MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, LONGMIRE, WA:

As the first hints of dawn began to paint the sky, I found myself behind the wheel, embarking on my cherished ritual of early morning drives to a trailhead. With much of the Pacific Northwest still tucked away in bed, the quiet hum of my car accompanied me through the winding roads leading to Mt. Rainier National Park. This tranquil journey, lasting an hour and a half, wasn’t just a prelude to the adventure ahead; it was a moment of reflection, a time for gratitude, which today, was focused on the appreciation I have for family and friends in my life. These are the souls who let me show up just as I am, with all my highs, lows, and everywhere in between.

Arriving in Longmire, I parked and laced up my boots, I could feel the anticipation to explore the beauty of Carter Falls and Madcap Falls. It was a six and a half mile out-and-back hike with nearly 1,000 feet elevation gain, which I covered in about four hours. With every step along the trail, I carried a thought that had been swirling in my mind: the paths we choose and the ripple effect of even the smallest decisions we make. Each trail I hike serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, illustrating how our choices, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can lead us to remarkable destinations. And so, with gratitude in my heart and a contemplative spirit, I stepped onto the trail, ready to embrace whatever lessons awaited me.

The Journey…

My hike on the Wonderland trail began with a gentle stroll along the Longmire-to-Paradise Road, where the soothing sounds of the nearby Nisqually River echoed through the trees. The trail was in good shape, a blend of dirt, protruding rocks, and the occasional twist of roots that gave the path a unique character. About a mile and a half in, I stumbled upon a charming log bridge with a sturdy railing, which offered a safe crossing over the river—a small relief in the midst of the rushing current. After crossing, the ascent grew a bit more challenging, but I soon discovered that every step was truly worth it as I approached the two falls.

I chose to pause at Madcap Falls, my turning point on this out-and-back hike, taking a much-needed moment to catch my breath and enjoy a quick snack while soaking in the tranquil sound of the cascading water. The return journey was equally enchanting, with trees that came to life in the mid-morning rays of sun cutting through their limbs, and the pleasant sounds of nature continuing as if I was not there. Though clouds shrouded Mt. Rainier on my way back, I felt an extra sense of gratitude for having started early, as I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the mountain peeking through the clouds before they enveloped the sky. It was one of those perfect days, filled with the beauty of the outdoors—trails, rivers, waterfalls, and the majestic Mt. Rainier, reminding me why I cherish hiking so deeply.

Gratitude…

My heartfelt gratitude for this waypoint is directed toward my close friends and family. My hike served as a gentle reminder of the support system that surrounds me. As I meandered along the winding trails, each step feeling ever lighter, I couldn’t help but acknowledge those who truly understand me—the good, the bad, and everything in between. Much like the resilient trees that stand firm against the forces of nature, they embrace me, offering shelter on days when the harsh winds of life threaten to carry me away.

There’s comfort in knowing I have this close-knit group who embrace my ups and downs rather than merely tolerating them. On days when the urge to retreat into the shadows of solitude feels overwhelming, it’s their unwavering presence that gently pulls me back. They listen without a trace of judgment, generously offering their joy and laughter, even at times when I find it difficult to muster those feelings myself. I am deeply grateful for the ability to be vulnerable with them, trusting that they will stand by me through every emotional landscape I navigate. As I was driving to this waypoint, in the solitude of the early morning, a wave of gratitude enveloped me for these extraordinary souls—my steadfast companions on this journey, who remind me that I am never truly alone, even as I journey through the peaks and valleys of loss and renewal.

Reflections…

My “trail thought” for today’s hike centered on the paths we choose and the ripple effect that even the smallest decisions can have on our lives. Imagine taking a path that veers just one degree off course; over a mile, this seemingly minor detail could lead you to miss your target by nearly 100 feet. Now, picture a 10-mile hike—this slight deviation puts you more than 900 feet away from where you intended to be. With nature’s obstacles of trees, hills, water, and more, that distance becomes even more significant—like three football field lengths apart. The reach of the ripple effect resonates with me as I remember when Kelly and I first met.

