MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA:
It’s Memorial Weekend, one that I don’t recognize. The house is quiet, the cooler sits empty, and the grill stands there, waiting to be broken in for the season. In this stillness, I sit in my thoughts, resisting to what nowadays is commonly called a “new norm.” I’m not a big fan of that term, it feels a bit like a label that attempts to make sense of everything, to wrap it up and put a bow on it. I prefer to think of it as life’s ebb and flow, parts that we celebrate with joy, and parts that we keep in our shadows for as long as possible. But I get it, that underlying desire to make sense of things, reaching for answers, seeking clarity on what this path may present. Neither good nor bad, just different, just “new.” That’s how my morning began, even before I pushed the start button in the car—it didn’t take long before my thoughts shifted to gratitude. Out the door at 5 AM, I began my drive to a familiar destination, Wallace Falls, along the Stevens Pass Scenic Highway (HWY 2) in Gold Bar, WA. I remember hiking there as a child, probably in flip flops, swim trunks, t-shirt optional, and hopefully carrying a bottle of water (but most likely not). Today, I’m equipped with proper hiking gear: a sturdy backpack, suitable shoes, hydration system, and trekking poles—prepared for whatever the trail may bring. I couldn’t help but think that if my younger self saw me on the trail, he would smirk, thinking, “Look at that old guy.” Oh, how little he knew, and how much I would love to share with him. This hike is different though; I embarked on a journey that included both the falls and the Lake Loop, about 10.5 miles, with a 2,031 elevation gain, over the duration of roughly 6 hours.
The Journey…
I arrive at the trailhead at 7 AM, filled with nostalgia as I begin my trek. Immediately, I’m flooded with memories of the 45 years since I’ve last explored this trail; reflecting on where life has taken me and all the moments this trail has witnessed during my absence. The trail begins as a wide pathway for the first half mile, a comforting feature I appreciated as the day unfolded. Most of the elevation gain occurs within the first two and a half miles, where I pause to admire the breathtaking lower-, middle-, and upper-falls viewpoints. The middle viewpoint, in particular, was jaw dropping awe…some, showcasing its grandeur and beauty. By the time I reached the upper falls, my legs felt weary, and I couldn’t help but think about the seven miles in front of me. At the peak of the Woody trail, I connected with a logging road that offered me a gentle reprieve with its minimal elevation gain—a road that lead me to the Wallace Lake trail, encountering friendly hikers along the way. The view of the lake may have been somewhat limited, as the trail came to an end right at its edge, surrounded by steadfast evergreen trees, yet I managed to capture one photo. Reflecting on the image I felt a tug at my heart, realizing how my immediate surroundings had shifted my perspective and obscured the beauty that was right in front of me, and somehow I missed it. this makes me wonder if there’s a poignant lesson hidden in that moment. After some time back on the logging road, I pick up the Greg Ball trail, which eventually reconnected me with the Woody trail after a few miles. Reflecting on the day, I felt grateful for the beautiful hike filled with elevation changes, cascading waterfalls, beautiful views, a serene lake, and meandering paths. I’m especially thankful I began my journey early; when I reached the final mile on my way back, the trail was buzzing with people, reminiscent of a lively day at the zoo. Yet, the warmth and friendliness shared among the hikers made the experience all the more enriching.
Gratitude…
As the sun rose this morning, casting a warm golden glow on the connecting highways, I found myself in a familiar rhythm. The hum of the engine accompanied my thoughts, with the gentle soundtrack of Kelly’s playlist on this early morning journey. With each mile, I felt a sense of anticipation—not just for the trail that awaited me, but for the deeper connections that can blossom from a simple but courageous act: TRUST. Trust is a powerful gift. It’s that quiet leap we take when we extend our hands to others, believing they will catch us. As I navigate through the quiet roadside landscape, I reflect on how trust can quickly transform relationships. It’s remarkable how, when we choose to lead with love and extend trust, we pave the way for our relationships to unfold with surprising speed and depth.
I believe that when we give trust freely, it returns to us tenfold. People generally respond to authentic vulnerability with openness. Like the trails I hike—each one unique, filled with its own challenges and rewards—every relationship forged in trust has its own beauty. Some paths might be rocky, while others are smooth and inviting, but they all lead to new waypoints of understanding and compassion. As I continued my drive, I let gratitude fill me up. I am grateful for the moments when I took a chance on someone, whether it was a smile exchanged with a stranger or a deeper engagement with a friend. Those small gestures have made my life richer and more colorful. They remind me that, like the trails I seek, life becomes an adventure when we embrace the unknown with an open mind and welcoming heart.
The highway narrows, the trees begin to thicken, the air crisp with possibility, and I know I’m nearing my destination. With each turn, I feel my spirit lifted by my “trail thought” for the day ahead. I’m ready to explore the beauty of nature and the beauty of relationships, all rooted in that simple yet profound act of trust. As I pull up to the trailhead, I take a moment to breathe in the fresh air, feeling a sense of connection—not just to the ground beneath my feet, but to those who walk alongside me on Life’s journey. today, I carry with me the power of trust, grateful for its ability to shape my experiences and deepen my connections. It’s a reminder that each step forward, whether on the trail or in relationships, is a step toward something greater—a shared adventure.
