NACHES PEAK LOOP, PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, WA:
Feelin’ a Big Chill, an angelic choir echoed in my mind this Sunday morning, “I saw her today at the reception; A glass of wine in her hand…” A poignant reminder that things in life won’t always turn out the way you want, but if you’re looking for it, you just might get what you need. As the sun patiently waited beyond the horizon, I was ready to embrace the day starting at 5,300 feet, traveling 8 miles with an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 ft, in about 4.5 hours. The drive through Chinook Pass had been a tranquil prelude, the world outside my car a quiet canvas waiting to be painted with a new journey and the reflections that accompany it. As I arrived at the trailhead and opened my door, each breath of the crisp morning air filled my lungs with a gentle coolness, reminding me of the serenity that comes from being immersed in nature. Choosing to hike the trail-loop clockwise, I felt the guiding presence of previous hikers whose footsteps had traced this path before mine.
The first half mile unfolded like a familiar story, welcoming me and inviting my reflections on the beauty around me. With every step upward, I drifted deeper into mindfulness, pondering the parallels between the trail and the winding journey of life itself. This morning started a couple hours earlier in the solitude of my morning drive to the trailhead, thoughts drifted back—a bittersweet reminder of love and loss. The soft hum of the car served as a comforting backdrop as I reflected on my gratitude for our beloved dogs who share the heartache of losing Kelly. Their eyes hold depths of resilience, a testament to the love that continues to fill our home. Their spirit and boundless energy reminded me that joy persists, even in sorrow’s shadow. As dawn broke and illuminated the botanical landscape, gratitude enveloped me like the warm sun, grounding me in the present.
With the fragrance of a robust flower shop shortly after the morning watering shift, today’s trail-thought danced between nature’s beauty and life’s lessons, punctuated by the lyrics to a Rolling Stones song echoing in my mind: “You can’t always get what you want.” Considering perhaps that the deeper truth in those lyrics settles in recognizing what truly matters. Each change in landscape became a reminder of gratitude’s power—a tool that can shift a perspective from disappointment to appreciation for life’s simple joys. As vibrant wildflowers swayed in the breeze, I reflected on how gratitude anchors my spirit, fosters mindfulness, and strengthens relationships. Gifted by breathtaking views including those of Mt. Rainier, I found clarity in the notion that life’s riches can be found in what we already have. And, as I made my way back to the trailhead, the unlikely thought of a cherry red soda brought a smile to my face, a delightful reminder that as the journey continues, there is so much more yet to explore.
The Journey…
Lacing up my boots, I ventured out before the sun had fully stretched its rays, embracing the promise of a gorgeous day ahead. At sunrise, I breathed in the crisp, fresh air that followed my drive through Chinook Pass. The world around me was enveloped in a gentle hush, as if it were holding onto a secret longing to be shared. Choosing to follow the path clockwise, I felt gratitude for the wisdom of fellow hikers who recommended this route for its breathtaking views, leading me toward enchanting meadows. Their advice felt like a special camaraderie, as every turn revealed new wonders, each moment more beautiful than the last. The first half mile unfolded as a calm, steady stretch, where the trail welcomed me like an old friend, inviting me to savor the serene essence of the early morning. Starting at Tipsoo Lake, my anticipation began to swell—a quick and steady 500 ft ascent reflecting my own introspections on life.
With the next mile and a half, I experienced a descent of 700 feet down to the Dewey Lakes, feeling the terrain shift beneath my feet with gentle undulations of the winding path and switchbacks. It was reminiscent of a roller coaster. Little Dewey Lake appeared first, followed by Big Dewey Lake, each one shimmering so beautifully in the morning light, reflecting the beautiful landscape with rich colors of blooming wildflowers that adorned the meadows. I like to think that nature crafted this breathtaking canvas just for me, inviting me to pause and soak in its splendor. With every step, I was reminded of the rhythm of life—the uphill battles that lead to moments of profound tranquility. This was realized over the next couple of miles, when I would reclaim all 700 feet of elevation back, a journey that returned me to Naches Peak Loop trail, revealing views that truly took my breath away. Mt. Rainier stood majestically in the background, like a faithful guardian watching over my journey. As I completed today’s hike, a deep sense of gratitude washed over me, much like the soft breeze rustling through the wildflowers, picking up a lovely fragrance in its path. The beauty of nature enveloped me, and in its warm embrace, I found clarity. Life, love, and gratitude intertwined as I made my way back to the trailhead.
Gratitude…
Navigating a familiar road this morning, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey I embarked on just a week ago. In the stillness of the dark, the early hours comforted me as I travelled to a new waypoint not too far from my most recent journey, my only company being the gentle hum of my car’s engine and the soft flicker of my headlights illuminating the path ahead. There was a certain serenity in that moment, a solitude that allowed my thoughts to flow freely, like the subtle shades of dawn creeping from behind the horizon. It’s during these drives that I set aside time to immerse myself in gratitude. Today, I found myself thinking of Leo and Stella, our beloved dogs, who have shared in the heartache of losing Kelly. She was their sun, the one who showered them with the attention they thrived on. Now, it’s a role I strive to fill, honoring her memory by ensuring they receive the love and care she would want for them.
