Colchuck Lake

THE ENCHANTMENTS, ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS, WA:

This morning, as I navigated the stillness of the early morning, just before dawn, with my headlamp illuminating the path ahead, I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude. The crisp air carried hints of winter, and the anticipation of my hike to Colchuck Lake in Leavenworth’s enchanting wilderness filled me with excitement. Each step of my ascent was a reminder of life’s journey—its twists, turns, and challenges—and I embraced the solitude, ready to immerse myself in nature’s beauty. With over 2,875 feet of elevation gain before me and a day to explore, I reflected on the deep lessons this wilderness holds. The experience of hiking, much like music, enables me to connect and reflect on cherished memories, evoking emotions that linger long after the journey ends.

As I climbed, I found myself pondering melodies and messages from a concert last week, where warmth filled me with the joy of shared experiences. Joshua Radin’s soothing lyrics resonated with me, while Emily James’ message of “being present” grounded the evening. These reflections of love, loss and shared experiences intertwined with my surroundings, enhancing the beauty of the trail. The hike transformed into a rich blend of thoughts —integrating new experiences with cherished memories, encouraging me to stay present. While the challenges of the terrain tested my endurance, I realized that the most rewarding journeys often lead to the most breathtaking destinations.

In the heart of this stunning landscape, I began to peel back the layers. The lessons of presence, shared through music, came alive on the trail, as my inner melodies matched the tempo of my steps. I discovered that being present transcended mere awareness; it’s about embracing the ebb and flow of thoughts without judgment. Each moment spent navigating the rugged terrain was an opportunity to reflect, to breathe, and to let go of the distractions that often cloud my mind. As I paused on a large boulder near the edge of Colchuck Lake, surrounded by majestic peaks bathed in morning sunlight, I felt the essence of being—completely alive and connected to the present moment. This morning’s journey was not just a hike; it was a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude and reflection in the very fabric of life.

The Journey

The morning began in darkness, my headlamp cutting through the shadows as I set off on the ascent to Colchuck Lake, cradled in the stunning Enchantments of Alpine Lakes Wilderness, near Leavenworth, WA. The air was crisp, with temperatures hovering around freezing, and a fine dusting of snow blanketed parts of the trail, hinting at the winter chill that wrapped around these mountains. With over 2,875 feet of elevation gain ahead and nearly eight hours to explore, anticipation coursed through me. The stillness of the early morning was punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant sound of a wildlife somewhere between the towering peaks, a reminder of the wilderness that surrounded me. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the solitude, ready to embrace the challenge of this breathtaking journey as I plunged deeper into the woods.

With each footfall, the darkness gradually surrendered to the soft hues of dawn, revealing the rugged trail of dirt, roots, and scattered rocks that wound alongside mountaineer creek. The sound of rushing water filled the air, competing with the howling wind that swept through the trees, creating a vibrant backdrop to my ascent. The invigorating scent of cedar, fresh water, and damp earth filled my lungs, and as I climbed higher, the towering mountains on either side loomed majestically, their silhouettes etched against the brightening sky. The contrast from my last rainforest hike was striking; this landscape, raw and untamed, invigorated my spirit. I paused to shed a layer, feeling the warmth of my exertion mixing with the cool mountain air, and I reminded myself that this journey was about savoring every moment, each step a testament to the beauty of the trail.

As I pressed on, the landscape began to shift, opening up to breathtaking views that left me momentarily speechless. Sun-kissed high peaks above, illuminating the breathtaking summits of surrounding mountains, and rocky boulders scattered across the trail, remnants of ancient geological forces. Crossing a charming bridge, I paused to admire the glimmering traces of snow that hinted at winter’s approach. The trees thinned, revealing glimpses of Colchuck Lake ahead, its surface a stunning hue of green, beginning to freeze over, Little Colchuck had already frozen over. Fatigue began to settle in as I turned toward the descent, but the challenge of navigating the steep path only deepened my appreciation for the experience. I reflected on how the hardest journeys often lead to the most extraordinary destinations, and today was a perfect reminder of that truth.

Gratitude…

This morning, as I drove along the serene road with the world still shrouded in darkness, I found myself enveloped in a profound sense of gratitude. The stillness of the empty roads reflected the bittersweet emotions I held from last week’s concert at the Triple Door. Being there with friends and family, listening to Joshua Radin, stirred memories of Kelly. His cover of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, replayed in my mind, a gentle reminder of her warmth and the message that “every little thing’s gonna be alright.” It felt like the melody wrapped around me, a comforting embrace in the quiet of my car, illuminating the road ahead as I reflected on the shared experience that brought us all closer to her spirit. Each moment spent with loved ones felt like a precious ornament hung on the tree, telling stories of our memories, shining brightly against the backdrop of loss, echoing the connection and love that I hold dear.