Reflections…
As I tightened the laces on my hiking shoes, readying myself for the early ascent, the familiar weight of my trusty backpack reminded me of all the adventures it had accompanied me on. It struck me that I hadn’t needed to dive into its depths much—just a quick refill of water for each hike. Actually, it’s been long enough that I almost forgot what I have tucked away inside. I always carry the “Ten Essentials,” a wise collection of gear devised by the Mountaineers back in the 1930s, a group I joined earlier this year. They’ve become a trusted resource, offering guidance and resources as I equip myself to navigate these trails in the Pacific Northwest.
These essentials serve as my safety net: navigation tools to chart my course, a headlamp to light the way when dusk creeps in, first-aid supplies for minor scrapes, and quick shelter for sudden weather changes. I also pack extra layers, sun protection, a trusty knife, matches to spark a fire, nourishing snacks, and of course, water to keep hydrated.
Today, for my “trail thought,” I decided to consider what essentials I’d pack for the journey of life. Much like hiking, it’s crucial to carry a reliable set of tools to help guide me through unpredictable terrains and even enrich life experiences. While I settled on five instead of ten, they’ve become indispensable: Gratitude, Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Serenity. Each one, a vital piece of gear that I trust to help me navigate the winding trails of life.
As I stepped onto the path, I was sure to keep my navigation system—Gratitude—close at hand. It helps me recognize the beauty around me, even when the trail gets rocky. When I take a moment to reflect on what I’m thankful for, I shift my focus from what I lack to the abundance that surrounds me. Gratitude transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, allowing me to cultivate joy and enlightenment. I often journal my gratitude, turning fleeting thoughts into lasting reminders of the good. Gratitude can transform our perspective and enhance our lives. as Melody Beattie beautifully puts it, “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” This is why I take advantage of my morning drives to each trailhead in a space of gratitude.
Sometimes, while hiking, my mind races ahead, pondering the view yet to be seen or the challenging elevation gain that lies ahead. But I’ve learned that the key to enjoying the journey is to stay present, to feel the crunch of the ground beneath my feet; to hear the clank of a trekking poles hitting an occasional rock, and the gentle breeze on my face as I turn on a switchback. Mindfulness is my anchor, keeping me rooted in the here and now. I’ve been reading a couple books by Eckhart Tolle, who writings focus on being present. One thought stuck with me, “life only consists of the present moment.” A sentiment that conveys that even when something happened in the past, when it happened, it happened in the present. And likewise, when something is going to happen in the future, it too will happen in the present, when I get there. This wisdom underscores that having regrets from the past, or anxiety about what may or may not happen in future, are not productive, and that focusing on the now, the present moment, can be enlightening. So with the trailhead behind me, and the summit ahead, the true magic lies in this very moment. Each step becomes a meditation, reminding me to appreciate the journey rather than rush toward the destination.
Just like checking the weather before setting out, Emotional Intelligence acts as my forecast for navigating relationships and understanding my feelings. It empowers me to recognize, understand, and manage my emotions while paying attention and empathizing with others. By practicing self-awareness and empathy, I forge stronger connections and develop a deeper understanding of myself and those around me. This tool helps me approach conflicts with grace, creating space between action and reaction, so I can respond in alignment with my values and minimize any unnecessary regrets. Emotional Intelligence is most effective with consistent attention and self-awareness. When I find myself interacting with someone and feel the urge to respond quickly, perhaps with an early judgment, I try to remind myself to take the time to collect my thoughts, a bit of a stoic approach. As the famous stoic philosopher Epictetus said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” This highlights the power of our interpretations and reactions, suggesting that cultivating awareness and self-control can lead to more measured and thoughtful responses to life’s challenges.
I also like to pack a trusty guide for the challenging trails, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as my map through the mental landscapes of my thoughts. It may sound a bit clinical, but it’s quite simple. CBT helps me identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones—it’s like having a map that highlights potential obstacles and suggesting alternative routes. Those pesky negative thoughts often stem from distortions—untruths that cloud my judgment. This approach provides me with strategies to overcome self-doubt, reminding me that while I may not control the terrain, I can choose how I respond to it, ensuring I keep moving forward with confidence.
As I continued my hike, I found a perfect resting spot, a moment to catch my breath and reflect on my journey. Serenity became my sanctuary—a gentle reminder to accept what I cannot change, to summon the courage to change what I can, and to have the wisdom to know the difference—the later being the most important. I find peace in accepting what lies beyond my control, which helps me stay resilient and hopeful, no matter the conditions. This acceptance brings me back to a state of calm, reminding me that not everything can be changed, and that’s perfectly okay.
As I trekked on, I realized these five tools—Gratitude, Presence, Emotional Intelligence, CBT, and Serenity—are more than just instruments for growth. They are the essentials in my backpack that gently guide me through life’s wilderness. Each tool holds its unique purpose, helping me navigate various terrains and finding strength amid the harsh conditions I might encounter. So I look forward to my next waypoint, embracing my resolve to fill this journey with joy, growth, and endless discoveries. The path continues.
-Ken
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
- 47° 54′ 21.35484″ -122° 3′ 12.77244″
- 10.5 miles | 2,031 elevation gain | ~6 hours
- 49-62 degrees and clear
Musings 