Into Thinner Air

I fell in love with this place when Shawn and I went on this hike for the first time last year. Back then I was strongly inclined to call it my favorite, but we had not covered all of the trail and the weather had only partially opened up. Now I know for sure, this hike is my top pick. Here are a few reason why: Even before you get out of your car, you are surrounded by majestic views. You really could just have a picnic right there, but after a 2 hr drive we had sat on our butts long enough. As we looked around at these rugged peaks from our parking lot vantage point; we would not have imagined that after 5 hrs, we would have been at a much better vantage point; one where we could look over and beyond these peaks.

This is what was beyond the first peaks, an endless sea of endless peaks.

Just like with everything else in life, you must take one step at time and enjoy the journey.

We were not the only ones that were drawn to the "solitude" of the mountains. A beautiful Saturday can transform the remote North Cascade National Park into a crowd magnet.

However, the crowds and the air got proportionally thinner the higher we went and we were greeted by a different kind of population.

Our first view of Sahale Peak and the glacier. Shortly after we spotted some very small dots far off on the distant glacier. Those dots were people. That was our destination, we just didn't know it though. We only wanted to make it to the campsites, oblivious to the fact that they were at the end of the trail at 7.600 feet.

We just kept on going and enjoying each others company.

Appreciating the unique rock formations

Looking west.

Taking in the views.

And eventually there we were!

OK, maybe it wasn't just like that. It took some effort and energy. It took a chocolate bar bribe to encourage Nolan to clamber up the last 500 feet. It took some breaks, food, lots of water and rest. However, the experience we shared with our son is something I will not take back.