7. The Pass
2:40 pm, Saturday, 27 April
I leave Dana reclining in the voluminous leather chair in our room, armed with a book and a glass of wine. She stands no chance against Mr. Sand Man! I feel a little like a kid again, sneaking off on an adventure.
2:58 pm, Saturday, 27 April
I'm back at the sign showing the direction to Lake View. I'm pretty fit as a result of my weekly social soccer game so I reckon I can get to the lake and back in way less than two hours. That will mean I can be back in time for a sundowner with Dana before dinner.
I set off at a brisk pace. The path meanders gently up the slope of the hill that stands guardian to the larger mountain behind it. I'm panting in no time. So much for the soccer training. I put the panting down to the high altitude.
The rolling green fields of grass are dappled with yellow and blue wildflowers creating a visually stunning tapestry.
From the top of the hill I can see the lake in the distance. I step up my pace now that the climb is over. After a slight dip into a valley, the path rounds a copse of trees and a strangely inky black lake suddenly greets me. This must be Lake View. Much to my relief I arrive at the lake in just 45 minutes. Here's to soccer training!
The inky dark color of the lake is alluring as it stunningly reflects the huge mountain peak rising behind it. The clouds scudding across the sky are each matched by perfect twins in the water's reflection. I sit down on a log, obviously placed here to maximize the view, and take in the sight.
After a few minutes rest, and a refreshing drink from the water bottle, I decide to explore the lake. A path meanders around the perimeter of the lake providing spectacular opportunities to appreciate this visual splendor. I set out on the path soaking in the stunning visual feast. I really need this.
Eventually I reach the opposite side of the lake and now, with the lake behind me, I am awed by the mountain rising majestically before me.
How large it is.
How small I am.
How insignificant I am.
"Lord, you made this. Dropped this mountain here like kid’s clay. How can you notice flea-sized me? Do you?"
With my silent prayer still tumbling through my mind I notice another wooden sign pointing towards the mountain.
"The Way Pass .5 hours"
"Hmm, sounds intriguing," I think. If there is one thing that I really love, it is finding out what is around the next corner. Dana often complains that I am not enjoying the moment because I am always thinking about what is just around the next corner. But this does look interesting. I'd love to get up this mountain. The views would be amazing. I can't see how it can be done in just half an hour. Maybe the pass is up a chain ladder or something.
"Hmm," I muse, "should I?"
I glance at my watch. It's 4:12pm. I had wanted to be back by 5pm. If I go now I can make that. "But Dana is probably sleeping. And she does need some rest after all that she has been through. Dinner is only at 7pm. I could race up this path and get back here by 5pm. And then, with a jog, be back at the room by 5:30."
"But maybe I'm just being silly. Giving into my never-happy-with-now syndrome. I could just saunter the remainder of the lake walk and then take an easy stroll back."
I'm about to give up on the crazy idea when a flash of orange and blue catches my eye just up the path. It's a beautiful sunbird. It hovers like a flying gem above a plant with long pitcher-shaped pale yellow flowers. With exquisite precision it dips it's long curved beak into the flowers drinking the sweet nectar they offer.
I'm standing at the first corner on The Way Pass. It seems my feet have unwittingly carried me here.
"Oh what the heck! I like crazy. I am crazy after all. Ask my shrink. Dana did say 'have fun'. I'm gonna do this!"
And with that I round the corner, obscuring the lake behind me, and am greeted with a narrow steeply rising path.
I set off at a brisk pace. The path meanders gently up the slope of the hill that stands guardian to the larger mountain behind it. I'm panting in no time. So much for the soccer training. I put the panting down to the high altitude.
The rolling green fields of grass are dappled with yellow and blue wildflowers creating a visually stunning tapestry.
From the top of the hill I can see the lake in the distance. I step up my pace now that the climb is over. After a slight dip into a valley, the path rounds a copse of trees and a strangely inky black lake suddenly greets me. This must be Lake View. Much to my relief I arrive at the lake in just 45 minutes. Here's to soccer training!
The inky dark color of the lake is alluring as it stunningly reflects the huge mountain peak rising behind it. The clouds scudding across the sky are each matched by perfect twins in the water's reflection. I sit down on a log, obviously placed here to maximize the view, and take in the sight.
After a few minutes rest, and a refreshing drink from the water bottle, I decide to explore the lake. A path meanders around the perimeter of the lake providing spectacular opportunities to appreciate this visual splendor. I set out on the path soaking in the stunning visual feast. I really need this.
Eventually I reach the opposite side of the lake and now, with the lake behind me, I am awed by the mountain rising majestically before me.
How large it is.
How small I am.
How insignificant I am.
"Lord, you made this. Dropped this mountain here like kid’s clay. How can you notice flea-sized me? Do you?"
With my silent prayer still tumbling through my mind I notice another wooden sign pointing towards the mountain.
"The Way Pass .5 hours"
"Hmm, sounds intriguing," I think. If there is one thing that I really love, it is finding out what is around the next corner. Dana often complains that I am not enjoying the moment because I am always thinking about what is just around the next corner. But this does look interesting. I'd love to get up this mountain. The views would be amazing. I can't see how it can be done in just half an hour. Maybe the pass is up a chain ladder or something.