As I continued my drive, I couldn’t help but think about our special discovery: Emily James entertained us before Joshua Radin took the stage. Her fresh sound felt like a special gift, and I could almost hear Kelly’s voice in the back of my mind, encouraging me to embrace these new experiences. My daughter and I met her after her set, and our brief conversation felt like a fleeting moment of light breaking through the clouds, reminding me to stay present. This idea echoed in my heart, especially after delving into Eckhart Tolle’s teachings last year; it’s easy to get lost in our worries. Emily’s words urged us to soak in the present, and Joshua’s song, “Here, Right Now” reinforced that sentiment. As I drove, I felt the music envelop every inch in the car, stirring emotions deep within, evoking memories that are often hard to articulate. Today, I’m grateful for the people who shared these moments with me, the music that resonates through my soul, and the love that reminds me I’m never alone on this journey. I cherish connections where love and music intertwine, lighting up the darkest paths.

Reflections…

This morning’s hike felt like an extension of the emotions I carried from the concert—a beautiful symphony of thoughts and nature merging together. Emily James and Joshua Radin both inspired us to embrace the present moment, and as I stepped onto the trail, I realized how profoundly their messages echoed in my mind. Emily’s gentle reminder to leave everything behind the doors we had entered through truly resonated with me. I imagined shedding my worries like a heavy coat, letting it hang on the back of the booth as I melted into the moment. Joshua’s lyric, “I’m here / Right now / Not lost / But found,” struck a chord. It made me reflect on how often I feel lost in my thoughts, as if I’m at a party but trapped in my own head, replaying old regrets or fretting about what’s next.

As I ascended deeper into the woods, I tried to shake off those distractions. I focused on the details—the soft ground underfoot, the intricate patterns in the rocks and roots along the snow-dusted trail. Yet, in this deep concentration, I realized that I sometimes miss the forest’s embrace—the stillness, the howling of the wind. I found myself balancing on a narrow log, trying to capture every tiny detail while also yearning for the expansive feeling of just being there, fully. It’s funny how I once thought presence meant honing in, sharpening my focus. But today, I realized it’s more about softening those edges, letting my awareness widen like a panoramic view. In those breathtaking moments—the sun rising behind the peaks, the reflection of dragontail peak shimmering like a lucid dream in the early morning—I felt truly present. Oddly enough, it was when I stopped thinking that I found the essence of being. But inevitably, those thoughts would creep back in—thoughts like, “What’s around the next bend?”—which are part of the natural thought process that pulls me away from being present.

This constant internal chatter, often referred to as “monkey mind,” jumps from one thought to another and has its advantages—I can be quick-witted with seemingly unrelated content. However, I’ve started to recognize the downsides of this relentless thinking, especially when it lingers on past regrets or future anxieties. By stepping back and becoming an observer of my thoughts, I can let them drift by like leaves on the river’s surface, no longer tied to the ground, no longer needed as a defining identity. This detachment feels liberating, anchoring me more firmly in the now. I’ve realized that presence isn’t just about being aware but also about accepting the ebb and flow of thoughts without judgment or analysis. Breathing, some say, is the simplest way to stay grounded in the present. Yet, it’s a practice I’m still trying to master. When I hike, there’s a rhythm that emerges, a trance-like state where I feel the pulse of the trail beneath me. It’s in these moments that I catch glimpses of true presence, where I’m not just moving, but flowing with the trail.

Another recurring theme in being present is perfectionism, that annoying companion that constantly highlights my flaws. I’m always grappling with the desire for acceptance and the fear of making mistakes. It’s a tangled web, caught between the desire for perfection and the feeling of being an imposter. Letting go of that ideal is easier said than done, but I recognize that it’s a step in the right direction. I often catch myself thinking about what others might think, which only pulls me further from the present. It’s about unlearning that need for validation and embracing the messiness of life. Through my hiking, I’m learning to appreciate the beauty in imperfections and the freedom that comes with accepting my authentic self.

All these reflections remind me that embracing presence is a journey, similar to learning to use trekking poles. It feels awkward at first, but with practice, it eventually becomes second nature. I’m starting small—tuning into my breath, listening deeply, and loosening my grip on control. With each step forward, I feel a deeper connection to the present while still cherishing my memories of the past. This morning’s hike was a gentle reminder of that journey, and as I sit here with my thoughts, I’m curious to see where this path leads me. Nature has a way of teaching me the lessons I need most, and today, it taught me the importance of truly being present—right here, right now. The path continues.

-Ken

The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA
47° 31′ 39.936″ -120° 49′ 14.916″
10.4 miles | ~2,875 ft elevation gain | ~8 hours
Sunrise: 7:21 a.m. 28-31 degrees, Clear