Oyster Dome Trail

BLANCHARD STATE FOREST, CHUCKANUT DRIVE, BOW, WA:

As I approached the trailhead off Chuckanut Drive, the morning was still wrapped in a soft, overcast blanket—a familiar calm before my ascent. Breathing in the cool morning air, my heart swelled with gratitude for the day ahead. Each step felt like more than just a physical challenge; it symbolized a journey towards clarity, reflecting the jagged paths we all navigate in life. The trail, cloaked in trees and inviting, whispered secrets of resilience and beauty, urging me forward. Today, I am deeply thankful for the genuine souls I’ve met along the way. These are the people who see us for who we truly are—who inspire connection and authenticity in a world often clouded by judgement and expectations. With them, silence is a comforting embrace, allowing vulnerability to thrive. Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the gift of those who remind us that life’s riches are not only found in surviving, but in truly living.

Amidst the views atop Oyster Dome, masked by a morning overcast, I took a moment to unpack a heavy “trail-thought” about the meaning of life with a friend. It was a touching reminder of the invaluable lessons imparted by Kelly and her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. Her final days distilled existence into simple terms: eat, move; but most importantly, live with love, hope, and purpose. As we sat there perched on a rock, gazing across the misty expanse of the Puget Sound, we reflected on how our experiences shape us, revealing life’s deeper layers through connection, purpose, and authenticity. Today’s journal is an invitation to travel through reflections as I navigated the winding paths of gratitude, the genuine connections that uplift our spirits, and the profound meaning of our existence. Embracing the adventure, I savored the clarity each step offered.

The Journey…

This weekend, I found myself on a business trip that also offered a much-needed escape into the embrace of nature. Shortly before 6 AM, I stood at the foot of the Oyster Dome trailhead on Chuckanut Drive, enveloped in the gentle embrace of morning overcast. The chill in the air, lingering in the 50s, mingled with the excitement of what lay ahead. Armed with headlamps, we ventured into the darkness, taking our first cautious steps on the path. The ascent was immediate and demanding, a true test for our endurance. For the first half hour, the trail was our sole focus, each step a careful negotiation with the steep ledge just beside us. The forest felt eerily quiet, as if we were gently awakening it from a long slumber.

As dawn broke, the birds began their morning conversations, filling the air with a harmony of banter that reminded us we weren’t alone in our quest. Just over a mile in, we stumbled upon a lookout point complete with a bench—a welcomed rest after the first leg of this ascent. We paused, savoring a quick snack and soaking in the quiet beauty that surrounded us. Yet, shortly after resuming our journey, a peculiar disturbance above us caught our attention. Something was dropping small but heavy objects from the tops of the towering trees—perhaps a squirrel’s playful mischief or nature’s way of keeping us on our toes. The mystery accompanied us for a quarter mile, adding a touch of adventure to our journey. As we pressed on, the steady incline remained a beautiful yet challenging partner in our journey, urging us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

The path was well-maintained, with a variety of foliage painting a lush tapestry around every turn, inviting us to immerse ourselves in nature’s embrace. Each step served a reminder of the effort it takes to reach the summit, but the thought of the view fueled our motivation. When we finally reached the top of Oyster Dome, we were welcomed by the crisp air and an intimidating rock face that beckoned caution. Although the overcast skies obscured the Puget Sound, the mystery of what lay hidden below deepened our connection to the moment. We perched ourselves on a nearby rock, overlooking the world and sharing our trail-thoughts about the meaning of life. Treating ourselves, we indulged in some charcuterie (think top-shelf lunchables) and a few sips of wine—yes, even at 8 AM, but in the grand scheme of things, who can keep track of time when enveloped in nature’s beauty?

As we made our descent, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. The challenges of the hike echoed the ups and downs of our lives. The steep climbs serve as a reminder that the most rewarding views often emerge after the hardest struggles. And just like this trail, life has its own unique rhythm, where perseverance leads to moments of clarity and connection. What a beautiful hike it was—filled with challenges, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie. I returned not just with weary legs but with a heart full of gratitude for the experience, the company, and the beauty that surrounded us, always waiting to be uncovered.

Gratitude…

On this excursion, I found myself deeply grateful for genuine people. I typically focus my appreciation while I drive to my next waypoint, because It’s moments like those, when the world is just waking up, that I find my heart swelling with gratitude. This week, however, my gratitude isn’t tied to the quiet roads that lead me to the trailhead. Instead, it was nestled in the serenity of my hotel room, a peaceful sanctuary free from the hum of undone chores and daily distractions. My gratitude today extended to the genuine souls who are not far from where my journey takes me. I’m truly grateful for genuine people; they hold a unique place in our lives, connecting us to something so much bigger than ourselves. There are many traits that genuine people exhibit. For example, when you speak, they have eyes that reflect a special empathy, as if they’re truly seeing into your soul. They hang onto your words, not just hearing, but absorbing them with an intensity that makes you feel valued.

