Annette Lake Trail

MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA:

As dawn was about to break, I laced up my hiking boots, the early morning chill was perfect for the steady ascent. With the world still in slumber, I set off toward Annette Lake, a journey steeped in both challenge and beauty. The soft glow of my headlamp cut through the shadows, illuminating the path ahead, while the air, filled with the promise of a new adventure, felt refreshing and alive. Each step up the trail reminded me of life’s steadfast ascent, where effort is essential to reaching our destinations. Just as the fog delicately cloaked the landscape, I found myself lost in thought about the hidden beauty in life, the things we sense but cannot see.

Gratitude filled my heart as I navigated the bumpy dirt road to the trailhead, each pothole a (not so) subtle reminder of the unpredictability of nature and life itself. The solitude of the early hours allowed my thoughts to wander, and I felt a swell of appreciation for those who have traveled with me on this journey—particularly in the wake of loss. It’s been 14 months since Kelly’s passing, and I’ve learned that the journey through grief is as intricate and colorful as a child’s finger painting—messy yet beautiful. I’m learning to embrace this messiness, to accept that sometimes we need to color outside the lines, and that’s perfectly okay.

As I wandered along the trail, my “trail-thought” emerged: the intricate dance between the journey and the destination. Many believe the journey is where we find our true selves, while the destination offers direction—a dichotomy that invited a deeper reflection. Each goal I’ve reached has taught me that fulfillment often lies not just in the achievement but in the moments leading up to it. The playful dogs that leaped into Annette Lake broke the tranquility, serving as a joyful reminder that happiness often finds us unexpectedly, especially when we share it with those around us.

With each careful step on my descent, I navigated the rocky path, savoring the journey just as much as the destination. My core values of authenticity, growth, and adventure guide me, while virtues like gratitude, kindness, and humility shape my interactions with the world and myself. I realized that both the journey and destination are intertwined, each enriching the other, rooted in a foundation of values that provide direction and purpose. As I completed today’s hike, I felt not only a great sense of accomplishment but also gratitude for the journey itself. Every twist and turn, every breath of fresh air, served as a gentle reminder that the path continues, full of opportunities for reflection, connection, and the celebration of life’s beautiful messiness.

The Journey…

As I laced up my hiking boots and stepped into the early morning chill, I felt a special connection to the world that was still shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the gentle glow of my headlamp piercing through the shadows. It was just about 20 minutes before sunrise, and a sense of excitement for the adventure ahead filled the air. Today, I embarked on Annette Lake Trail in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest—a journey that promised not only challenge but also the beauty of nature, even as the overcast skies loomed and a soft drizzle threatened to cut through the forest. The steady ascent mirrored life’s own path, each step serving as a reminder of the effort required to reach my goals and aspirations. As I climbed, I found my thoughts wandering between life, love, and gratitude, feeling my legs pushing on through the 2,000 feet of elevation gain across this 8-mile out-and-back trail, embracing each moment of my shared experience with the wilderness.

The fog gently blanketed the landscape, obscuring the vast views I know were waiting just beyond the swirling clouds. In moments like this, I remind myself that, much like in life, the most beautiful things often lie just out of sight, allowing us to sense their presence. As I drew closer to Annette Lake, the mist enveloped the water, creating a serene view that invited reflection. The stillness of the lake mirrored my own thoughts, until, with joyful abandon, two dogs leaped into the water, breaking the tranquility with their playful splashes. Their unrestrained joy felt infectious, reminding me that reaching our destination is often sweeter when embraced with a childlike sense of playfulness and wonder. They accompanied me on most of my descent, adding a touch of warmth to the journey.

When I began my descent, it felt like a delicate balance between caution and eagerness. I found myself holding back, aware of the risk of a tumble—a gentle reminder that rushing can bring unforeseen challenges, both on the trail and in our everyday lives. I navigated the rocky path, cherishing each moment, each breath, as the world around me gradually unveiled its beauty, even under the persistent drizzle. While the sweeping views may have been out of reach, this quintessential Pacific Northwest day truly deserves its own appreciation. The mist, the joyful antics of the playful dogs, and the gentle rhythm of my steps all came together to create a meaningful experience. As I wrapped up my hike, I carried with me not only a sense of accomplishment but also gratitude for the journey itself. Every hike serves as a reminder of the beauty found in both the journey and the destination.

Gratitude…

This morning, as dawn softly crept into the world, I rose early, filled with anticipation for the adventure ahead. With the gentle hum of the engine, I set off toward the trailhead for Annette Lake. Darkness wrapped around the roads, and in a rare twist, I found myself reaching for the windshield wipers—the first time in what felt like ages. It was a good reminder to dig out my rain gear from the depths of my pack, reflecting the unpredictability of nature that often mirrors life itself. The drive unfolded over about an hour and a half, culminating in a bumpy journey down a dirt road dotted with potholes. Each jolt and bump seemed to foreshadow the rugged beauty that lay ahead.

There’s something truly enchanting about having the roads to myself in those early hours, experiencing a solitude that invites my thoughts to meander freely like the mist rising from the lake, gently enveloping the trees. Today, my heart is filled with gratitude for those souls who have walked with me on this journey—those who have held space for my experiences with kindness and without judgment. It’s been 14 months since Kelly’s passing, and I’ve sensed a transformation within myself. As I navigate through this journey, I find myself retreating a bit in larger gatherings, acutely aware of the weight of life’s challenges that others too carry, wanting to avoid adding any unnecessary burdens. This evolving relationship with grief and connection is a curious evolution. I often thought I would be further along by now, yet I grapple with what “further along” actually means.