"Hmm," I muse, "should I?"
I glance at my watch. It's 4:12pm. I had wanted to be back by 5pm. If I go now I can make that. "But Dana is probably sleeping. And she does need some rest after all that she has been through. Dinner is only at 7pm. I could race up this path and get back here by 5pm. And then, with a jog, be back at the room by 5:30."
"But maybe I'm just being silly. Giving into my never-happy-with-now syndrome. I could just saunter the remainder of the lake walk and then take an easy stroll back."
I'm about to give up on the crazy idea when a flash of orange and blue catches my eye just up the path. It's a beautiful sunbird. It hovers like a flying gem above a plant with long pitcher-shaped pale yellow flowers. With exquisite precision it dips it's long curved beak into the flowers drinking the sweet nectar they offer.
I'm standing at the first corner on The Way Pass. It seems my feet have unwittingly carried me here.
"Oh what the heck! I like crazy. I am crazy after all. Ask my shrink. Dana did say 'have fun'. I'm gonna do this!"
And with that I round the corner, obscuring the lake behind me, and am greeted with a narrow steeply rising path.
4:19 pm, Saturday, 27 April
If I thought the path to Lake View was tiring, I had no idea of tiring. This path is more like a vertical staircase as the pass ascends straight up a narrow ravine. "Who makes these things!"
Fifteen minutes later and I am breathing heavily and drenched in sweat despite the rapidly cooling weather.
Maybe this wasn't a good idea. But let me give it another fifteen minutes and see where I get to.
The path does not look like it has any intention of leveling off, if anything it is now getting steeper, and the sides of the ravine are closing in. I scramble up a steep section grabbing branches and any other handholds I can find to help pull me up. The wind is blowing quite hard down the narrowing ravine causing the overhanging plants to slap me like living things.
The path suddenly turns sharply right and as I round the corner I see a despairing sight. It looks like a rock slide has blocked the path. Before me is a huge boulder surrounded by broken trees and rubble.
"Damn! What a waste. All that sweating and time for nothing."
However, at that instant I nearly have a heart attack as a bolt of lightening tears the darkening sky apart and shatters the silence with an incredible explosion.
I glance up at the sky and notice for the first time how ominously dark it is. Moments later another deafening crack lances from the sky striking somewhere just beyond the boulder.
In moments my walk has turned from excitement and expectation into worry. I've heard too many stories of hikers being caught in electrical storms and being struck by lightening. Large drops of rain start to splatter around me and the air smells of ozone as another blinding, crackling fork arcs earthward.
What can I do? I certainly can't try and walk back while this storm is on. But I'm stuck in the open. There is no place to hide. I am in terrible danger of being struck. I'm in danger if I stay and I'm in danger if I walk.
The intensity of the storm is building rapidly. The rain is now beginning to pour and a wind is ripping down the ravine.
"My life is such a damn mess!" I shout at the dark sky. "Can't anything go right for me! Yes Lord, punish me some more. Come on, punish me. You obviously are enjoying it!"
My shouts are drowned out by the wind and the deafening roar of thunder. In moments I'm drenched as the driving rain lances into me, mocking my puny insults.
I slip in the muddy river that is rapidly forming in the path as I attempt to find shelter beneath the large boulder before me. I spot a small gap between the boulder and where it is lodged against the ravine wall. I manage to slither in on my stomach and find a small cavity where I try and sit. The top of head is pressed against the gigantic boulder causing me to be stooped. My knees are drawn up and I'm sitting in muddy water. But at least I'm partially protected from the storm that is now raging out of control. I hug my legs for warmth. I sit and wait.
The storm, the exhausting hike, the stress of the last few months finally catch up with me. Despite the most unlikely, uncomfortable of spots, I fall asleep.
Fifteen minutes later and I am breathing heavily and drenched in sweat despite the rapidly cooling weather.
Maybe this wasn't a good idea. But let me give it another fifteen minutes and see where I get to.
The path does not look like it has any intention of leveling off, if anything it is now getting steeper, and the sides of the ravine are closing in. I scramble up a steep section grabbing branches and any other handholds I can find to help pull me up. The wind is blowing quite hard down the narrowing ravine causing the overhanging plants to slap me like living things.
The path suddenly turns sharply right and as I round the corner I see a despairing sight. It looks like a rock slide has blocked the path. Before me is a huge boulder surrounded by broken trees and rubble.
"Damn! What a waste. All that sweating and time for nothing."
However, at that instant I nearly have a heart attack as a bolt of lightening tears the darkening sky apart and shatters the silence with an incredible explosion.
I glance up at the sky and notice for the first time how ominously dark it is. Moments later another deafening crack lances from the sky striking somewhere just beyond the boulder.
In moments my walk has turned from excitement and expectation into worry. I've heard too many stories of hikers being caught in electrical storms and being struck by lightening. Large drops of rain start to splatter around me and the air smells of ozone as another blinding, crackling fork arcs earthward.
What can I do? I certainly can't try and walk back while this storm is on. But I'm stuck in the open. There is no place to hide. I am in terrible danger of being struck. I'm in danger if I stay and I'm in danger if I walk.
