MEMORIES LIGHT THE CORNERS OF MY MIND; Castle Rock-WA

This Memory came up on my FB Feed this morning …

Memory: Bob planned this hiking trip on the sly & surprised me one morning, when he whisked me off to enjoy a Day on "my mountain"; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

Beginning the hike on the trail head leaving Sunrise Lodge, a very wide snow bank covered the trail a ways. My sneakers were soaked, after crossing that snow patch. I didn't care 🙂

My gentle giant waiting for me to catch up; I kept getting sidetracked with the chipmunks. LOL

The trail just kept going up, and up, and up ... it was a pretty steep incline for 2 old duffers - but we were determined.

Beautiful panoramic view, seen from the Wonderland Trail; Mt. Rainier National Park~2014

The view of Mt. Rainier's crown was pretty cool. Box Canyon is directly behind that peak.

Bob made pretty good time with his bum leg; I was proud of him. And my heart was full of love because I knew he was doing this for me, and it was difficult for him.

NO WAY I was crossing the snow bank! Bob was the daredevil. It was straight off the edge on the other side, and Bob toed it to get a look at what lay at the bottom: and teased his chicken little (moi) when he snapped this picture 😉

He took this picture of the lake at the bottom so I could see it later on at home. He was always a thoughtful and loving husband to me.

Walking the loop in Box Canyon - just over that tallest peak of Mount Rainier is where we just came from. I love this place. But I don't think I will ever be going back alone.

I did go back to Box Canyon, solo lobo; 2 or 3 times before Holland came into my Life - however, I avoided the Sunrise aspect of the trip: NOTHING could compel me to try the Sunrise Lodge Road again! That was hair-rising enough the 1st time around, with Bob!

I did the 1st return as a dare to myself: I was missing my mountain, and pulled my big girl panties on & turned the Highlander's ignition with Bob's remembered encouragement echoing in my thoughts, "You can do it. Baby. You & I both know that you can do anything you set your mind to." I set my mind to "GO!" and off I went, in the full confidence Bob always inspired me with.

September 15, 2021~WINGS ~ Mt. Rainier Solo Lobo Daytrip: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html) * There is a vid in this post with a salty message; proceed as warned.

The subsequent return visit wasn't so scary; and as always, was enjoyable.

August 20, 2022~NEW ADVENTURES FOR MY NEW LIFE ~Shabbat Blessing: (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/08/new-adventures-for-my-new-life-shabbat.html)

But now, my lungs aren't as strong as they used to be - and even though Holland also encourages me in things I want to do … Life has changed & is taking me in different directions, now: and with each passing year, high elevations are too tricky to do solo lobo.

I miss my majestic mountain.

But, if I close my eyes and focus on it - I can feel the coolness of the atmosphere, I can smell the crisp & pungent alpine air, and in my mind - I am again walking the trails & enjoying the beautiful scenery.

I had a Good Life.

I have a Good Life.

I am a fortunate woman.