The group seemed to disappear as they went below tree line, but eventually the summit group emerges from the forest. Reunited, they have a brief lunch together before they are off again down the mountain. As they hike the summit group always seems to be at the front, leading the way. They are energized, alive, laughing and sharing the experience of the reaching the summit. On the way down they continue to talk about signing the summit registry, about the indescribable 360-degree view from the top. They now joke about their overnight struggles and lovingly tease one another. They have bonded together. Meanwhile, the lodge group follows, hiking in silence.
Upon reaching the cars, the lodge group feels that some how they have missed the best experience. They had chosen the feeling of personal comfort instead of pressing on to the top. They had settled for the mere feeling of hiking, content with carrying the equipment that they never had need to use.
Not all have summited, but those who have put in the extra effort have found it well worth it. Right now, I feel tired and weary from climbing. I am tired from internship and papers and reading. But, I am sure the insanity of these three years will be worth it because I have already seen the beauty of making it this far.
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