National Park: My Love Affair With Mt. Rainier
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In honor of the mountain I love and National Parks Week!
I’m not sure when I fell in love with Mt. Rainier. As a child I remember our family visiting there often, and I for sure found it enjoyable and a great place for a kid to explore and run free, but I can’t really say I loved the mountain then as I do now. I think, like all loves, this one of mine had to age like a fine merlot. We had to get to know each other, the mountain and I, share our weaknesses and our strengths, learn from each other, communicate and move beyond the rapture of the flesh until a bond was formed that could not be broken. There was no defining moment when I looked up to the heavens and proclaimed my everlasting love; but as the years went by a realization formed that I did, indeed, honor her, cherish her, and love her. And yes, the mountain is a she; only the female of the species could be so beautiful, so tender, so understanding, and yet turn on you in a heartbeat if you thought for a moment that you had conquered her and treated her with disrespect.
I suppose the first seeds of love were planted when I was twenty-two. My friends and I decided that we would go hiking for the first time on the mountain and that we would camp out overnight. Dressed only in summer clothing on a hot July morning we headed for the mountain. Our supplies consisted of a tarp to sleep under, bedrolls, several cans of Spam and a rope to tie down the tarp. We hiked for five hours until we reached the campsite at the 7,000 foot level and there we set up camp, self-righteous to the extreme and praising ourselves for the physical shape we were in; we had no understanding of the wilderness, no clue of the drastic weather changes that occur at high altitude; we were just four joyful males out for adventure.
The temperature dropped down to twenty-two degrees that night; the wind, which always seems to be present on the mountain at that altitude, chilled us to our bones and we lay awake most of the night listening to the night prowlers roaming in search for food and we huddled together praying that dawn would arrive so we could get back to warmth and safety.
Finally we were able to walk back down to the parking lot at the trailhead and I remember looking back up at the mountain and laughing out loud as I thought about the hubris it had taken to think we understood the mountain. Despite the pain of aching muscles and a chill that was very slow in leaving my body, I realized that there was something on Rainier’s flanks that I needed to know more intimately, and for the next forty years of my life I have tried to gain some understanding of her.
Mt. Rainier is not forgiving. As beautiful and majestic as she is, as seemingly docile as she appears, she can rise up and strike you down if you do not treat her with the reverence she deserves. Since 1990 the number of visitors has ranged from 1.6-2.3 million per year and most will leave the parking lots, head off on a trail during their stay, and return back to their vehicles safely. Some fail to heed the warnings and do not. I have never had a problem on the mountain but that is only because I learned a valuable lesson on that first hike. The need for proper preparation was instilled in me after that first time and I have never forgotten it. The lady made her point crystal clear to me; she gave me a warning, laughed inwardly at this silly young man who thought he knew all there was about life, but in the end she allowed me to return home. Perhaps she knew that we were to become lovers over time and decided to give me a reprieve in hopes that I would be worthy of her attention. I have tried over the years to do so.
In 1974 I finally felt I was ready to climb to her summit; she had been calling me for several years, tantalizing me with her siren song, wondering when I would finally give myself totally to her. After attending a three-day mountaineering course my friends and I were ready, and on a sun-kissed August morning we began the ascent with a guided climbing team. I was in the best physical shape of my life, I had attended the necessary classes and packed in a proper fashion and the mountain graced me with the experience of a lifetime.
The first leg of the climb took us from Paradise to Camp Muir where we spent the night. Up at one a.m. we began the final section, across the Cowlitz Glacier to Cathedral Gap, then onto Ingraham Glacier then Emmons Glacier and finally the rocks of the summit came into view and there we were, atop the mountain graced with a view to die for. Clouds were below us as we sat on the rim of the crater at 14,410 feet, and a sensation as if I was floating came over me. I couldn’t speak as I sat there; I did not want words to interrupt my quiet conversation with the mountain at that time. She had allowed me to enter her heart; she whispered to me; she caressed me with her beauty. We had become, for the briefest of moments, one.
The descent was one of sadness and by the time I returned home I missed my love once again but vowed to return. And return I have done! I climbed the summit one more time a couple years later and although magical it could not compare to the first time; it was as if the most important of secrets had been shared with that first ascent and from then on we were just growing older together, cementing our bond in more meaningful ways than mere sensory stimulation.