With them, silence isn’t awkward; it’s a shared moment of understanding, a comforting space where both hearts can breathe. Genuine people extend grace like a gentle stream, seamlessly flowing around obstacles while remaining on course. They accept your flaws and imperfections, seeing them as beautiful facets of your true self. You can be raw and unfiltered, and they embrace you wholeheartedly, never demanding a polished version. It’s as if they hold up a mirror, reflecting your true essence and gently reminding you of your inherent worth. Genuine souls serve as safe havens in a world fraught with judgments and expectations, fostering an environment where vulnerability can flourish. You can share your fears and dreams without the weight of critique, knowing that their acceptance is unwavering. They carry no scales to weigh your worth; instead, they offer a heart with the understanding that everyone is a work in progress. Sometimes trust can feel like fragile glass, but genuine people hold your trust delicately yet confidently.

Their integrity shines brightly, reflecting their honest and reliable nature. Even if they stumble in their trust, their intentions remain pure, rooted in a desire to connect and uplift. They understand that taking risks is a natural part of relationships and approach it with an open heart, ready to learn and grow. Genuine individuals inspire you to embrace your best self, encouraging you to pursue your dreams and passions with unwavering support. Their belief in you feels like a soft embrace, gently nudging you forward, and after spending time with a genuine person, it feels as if the burdens you’ve been carrying have been shared and lightened. They illuminate the path of authenticity and connection. Their presence is a gift, a reminder that love and acceptance can flourish, and that trusting in the right people can lead to both joy and growth. As I sit here in my quiet hotel room, I hold these genuine souls close in my heart, feeling an immense gratitude for the light they bring to my journey.

Reflections…

As I hiked the Oyster Dome Trail, surrounded by the beauty of the Blanchard State Forest in Bow, Washington, I found myself deeply immersed in thought—what I like to call a “trail-thought.” This week’s thought was a weighty one: The Meaning of Life. My reflections were inspired by the precious moments spent with Kelly and her dedicated healthcare team during her final months. They distilled existence down to two essential needs: Eat and Move. But I found myself wondering—is that really all there is? Surely, life is woven with much richer layers, especially when I remember Kelly’s remarkable spirit and her fierce determination to meet her grandson—a dream that circumstances had made seem unattainable if not impossible.

On Valentine’s Day 2024, we found ourselves in yet another difficult hospital stay, but that morning felt uniquely special. We Facetimed our daughter, who was waking up for the first time with her precious newborn son in different hospital across town, and in that heartfelt moment, Kelly achieved a beautiful milestone, and she cherished him for five more incredible months. It dawned on me that while eating and moving may sustain life, it’s the desire to live that gives it purpose. This realization led me to consider the Meaning of Life—go big or go home, right? Navigating such a vast concept is no small feat, so I found comfort in a simple straightforward analogy: If I genuinely wanted to grasp the essence of performing on stage, would I seek guidance from someone with a gig scheduled months away or from someone waiting in the wings, moments before stepping into the spotlight? It’s the latter who can share valuable insights filled with immediacy—raw emotions that carry the weight of experience beyond any theory or preparation.

In my quest to unpack the meaning of life, I turned to those nearing the end of their journeys, much like the performer in the wings backstage. Their clarity cuts through the daily noise and influence of time, revealing life’s truths in stark simplicity. They seem unburdened by the less important “stuff” that often fills our days, akin to ants marching, echoing a classic Dave Matthews song. Minutes quickly turned into hours, researching thoughts from those facing their final moments. And in the end, three consistent themes, or “Ideals,” emerged: Connection, Purpose, and Authenticity. While we need to eat and move, beyond sustaining life, what truly matters? Redirecting my focus from “What” or “How” to “Why,” feels like a breath of fresh air, freeing me from the distractions of everyday life and inviting me to prioritize what truly matters, perhaps a reflection even worthy of chiseling on my virtual tombstone?

As I envision my own final stretch, I hope to reflect on the relationships I’ve built, the positive impact I’ve made, and whether I remained true to myself rather than living someone else’s script. The car that cut me off on the freeway? Irrelevant. The package from Amazon? Just material things. The work problem stressing me out? It too will pass. This perspective brings a sense of relief from daily challenges that, when viewed from a broader lens, really don’t hold much weight in the grand scheme of things. After all… it’s “the grand scheme of THINGS,” not MEANING. With a quick detour on an adjacent trail, I pondered the paradox between the “Journey” and “Destination.” Modern philosophy often suggests that fulfillment lies in the journey, seemingly discounting the importance of the destination. Couldn’t both be true?

