"Have you ever given yourself the gift of a breath of fresh air, a moment to challenge your strength, endurance, and sanity? We learn so much about ourselves when we take a step outside, far away from anyone and anything. Once you have experienced it for yourself, you will never stop going out into the wild.
Our hike up the mountain to Hungry Packer Lake was anything but ordinary. Of course, when we were out in the wilderness, there was seemingly no end to the beauty that surrounded us.
Once we stepped away from the hustle and bustle of our lives in the big city, I really began to notice our surroundings in such a profound way. It took us two days to get to the highest point of the trail. We jumped through streams, climbed huge rocks, slept in the trees, fished in the ponds, and rediscovered the wild in a new and unique way.
The night that we got to the top of the mountain, there was a huge fire blazing on the other side of the Hungry Packer ridge. I honestly stayed up most of the night wondering if the blustering wind was drawing the flames closer toward us. Judging by the height of the ridge and the rocky terrain, I can confidently conclude that my fear was totally irrational.
There were many instances like this though. Moments when I thought for sure that I could not overcome the obstacle in front of me, but then ceased to amaze myself when I was able to. That was the biggest lesson that I took away from this trip, realizing that I am more than capable of facing my fears and overcoming those things that hold me back. Taking risks is one of the single most important things we as humans need to do, the moment that we finally muster enough courage to just jump off of the (metaphorical) cliff, is what causes us to grow and gain confidence in who we are.
It is truly a gift to be able to explore such magnificent beauty out in the mountains. I think that we were made for the wild, and that deep within our beings, we are searching for our freedom, we need that breath of fresh air.”
- Kelli Hiner