In the years since that last summit I have hiked her trails for hundreds upon hundreds of miles, ever mindful of her moods, ever respectful of her willingness to give of herself for my pleasure. With each stream that I cross and every hill I climb and every snowfield I traversed we become closer, and yet there are some secrets she will never share with me….and maybe that’s how it should be. It should be enough for me to catch my breath upon seeing her peeking at me between towering fir trees. It should be enough for me to feel lightheaded when the gentle breeze ruffles my hair and the wildflowers reach for the sky and that ever-elusive feeling of peace washes over me. During those moments I know that she is my lover and I am hers, and although I will never understand I know that’s how it was meant to be from the moment I came into this world kicking and screaming.
I am older now. I cannot deny the effects of time upon my body. The hikes are shorter now, the hills I choose to climb less steep. There will come a time when I will have to say goodbye to her, never to return to her loving arms. When that happens she will embrace a new lover and that, too, is how it should be, for Mt. Rainier has always been there for anyone willing to open their heart, mind and soul to her secrets.
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
A wonderful hub from my friend Annie:
http://fennelseed.hubpages.com/hub/Earth-MotherA-Poem-and-Photo-Essay
For a great hub about National Park Week visit http://ttoombs08.hubpages.com/hub/take-a-hike-to-celebrate
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- The Ten Camping Essentials for Wilderness Survival
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After reading this article would you consider visiting Mt. Rainier?
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Thank you Roni; I appreciate your comment.
A beautifully written love letter! If she could, I'm sure she would be blushing!
Voted beautiful and up!
Eclectic...thank you so much; I was hoping the love would shine through in the hub! I'm going to go read your new hub right now.
I love the mountains and have looked forward to Mt. Rainier as being one of the mountains to explore. I have only been able to enjoy from a distance. Beautiful hub, thank you for sharing it.
How I miss the mountains. Beautiful hub! I used to live in Seattle area and have not been back there for many years now. I think it is time to make a trip.
nmljdgulley and Susan....thank you so much for reading and commenting. I'm sure when you two are ready the mountain will still be here waiting for you; unless, of course, she does a St. Helens thing and then I'll be inconsolable. :)
Great article. Rainier is a beautiful mountain and I've only been there once for a short trip but it completely changed how I look at it now almost everyday on my way to work. I can only imagine how your own trips to the top must have been.
I love your hub! When I was 24 (I am now 53) I had a job that allowed me to travel all over America ... I was in Washington in July, and had the opportunity to travel to the top of Mount Rainier. Coming as I did, from southern North Carolina, where it almost never snows, you can imagine my awe and enthusiasm as I went to the top of Mount Rainier to find a ... SNOWSTORM!!!!! Let it suffice to say, I am a fan. Wonderful hub, and voted UP!
Lisa...thank you for the nice comment; it is a beautiful sight to wake up to, that's for sure.
Brett...that was kind of you and thank you very much. The weather on Rainier will fool even the most avid of fans; I've been going for so long now that you would think I couldn't be surprised but I am still.
That is a hard core climbing experience. I have hiked some mini mountains in the Appalacian Trail, but none like this out west. Your hub makes me want to pack up and rough it for a few months. The lifestyle is so tempting. Awesome!
Tammy, it is always nice to hear from you. If you ever head out here let me know and we'll go hiking together...but don't wait too long cuz I ain't getting any younger...thanks for reading and commenting.
Loved it!
Thanks for sharing.....
My pleasure; thanks for dropping by and commenting.
I have never had the honor of seeing this mountain, or climbing any other than Stone mountain, but I surely would like to. I found your attributing a female persona enchanting and in some way the ongoing love affair reminded me of the writing of one of my most beloved authors, Jean Auel. I miss nature. May you enjoy your mountain lover for many years to come. Thank you for a glimpse into such beauty.
My pleasure poetvix....and your kind words always leave me speechless and feeling lacking since I am in awe of your passion and the dedication you give to each hub...thank you for your support!
Billy, She is the quinessential figure of Mother nature. More than beauty, more than alive, More than anyone can really imagine. but remember to treat her with respect, and don't mess with Mother nature.