If we focus solely on the journey, how can we choose the right trailheads and waypoints? How can we prevent ourselves from stepping off a cliff or into danger? A lot to think about. Perhaps the journey vs destination paradox is a trail-thought for another day… Returning my thoughts to the meaning of life, I reflected on the wisdom and insights from great thinkers like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Eckhart Tolle, along with enriching philosophical perspectives such as stoicism, emotional intelligence, and emotional resilience. This introspective journey led me to an understanding that the meaning of life is multifaceted—intertwined between Ideals, Behaviors, and Virtues. With a desire to frame the idea, my initial attempt at a “Meaning of Life” model begins with the essential Ideals of Connection, Purpose, and Authenticity; realized through Behaviors that are rooted in Virtues; and sometimes guided by great thinkers and philosophical insights.

The Ideal of Connection is about the heartfelt bonds I form with others—friends, family, in essence, my tribe. It’s the comforting warmth of being truly understood and valued, creating shared experiences that enrich our existence. Pursuing connection involves prioritizing relationships and nurturing empathy, leading to a deeper sense of belonging. In my final days, I envision being enveloped gratitude, surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories filled with love and laughter. To genuinely embrace this ideal, I focus on a few essential virtues: Honesty to be authentic, Courage to openly express my feelings, and Kindness in my daily interactions. Practicing Gratitude allows me to recognize the significance of those around me, while Humility deepens my connections on a more intimate level. Inspired by figures like Benjamin Franklin and Eckhart Tolle, I strive to be more mindful and present, weaving a beautiful tapestry of connections that bring true fulfillment to my life.

The ideal of Purpose serves as my guiding light—the reason I rise each morning with hope. It’s a journey of discovering meaning in my actions and ensuring they align with my values and passions. As I approach the final stretch of my journey, I’m striving for a sense of fulfillment, cherishing the moments when I immersed myself in passion projects and nurtured relationships that brought me joy. My desire is to leave a legacy that encourages others to embark on their own unique paths, reassuring them that I didn’t merely exist—I truly embraced life. In my quest for purpose, I will hold onto Honesty to remain genuine, summon Courage to pursue what ignites my spirit, and seek Wisdom to guide my decisions. Practicing Gratitude allows me to savor each step of my journey, while Humility keeps my heart open to new experiences. With these guiding principles, I aspire to light my path and deepen my sense of purpose.

The ideal of Authenticity involves embracing who I am, with all my imperfections, allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings openly. It’s about living in harmony with my values and fostering relationships that are rooted in vulnerability. As I journey through life, I hope to reflect on my experiences with pride, knowing they were marked by honesty and openness. To nurture this authenticity, I will prioritize Honesty to reveal my true self, summon Courage to be vulnerable, and apply Wisdom to ensure my choices resonate with my genuine self. By practicing Gratitude, I’ll cherish my unique journey, while Humility will keep me anchored. Interweaving these virtues into my life, I aspire to nourish my true self and uplift others along the way.

With simplicity comes complexity, and vice versa—it’s a necessary ebb and flow that distills complex ideas into simple terms. As I reflect on vastness of this journey in search of the meaning of life, I recognize how this exploration has unfolded into a intricate tapestry woven from simple threads, gracefully shifting between divergent (broad) thinking and convergent (narrow) thinking. I believe this is the UXC (user experience certification) coming out in me. Closing this journal entry, I hold onto a hope that in those final moments, I will be able to ask myself: Did I connect,? Did I find purpose,? and, Was I true to who I am? This awareness transforms how I filter out the extraneous “stuff” of daily life, ensuring I don’t become absorbed in unnecessary distractions, but rather focus on ideals, behaviors, and virtues that truly nurture my sense of fulfillment. Each night, I pose a simple binary question: Did I live a little today? or Did I die a little today? Like these paths I traverse, life is a journey of choices, guiding me in one direction or another, in both ascents and descents. Walking these trails, I carry with me a newfound clarity about the life I want to lead—a life filled with connection, purpose, and authenticity. The path continues.

-Ken

Blanchard State Forest, Chuckanut Drive, Bow, WA
46° 36′ 30.96″ — 122° 25′ 59.664″
7 miles | 1,982 ft elevation gain | ~4 hours
Sunrise: 6:27am. 56-66 degrees and overcast