It was in the late 80’s that I first encountered Kelly, a meeting that felt as gentle as a familiar step on a well-trodden path. We were both navigating our roles in the company where we worked, without crossing paths, yet sharing a common journey. I vividly recall the moment I first met Kelly, a moment that would unknowingly chart the course of my life. There I was, at work, in my cubicle, absentmindedly spinning in my chair, with the copy room directly behind me. In one of those rotations, I paused and caught sight of this beautiful girl at the copy machine. Just as she turned around, I noticed the panic in her eyes as a plastic cup was hilariously stuck to her face, covering her mouth. After a brief assessment of her distress, I gently suggested that she simply breathe out, and to my relief, the cup released its grip—Kelly was freed.

This seemingly trivial encounter became the cornerstone of many wonderful years ahead. Little did I know that this quirky moment would pave the way for a journey rich with love, laughter, family, friendships, and the poignant heartaches that life brings, each experience unfolding like a twist on a winding trail. In the weeks that followed, we enjoyed our first date at Red Robin on Lake Union, shared our heartfelt confessions of love on the pier at Dash Point, and spent countless nights together, falling asleep and waking up to each other’s voice on the phone.

As our friendship blossomed, we began to carve out a shared journey, one filled with the joys, and challenges, of family and parenthood. With every seemingly minor decision—a soccer game here, a school event there—we widened our circle of kindred spirits. It was heartwarming to see our lives intertwine like branches on a tree, each carrying its own story. Our children made friends, and we connected with their parents, transforming our weekends into a tapestry of adventures on soccer fields, in classrooms, and around dugouts. This created a beautiful network of love and support that would accompany us through both life’s celebrations and its trials. The essence of our interconnected choices echoes the “butterfly effect.” Just as a butterfly flaps its wings in one part of the world, setting off ripples elsewhere, our seemingly small decisions can result in significant changes. Each choice we made sent out ripples that shaped our paths, sometimes revealing their meaning long after we embark on this journey together.

Her passing felt like a sudden drop in the trail, a challenging descent that left me feeling unsteady and vulnerable. Grief enveloped me like a dense fog, obscuring my view of the path ahead. The small decisions I once navigated effortlessly now loomed immense, almost paralyzing. Should I reach out to friends and family for support? Should I attend gatherings that seemed empty without her laughter filling the space? In those moments of uncertainty, I discovered that even amidst my sorrow, the ripple effect of my choices could gently guide me toward healing and solace.

As I unlaced my hiking boots, tucking them away for the next waypoint, I found myself contemplating the delicate choices before me. Each day presents new chances to find joy amidst the familiar shadows of grief. Whether it’s deciding to explore a new trail, pushing myself to step outside, or reaching out to familiar friends, I realize that these seemingly minor decisions hold the power to foster healing and peace. They are the gentle stepping stones that can unfold into new possibilities, guiding me toward moments of joy, much like discovering a breathtaking view or waterfall after a challenging ascent.

Life is a journey filled with countless interconnected choices, each one gently guiding us toward new vistas and experiences. As I navigate this path, I choose to make those small decisions with care, fully aware of their ability to create ripples of connection and enlightenment. Just like my first encounter with Kelly, I recognize that even the simplest choices can open doors to profound outcomes. While they might feel insignificant in the moment, these decisions have the power to shape not only my life but also the lives of those around me in ways we might never fully comprehend. By embracing this journey with intention and celebrating the connections I nurture along the way, I hold onto the hope that even in moments of grief, the ripples of my choices can guide me toward brighter vistas. The path continues.

• Mt Rainier Park, Longmire, Ashford, WA
• 46° 45′ 0.63684″ -121° 48′ 54.78444″
• 6.6 miles | 997 elevation gain | ~4 hours
• 43-52 degrees and scattered clouds