Great Hub.
cleaner3, I couldn't agree more; thank you for taking the time to read my Hub and may you find great pleasure in Mother Nature's bounty.
I haven't climbed Rainier yet, but hope to do so one day soon. I know all to well about the love of mountains. Thanks for the well written hub!
Dan....my pleasure and I hope you get to climb the Lady soon; you won't be disappointed. Thank you for reading my hub and commenting.
I love mountains too, but not so much for the sake of climbing them but more because they are an evidence of time and a changing planet! They are majestic and I always feel a bit moved when I think about the long time they have been there, solid and silent! I can understand the love of mountains and the fantastic feeling it must be to climb to the top of a mountain like Mount Rainer. I am very impressed by people like you, who endure everything to get to the top and the view must be breathtaking and a memory for life. Thanks for sharing your love story, it is wonderful! Voted up and shared.
Tina
thoughtforce....you are very welcome; it was a hub that was very easy for me to write, with so many memories and emotions tied into it. Thank you so much for reading it and for following me.
billy your hub was fascinating! Beautiful photos and words. Thank you for sharing this majestic masterpiece.
Sunshine, I am honored. I am smiling ear to ear after that lovely comment. Thank you!
Billy, What a lovely story! I love your writing style. In particular I enjoyed the way you expressed your love for Mt. Rainier as your love. I am telling the love you have for hiking truely came through in your story. Thanks for sharing your story. Voted up, and awesome!
adrienne2...Thank you so much for the beautiful comment. It truly was a hub written from my heart and I'm glad that sentiment was obvious to the reader.
I also wanted to say congratulations for this hub being one of HubPages Hottest Top Ten Hubs today! Yay for you:)
Sunshine, you were one of the first Hubbers I followed and I was thrilled when you started following me. I appreciate your words and I appreciate you.
wonderful hub I also love nature.
Darkmetaly, thank you very much. Just between you and me I don't trust anyone who doesn't love nature. :)
Great hub, growing up in the northwest I have enjoyed looking at the mountain a few times. Fun to read this today.
I understand the pleasurable experience the visitors get in Mount Rainier.
I would like have the same thriller moments as i got desire by reading your good article. thanks
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I want to go climb a mountain after reading this!
Vote up for you sir...
CZCZCZ....thank you for reading and commenting; I'm glad you had a good time reading about this love affair of mine. In a way I'm glad I'm too old to climb it now; gives me a convenient excuse to not getting into that kind of physical shape. :)
webbience, I am glad you enjoyed the hub; the mountain will always be there if you find you truly want a thriller moment. Thank you!
Adams, rest assured there is no shortage of mountains to climb if you really get in the mood. The nice thing about Rainier is that it isn't a technically difficult climb; more like walking up a very steep hill that seemingly never ends. Best of luck to you!
When it comes to the mountains I always remember Ed Viesturs' famous saying, "Reaching the summit is optional. getting down is mandatory". Yes, mountains can be treacherously beautiful for the one who is under-prepared LOL. Very nice hub to read. I live in the plains of Ontario and therefore, appreciate the beauty of Mount Rainier as captured in this hub.
Suhail...Oh, the plains! The majesty of flat land! :) Actually my family is from the Midwest and I know all about flat and I actually like that area, but the mountains will always be my home. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great hub. I am really mesmerized.
Well thank you bmukherjii, it means a lot to me that you read, commented and enjoyed the hub. If you ever need some tips on climbing you now who to contact. Best of luck in your writing.
gud one! keep hubbing!!
I will indeed and thank you!
Being from the Northwest, I understand that special feeling you have on Mt. Rainier. I think you will stay young with a place to go that makes you appreciate the beauty of nature. Enjoy!
Melis, thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you understand how I feel.
Your article makes me want to jump on a plain and go hiking now! Your pictures are stunning too! I asked someone else if they were a travel agent...Would you? You are a great writer who has a lot to share! I love this hub!
Visiting this place is on my bucket list. I'm impressed that you were able to summit it. I lived at the base of Pikes Peak (in Colorado Springs) for all of my childhood and tried to climb it once. I didn't make it to the top. This is inspirational - yet another phenomenal hub! :)
And you are so nice! Travel agent? I've hardly ever traveled...Mexico and Canada and I would love to go to Europe...that would be a great job, or just writing about all the places would be fun. Thank you for your compliment; it is greatly appreciated.