In this beautiful messy journey of life, I find solace in a metaphor that resonates with me: the beauty of a child’s finger painting, full of delightful messiness. Just as we wouldn’t dream of altering a child’s expression of creativity by encouraging them to color within the lines, I too embrace my own brand of messiness. My life, with its unpredictable strokes and vibrant splashes, stands as a lively canvas of imperfection—a testament to the beauty found in the chaos. I’m grateful for these souls who accept my painting just as it is, without any urge to correct, advise, or suggest I “color in the lines.” It’s this unconditional acceptance that fills me with gratitude, reminding me that my journey does not need to conform to a preconceived mold to hold its value. As I continued my drive, the comforting warmth of gratitude wrapped around me as I approached yet another new trail.

Reflections…

As I paused at today’s waypoint, the sun gently sat behind the overcast sky, casting a warm glow on the trees above. In this serene moment, surrounded by nature’s beauty, a “trail-thought” from my last hike emerges: The Meaning of Life. It nudges me to explore the intricate relationship between the journey and the destination. Many modern philosophers support the notion that the journey holds more significance than the destination, and today, I invited myself to wander down this philosophical path. While meandering along the winding trail, I couldn’t help but contemplate this dichotomy. There’s a undeniable appeal in fixating on our destinations—the goals we set, the achievements patiently waiting for us at the end of each journey.

Yet, I considered the risk of misaligned success. Many times, I’ve achieved my goals only to realize they brought less joy than I had hoped. At times, it left me feeling empty, even amidst accolades from others who celebrated my success. I recall a wise perspective that likened this experience to “climbing a ladder that is leaning against the wrong wall.” Those who advocate for embracing the journey often remind us that an obsessive focus on the finish line can lead to anxiety and discontentment. They caution that in our drive for goals, we might miss the invaluable beauty and lessons present in each moment. On the other hand, those who emphasize the importance of a clear destination urge us to be mindful that a sole focus on the journey can sometimes result in aimlessness and stagnation. As I explore this inner conflict, I keep coming back to a question that lingered in my mind during my last hike: “Couldn’t we have both?”

Through my reflective musings, I’ve arrived at a conclusion that feels both liberating and grounding: we can—and should—embrace both the journey and the destination. They’re not at odds with each other; instead, they walk hand in hand as essential partners. The journey enriches our sense of presence and fosters growth, while the destination provides us with purpose and a sense of accomplishment. The key is to establish a strong foundation of values and virtues that can guide us through this intertwined path. To better understand this complex relationship, I find wisdom in Aristotle, who suggests that our values and virtues serve as our navigational anchors. They are not only the means by which we navigate life but also the end goals of living meaningfully. So, I took a moment to connect with the values that inform my choices and the virtues that shape my character. These reflections helped me to embody my ideals of Connection, Purpose, and Authenticity throughout the journey, while also increasing my chances for aligned success when I reach each destination.

Core Values: Directions for the Journey

Authenticity: Staying true to myself, embracing my genuine thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and presenting them honestly to the world.
Self-Expression: Conveying my thoughts, emotions, and individuality, allowing for my personal identity and authenticity to show.
Growth: My commitment to continuous self-improvement, learning, and development, both personally and professionally.
Creativity: bringing something into existence that wasn’t there before, generating original ideas and solutions, and expressing myself.
Adventure: Pursuing new experiences and challenges, embracing uncertainty and exploration, fostering a deeper appreciation for life.
Curiosity: A desire to learn, explore, and understand the world around me, ask questions, seek knowledge, and embrace new experiences.

Virtues: Traits Guiding My Actions

Gratitude: Appreciating what I have, the positive aspects of life, and the contributions of others, fostering a sense of contentment.
Humility: Being modest and respectful, acknowledging my limitations and valuing the perspectives of others without arrogance.
Kindness: Genuine desire to act with compassion and consideration towards others, promoting empathy, fostering positive interactions.
Temperance: Exercising self-control and moderation in my actions and desires, promoting balance and harmony in all aspects of life.
Perseverance: Steadfast commitment to persist in the face of my challenges and setbacks with resilience and determination.
Trustworthiness: Being reliable and honest, demonstrating integrity, earning the confidence of others through truthful actions and words.

Though not in either list, Empathy and Discipline are both virtues and values I cherish. Empathy encourages me to see the world though other’s eyes, stepping into their shoes with compassion, while Discipline gently reminds me to honor my commitments and stay dedicated to my journey. As I navigate this path, I reflected on how my values shape my sense of self and guide my actions. Embracing authenticity allows me to reveal my true self through honest communication. My self-expression flows generously through creative pursuits, and I welcome growth with open arms, valuing feedback and learning from failures as enriching parts of my journey. The call of adventure inspires me to step beyond my comfort zone, while curiosity passionately drives my desire for knowledge and deeper understanding.

Reflecting further, I come to understand how my virtues guide my interactions and help me nurture a life filled with meaning. Gratitude fills my heart with thankfulness for what I have, while humility gently reminds me to stay grounded. Kindness inspires me to uplift those around me, and temperance helps me maintain balance and moderation. As I approached today’s destination, I carried these insights with me. The journey and destination are beautifully intertwined, each enriching the other, deeply rooted in a shared foundation of values and virtues. In this moment of reflection, I find peace in knowing I can reach for my ideals while embracing each step along the way. The path continues.

-Ken

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
47° 23′ 33.97056″ -121° 28′ 35.68224″
8.3 miles | 2,073 ft elevation gain | ~4.5 hours
Sunrise: 6:27am. 60-66 degrees and overcast