The intensity of the storm is building rapidly. The rain is now beginning to pour and a wind is ripping down the ravine.
"My life is such a damn mess!" I shout at the dark sky. "Can't anything go right for me! Yes Lord, punish me some more. Come on, punish me. You obviously are enjoying it!"
My shouts are drowned out by the wind and the deafening roar of thunder. In moments I'm drenched as the driving rain lances into me, mocking my puny insults.
I slip in the muddy river that is rapidly forming in the path as I attempt to find shelter beneath the large boulder before me. I spot a small gap between the boulder and where it is lodged against the ravine wall. I manage to slither in on my stomach and find a small cavity where I try and sit. The top of head is pressed against the gigantic boulder causing me to be stooped. My knees are drawn up and I'm sitting in muddy water. But at least I'm partially protected from the storm that is now raging out of control. I hug my legs for warmth. I sit and wait.
The storm, the exhausting hike, the stress of the last few months finally catch up with me. Despite the most unlikely, uncomfortable of spots, I fall asleep.
5:12 pm, Saturday, 27 April
I start awake and hit my head on something hard.
"Where am I?" It takes a moment for me to realize. The storm must have stopped. "How long have I been asleep?" I glance at my watch - 5:12.
I am about to crawl back out of the little alcove under the rock when I notice that my entry is blocked. More rubble and sticks have washed down the sides of the ravine and lodged against the boulder.
This is getting better and better by the moment. What a place to die. Trapped beneath a rock where no one will think to look for me. As I feel the panic starting to rise in me I kick frenziedly at the blockage. However I don't have enough room to exert sufficient force. The blockage does not budge.
I try again.
And again.
And again.
And again…"Please Lord," I cry.
Words come to me. Maybe words I once heard. Maybe just the words of a dying desperate person.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalms 40:1-2)
Maybe just words!
Eventually I slump back. The blockage has not budged. I swivel around to see if I can find some other way out. I notice a dim light shining through a gap just above and to the left of me. I edge towards it. It feels like I'm being crushed by this huge rock as the small hole narrows even further. What if the rock shifts in the rain?
I'm forced to take shallow breaths as I now slither on my stomach towards the light. I can feel the panic worsening as a rising sense of claustrophobia closes in on me. This is not working. With the light within reach, this rocky tunnel is narrowing, squeezing the life and all hope out of me. A fitting, ironic metaphor of my life. So close to grabbing the prize Malo…so close, but you’ll never get it!
"Is there no God?" I silently ask.
After a few moments my resolve somehow renews. Digging my hands into small crevices in the rock to drag me forward I continue to slowly inch toward the light. My nails tear as they scrabble to pull my weight forward. My shirt rips off as the rock above and stony ground below conspire together to tear it away. My shorts are in tatters. My breathing is labored in this narrow grave. A fitting hole for a crazy person to finally end.
Yet just before I finally give in, the space suddenly widens slightly. My breathing eases and with hope I make a final effort to reach the light. With all my remaining strength I pull and kick and finally scramble out of my tomb.
I lift my weary head and look up.
I am stunned by what I see!
"Where am I?" It takes a moment for me to realize. The storm must have stopped. "How long have I been asleep?" I glance at my watch - 5:12.
I am about to crawl back out of the little alcove under the rock when I notice that my entry is blocked. More rubble and sticks have washed down the sides of the ravine and lodged against the boulder.
This is getting better and better by the moment. What a place to die. Trapped beneath a rock where no one will think to look for me. As I feel the panic starting to rise in me I kick frenziedly at the blockage. However I don't have enough room to exert sufficient force. The blockage does not budge.
I try again.
And again.
And again.
And again…"Please Lord," I cry.
Words come to me. Maybe words I once heard. Maybe just the words of a dying desperate person.
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalms 40:1-2)
Maybe just words!
Eventually I slump back. The blockage has not budged. I swivel around to see if I can find some other way out. I notice a dim light shining through a gap just above and to the left of me. I edge towards it. It feels like I'm being crushed by this huge rock as the small hole narrows even further. What if the rock shifts in the rain?
I'm forced to take shallow breaths as I now slither on my stomach towards the light. I can feel the panic worsening as a rising sense of claustrophobia closes in on me. This is not working. With the light within reach, this rocky tunnel is narrowing, squeezing the life and all hope out of me. A fitting, ironic metaphor of my life. So close to grabbing the prize Malo…so close, but you’ll never get it!
"Is there no God?" I silently ask.
After a few moments my resolve somehow renews. Digging my hands into small crevices in the rock to drag me forward I continue to slowly inch toward the light. My nails tear as they scrabble to pull my weight forward. My shirt rips off as the rock above and stony ground below conspire together to tear it away. My shorts are in tatters. My breathing is labored in this narrow grave. A fitting hole for a crazy person to finally end.
Yet just before I finally give in, the space suddenly widens slightly. My breathing eases and with hope I make a final effort to reach the light. With all my remaining strength I pull and kick and finally scramble out of my tomb.
I lift my weary head and look up.
I am stunned by what I see!