Cyndi, you are always so nice to me. Thank you so much; believe me I wouldn't make it to the top today nor do I have any wish to...twice was enough. :) Now go write me that hub about quotation marks please.
Billy - I'm looking for information on those quotes. It's actually kind of hard! Hehehe.
Nice story. I love Mt Rainier also as I am originally from Olympia myself. I used to love camping at the base with my dog Bubba!
I have never been to the summit and now I need to add this to my list of things to do?
Oh yes, you definitely need to add it to your bucket list. Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope you get to climb to the summit soon.
I have complete faith in you! If anyone can find it and do it you can.
I used to live in Seattle and still visit every year, so am quite familiar with the view of the mountain. But never been to it. Thanks for showing what the climb is like. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Thank you sir! You will simply have to put that on you to do list and I'll be glad to meet you for lunch should you decide to head up there. I'm always looking for an excuse to return to the mountain. :)
Beautifully written hub. As a teenager I spent time in the family cabin with with a view of Mt Rainer and Hood. Years later I moved to Colorado where I lost myself in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
cbpoet, I can certainly understand getting lost in the Colorado Rocky Mountains..I think John Denver got it right with his song. Thank you!
Great hub and beautiful photos. Hope I get to visit here one day. I love the mountains, but have never been to Washington state. Hope you get many more visits to Mt. Rainier, too!
Voting you UP! Thanks for SHARING!
Thank you so much Au fait...there is no doubt I will return again and again and I hope you have the opportunity to do so. Thank you for reading and following along.
I love this mountain. Thank you for presenting it so beautifully.
And thank you for reading and enjoying it. This is actually my favorite hub of the ones I have done, so I'm glad it meant something to you as well.
Great hub. I am from the East coast so I never thought about climbing this mountain but now, it is on my list. You really make the place come alive with the great descriptions and emotion.
Thank you Jennifer, I appreciate your comment and I hope some day you will be able to visit and perhaps climb Mt. Rainier. She really is something to behold.
wonderful.You should pay a visit to kenya.There are great mountains including MT kenya and kilimanjaro
Gerald, visiting Kenya is in my bucket list...some day, hopefully, as long as I don't run out of years. Thank you for reading.
Thank you.
I understand your love for mount rainier completely. It is beautiful. My mom laid my little brothers ashes there as there is no place more peaceful. I have never actually climbed up it myself, but have always wanted to take the trip one day...even more so after reading this!
smzclark, what a beautiful place to put your brother to rest. I hope some day you will be able to make the trip; you won't be disappointed. Thank you for reading and for the great comment.
I enjoyed your writing--and such lovely photos. Thanks for sharing!
book belle, you are very welcome and thank you for taking the time to visit. My best to you!
Great article. Can't wait to go!
Great post...well done!
ercramer36, thank you and I hope you are able to visit there soon. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Pandula77, I appreciate that and thank you for taking the time to comment.
I thought it was well written and professional, but with a passion not seen with many so called professionals. I hope you will do more of these.
Thomas, thank you sir! I only know one way to write and that is with passion from the heart. I appreciate you dropping by to comment.
wow.. visiting these places will be a great venture. I hope to visit one of these soon.
mfriedstore, you won't be disappointed. I hope you are able to visit soon, and thank you for taking the time to visit my site and comment.
There are so many places in this country I want to visit and Mt. Rainier is one of them. My family and I love to hike and I always enjoy reading stories about hiking adventures. Thanks for sharing.
jpifer, you are very welcome. If you love to hike then this is the place for you. I hope you make it soon and thank you for your comment.
Beautiful article. It energizes the mind and makes one wonder how beautiful the world is. Thanks for sharing.
Pandula, you are very welcome and thank you for reading it. Life is so damn beautiful if we just take the time to really see it.
Awesome..how I wish I have the chance to get in there.
Amazing hub!A different experience to me. I appreciate your way of expression of the strong attachment with the Mt.Rainier.
