I Climbed Mt. St. Helens!

It was intense and I was exhausted, but I didn't give in and I forged on ahead until the weather conditions became too much and then, with a feeling of great accomplishment, I went back down the mountain (proud).

I can't say it started off very well. It was hot/humid and before we even broke out from the trail leading out to the mountain, I was already winded, sweating and wondering if this was such a good idea. And it wasn't just straight snow climb either... There were rocks to climb as well making for an even more interesting adventure.

My pace was slower than the group and it seemed I needed more rest stops than the others. The mental (not so much the physical) challenge had begun. But something different happened this year, every time I started to have worry or feel doubt creeping in, I remembered Lynn's words of wisdom - "take it one step at a time. Go your pace." I began to settle back down only to begin stressing out each time Doug, the lead guide would stop the group and indicate we needed to have a quicker pace.

Finally, about 3 1/2 hours in, the decision was made that the group would forge on at the pace they were maintaining and I would continue to climb at MY pace with Nick (one of the Portland Parks guides in our group). This was the best solution and to be honest I was very happy about it. That worry of holding the group back dissipated and Nick and I began setting 'mini goals' along each section. He kept me motivated and never rushed me. He's a phenomenal guide and I felt very blessed that he was on this climb (I first met Nick on Hood last year and he an Colin kept encouraging me every step of that climb too).

I surprised myself at times as we continued to climb. There were some goal points where I said we would need to take a long rest stop only to take a brief water and energy 'standing break'. He even sang Beatles tunes along the trek to keep my steps 'on beat'.

As the day continued, the weather seemed to begin changing and the higher we trekked, we were met by more wind, cold, ice on the mountain and even some flurries.

When we reached the end of my personal climb, we met up with fellow climber Susan and her guide who were making their way back down the mountain noting that the rest of the group was not going to make summit either. The weather continued to get pretty yucky so we made the right decision.

We began heading back down, our group met up with us and then we made our way together. Along the way, we even got in a few good glissading runs. AWESOME fun! (I gave Colin my video recorder and he go some pretty cool footage of a great run. Keep an eye out foe a YouTube link soon)

In all I am very proud of my accomplishment. I didn't outthink it and I did what Lynn said to do - go my pace.

I am so thankful for the experience, for the people I have met and the support I have received. It had been life-changing!

Thank you for coming along on this incredible journey with me!