Leo, our whippet, is a paradox of speed and stillness. He darts up the stairs with the grace of a gazelle but is equally content lounging in the sun, soaking up the warmth. Yet, his agility often leads him to mischief, snatching treats from the kitchen counter with a thief’s precision. In those moments, I chuckle, remembering that behind those quick movements lies a heart full of love. His gaze holds a depth of appreciation, a silent communication that speaks volumes. Then there’s Stella, our smooth-coat fox terrier, who embodies pure energy and determination. Short and stocky, she’s a little powerhouse, constantly springing into action to catch a glimpse of what’s happening at counter level. It’s almost as if I can see the gears turning in her head, calculating her next move, yet she remains unfailingly cheerful. Watching her bounce around, it’s evident that happiness is her default state, a reminder that joy can be found for those who choose.
In the quiet of this morning, I realized how much I rely on these two companions. Their unconditional love fills the spaces that sometimes feel empty, especially on days when my heart feels heavy. Leo’s steady gaze and Stella’s infectious enthusiasm remind me that love doesn’t demand perfection; it simply exists, unwavering and constant. As I drove toward the trailhead, with the first light of dawn approaching the horizon, I was grateful for the lessons they teach me. Life may throw challenges my way, but through it all, they embody resilience and joy. In their presence, I find a sense of peace, knowing that even on the toughest days, their love remains steadfast.
Reflections…
Today’s “trail-thought” unfolded with the medley of lakes, expansive meadows, and breathtaking views; but also the mosquitoes who made more than a few unwelcome appearances. However, they couldn’t overshadow the beauty that surrounded me. As I walked, the familiar rhythm of my boots crunching against the trail echoed the lyrics swirling through my mind, a tune that had been a persistent soundtrack in my head for the past week. The words of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards triggered by each subtle misstep, each stumble, “You can’t always get what you want,” intertwining with the shuffle of me catching myself. But the words that truly resonated with me were the ones that followed, “But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find, you get what you need.” Initially, I found myself pondering if this message hinted at the idea of settling for less, a notion I’d grappled with before.
Yet, as I continued my ascent, the lyrics beckoned me to explore a deeper truth about gratitude. It struck me that these lyrics spoke directly to the most powerful tool in my pack, gratitude, which encourages me to shift my perspective from disappointment to appreciation, and cherish the beauty that surrounds me—just like the meadows bursting with colorful flowers, each bloom a reminder to appreciate the present moment. My mind wandered on to another artist with a similar message, Sheryl Crow’s lyrics reminding me, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.” These reflections beautifully illustrate that when I take a moment to recognize the world around me, I discover joy in even the simplest moments, like soaking up the sun. I found myself reflecting on the practice of gratitude and how it enriches my life. Each time I set out for a new adventure, especially in a place as breathtaking as this, I take a moment to consider what I am grateful for. This ritual warms my heart and balances out any setbacks that life throws my way.
So, what does gratitude truly do for me? As I paused to take in the vibrant wildflowers swaying in the breeze, three distinct benefits came to light: First, gratitude gently anchors my mind in a positive space. It shifts my focus away from the occasional buzzing of mosquitoes and the stressors of the week, offering a comforting perspective that helps me build resilience. Each acknowledgment of what I’m thankful for elevates my optimism and helps me navigate life’s ebbs and flows with a lighter heart. Second, it gifts me with moments of mindfulness and peace. Amidst the breathtaking views and the serenity of nature, taking time for gratitude allows me to center myself in the present, freeing myself from the burdens of past regrets and the anxieties of an unknown future. It clears the mental clutter that can easily accumulate during the week, enabling me to fully appreciate the beautiful tapestry of life around me—the chirping birds, the rustling trees, and the gentle ripple of the lakes reflecting the sky.
Pausing in today’s final meadow, I considered how gratitude strengthens my relationships. This benefit resonates deeply, especially after the loss of Kelly, reminding me that the fragility of life is stark, and to always express appreciation in the moment, not relying on any assumption that others intuitively know how grateful I am for them. Each moment spent contemplating what I cherish about those in my life fosters humility, empathy, and builds trust. It’s a simple act that can weave our hearts closer together, much like the wildflowers that blanket the meadows I travelled today, creating a beautiful connection. As I reached the viewpoints of Mt. Rainier, I was struck by the sheer beauty of it. Just like the diverse trails I hiked today, life is full of unexpected turns. But perhaps, with gratitude as my compass, I can navigate these paths with a lighter heart, embracing both the challenges and the joys that come my way. Today, I am reminded that it’s not about always getting what I want but about finding riches in what I already have. And for that, I am endlessly grateful. Returning to the trailhead, I decided I just might have that soda, perhaps a favorite flavor, cherry red. The path continues.
-Ken
- Naches Peak Loop, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, WA
- 46° 52′ 11.59896″ -121° 32′ 37.07088″
- 8.1 miles | 1,467 ft elevation gain | ~4.5 hours
- Sunrise: 5:53am. 59-76 degrees and clear
Musings 