Movinglitecentral, I appreciate your comment and let me assure you, the mountain will be waiting for you whenever you get there. :)
srbhadran, thank you sir! It was definitely more of a love story than an account of the mountain. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
i need more
Not sure what that means but thank you for commenting, Zizo!
Beautiful hub! I really hope to make it up there some time over the next few years!
Well Brenda let me know when you hit town and I'll give you a personal tour. Thank you for reading and commenting; it means a great deal to me when people take the time to follow me.
Oh how I miss Mount Rainier! After reading this wonderful hub you wrote about her, I am even more determined to get back down south to visit Paradise again. Thanks for the beautiful reminder of her awesomeness. When you grow up in Pierce County, she is so close for sure. I miss rolling down the hills in early spring on snowy inner tubes!
Ruby, rest assured that the mountain will be here waiting for you the next time you make it south. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment; your following is appreciated.
This is a well written hub about a mountain that I love, too, though I've never been right up to it. Back when I lived in Moscow, Idaho, a few times I rode in a car to Seattle, and it was a thrill when about 50 miles from the mountain to see the snow covered top of Mount Rainier rise above the horizon. I hope to visit Mount Rainier National Park some day.
B. Leekley, I have no doubt that the mountain will be patiently waiting for your arrival. Thank you sir for taking the time to visit my site.
What a beautiful story about a beautiful mountain! Voted up!
This is one of my favorite hubs on Hubpages. Bravo!
Thank you Tom! Being from Tacoma I know you understand this hub very well!
Tammy, what would I do without your support? Truth be told I thought this was my best job of writing; it has been my favorite since the day I wrote it, so knowing that you agree means a great deal to me.
Wonderful hub, wonderfully written. I fell like I was there! Loved the pictures.... Couldn't vote, didn't find the option that I wanted.... Would love to go, but don't think I can make it up there! :)
LaThing, I hope you can make it some day; you won't be disappointed. Thank you for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed my description of my favorite place.
Nice hub! Last year I spent a month in downtown Seattle working. I feel in love with the area, and developed a particular fondness for Mt. Rainier. It seems no matter where I went its presence was felt. I look forward to returning soon, but this time getting better acquainted with the elements. Thanks.
Total, she is a wonder to behold! I'm looking forward to the snows melting so I can get back on the trails. I hope you make it too. Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Oh how truly beautiful Billy;also so very interesting, and by the great rush of comments half of HubPages must agree with me as well.
A vote up;take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Eddy, just as I hope to visit your lovely country some day I hope that you will be able to stand on Mt. Rainier one day and experience all that she has to give to you. Thank you; sure wish we could sit down on the farm and have a cup of tea together. :) have a loving evening my friend.
The mountain is there and you have captured it well. I would love to attempt a large climb like this one and hope to do it one day. In the mean time I am glad I went for a walk today :) You have a great capture here of nature Bill.
Christy, this one was written from the heart. I love that mountain; it is a part of me. I hope one day that you'll get the chance to stand atop a mountain and see what I saw. It will change you.
Thank you my friend!
Lovely images! I really enjoyed your story. For me, mountains represent goals and positive steps to achieve them. I have a picture on my wall to remind me and hopefully inspire me.
Love, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Mountains will always be my first home.
If I lived in your country, Bill I would be heading to Mt Rainier ASAP because you have sold me on the beauty of this mesmerising lady. You have told a beautiful story and I tend to agree, this lady let you off lightly the first time as a lesson, there is no doubt that she knew you would be back when you had wised up!!!
Your description of those moments sitting on the rim of the crater and the feeling of becoming one with the mountain speaks of your deep affection with this place and only one with a very deep respect and affection for our mother earth could write of this experience in this way.
I love this hub, I love the way you have written this with romance and adventure and a deep respect and affection for this mountain lady.
All my votes and best wishes to you Billybuc, from Annie.
Annie, this, more than any of my other hubs, was truly a work of love. I'm so happy that you saw that and appreciated it. I will tell the mountain that you want to visit sometime; I'm sure she will greet you with open arms.
Excellently written, vivid detailing, exquisite pictures, Bill.
I'm enamored by Mount Rainier.
Voted up all the way.
Thank you Rajan! She is a beautiful creature for sure.
Roni 3 months ago
Very nice article!