On top of a mountain

A journal entry, over two days, on a 3 day trip in the wilderness. One day is written from the peak of a mountain, the other half, early in the morning by a lake.


August 09

Mt. Albert Edward -6867 ft.

Writing atop a mountain for the first time ever. After 7 hours of hiking, we finally summit! The view is majestic. A grand view of creation is all around. Soaring peaks jutt up all around us, with green little mountain valleys hidden in between, alpine lakes, rivers and waterfalls dotting the numerous valleys. Picture Switzerland in summer. It is truly beautiful, and one is reminded how small we really are amidst Gods creation on an epic scale.
At times such as these, i'm reminded of Gods gift to us, freely given. His grace, love and mercy. And the cross. We are so small, deserving of nothing, yet he invites us into relationship with Him, this God of the universe. He gave us mountains to climb, beauty to love and adore, stars like diamonds gracing us with their presence in the night sky. I am humbled.

Highlights so far have been the late night push to camp after dark. We were half way through the 10 km hike to our camp from the parking lot when the sky turned black. Following my headlamp-wearing friends, we arrived to camp safely. Along the way though, we witnessed an amazing site. We look up, and there is a million stars dotting the night sky. Truly beautiful. The sunset we were able to witness will stay in my mind forever. The dark orange on the horizon, coupled with dark siloughets of trees and a pond in the foreground, was truly epic. we stood in awe of for what seemed like hours, watching it in the silence of the night. Time stood still and I saw a glimpse of what eternity must be like. And I will never forget Donk pond. Half way to summit on the first ridge, we came upon a small, clear pond. Tired and sweating from the heat and constant traverse, we all gladly decided to stop and take a dip in the pond. I will only say that I did something for the first time in my life there, and it was refresshing, and weird. I'm glad no one came upon us.

This trip has been amazing. The grandness of our natural surroundings is inspiring. The view from the summit puts things into perspective. How small we are amongst these giants, yet how we loved we are considering our size and frailty. Most importantly though, the bonding and the talk amongst us four friends, men, one of which is to get married in two days. Our talks have been edifying, silly, encouraging and positive in nature. Always positive. This shows the high quality of friends I have, these three dudes who know me on a deeper level then most. I am blessed. From Justin the philosopher/theologian, Aaron the manly man, and Johnny the creative one, they are all men among men, with qualities I aspire to have, and to learn from. Justice, compassion and kindness run through their veins like a flowing river. They are strong and mighty like David, but can be as gentle and compassionate the next moment. Warriors and poets are who they are. I am blessed to have such examples to follow. To be a man after Gods own heart, like David, is my desire, and through these men who I am blessed to call friends, I am one step closer to know what that is. Manly man by Bradley hathaway comes to mind. I will end here, to appreciate this view a little more. The sun is out, the sky is blue and I think I see a little waterfall going off the side of a mountain. God is good.

Transmission ended.