Plagued by Bad Weather

After leaving the Washington rain forest we traveled to Mount Rainier National Park.  We didn’t arrive until late the first night so we pitched camp and attended the campfire discussion which talked about the history of the park.  I’ve only been to 2 of these presentations, but this one was particularly enjoyable as the ranger was able to weave her own life story into the discussion, something I really enjoyed.  It gave the park a more personal feel.

Our campsite sat at the edge of a small glacial river and the roar of the water over the rocks was nice to fall asleep to.  Shortly after putting down our books and turning out the lantern it started to drizzle.  The raindrops on the tent were peaceful, connecting us that much more to nature.  By morning it was raining pretty decently so we decided to drop into town and get breakfast at a diner rather than fight against the weather.

After breakfast we hopped in the car for a cruise around the park.  The weather did not allow us much opportunity to get a good look at Mount Rainier, but at one point the clouds cleared and we were able to see the giant in the distance.  It is a very impressive mountain; one I look forward to climbing someday.

We continued our drive around the park and the weather continued to improve.  We found a trail head and decided that we should do some hiking in order to prepare ourselves for our summit of Mount Saint Helen’s in a couple of days.  The hike was 6.2 miles round trip to the base of Rainier.  We suited up, strapped on our packs and were off into the wild.

By the time we were about a mile from our destination it started snowing.  I didn’t mind the snow as it just bounces off and doesn’t get you wet but on our return trip as we descended into lower altitude the snow turned to rain.  The rain didn’t let off at all and by the time we reached the car we were soaked to the bone in rain and sweat.

The rain continued through the night and into the early morning.  Thankfully tomorrow’s weather looks to be nice as it is then that we will be attempting our climb of Mount Saint Helen’s.  So far the only thing in our way is the huge amount of self-doubt that I am facing about by own ability to climb this mountain.  I hope that once I arrive to my destination and make camp and know more about what I am doing that that doubt will fade.  Even if I don’t make it to the top, at least I will have tried.  If I don’t make it this time, the mountain will remain to allow for another chance.