August 30, 2000: Don’t ever tell me no!

The goal is to make our way back to Mt. Rainier—at the present, we’re a quarter mile from base. Inside, I hold discussions with my self, two separate forms of anxiety feed the climb to the top: The photographer and the adventure. No matter what condition they’re in, we are to conquer all paths. Right now, the sky is cloudy gray—large drops of water, fall from the most covered pines. The air is sweet, almost un-forest-like. I keep seeing what has been described as being the Oregon Blue—a bird that flies in packs of twelve, they dance on rock ledges above spewing water shot through gaping holes into picturesque valleys below. I find myself giggling—this, after a night of rough sleeping patterns. Oh Oregon Blue, dance on…dance on.

11:10 am: The top…I physically see why such a struggle to reach this point will not only be remembered for the rest of our lives but well respected.