| |
|
Hello, Fellow Hikers!
I am writing to share my experience on the great Mount LeConte. I began my
adventure on the cool, cloudy morning of July 29th. It was my dad's idea. He is
in his 50's, and I, being the "health nut" that I can be,
was very impressed with his commitment to make the 14 mile hike round trip in
one day.
My husband and I, along with my dad and cousin's wife, Christy, set off with our
backpacks and a great deal of pride as we left other sedentary family members
behind.
I am not writing to tell you of our adventures on the trail or the beauty it
holds. I am writing to tell you about the adventure within the hiker himself
along the way.
Let me explain...
My dad loves the mountains and is a native of East Tennessee. Growing up we made
several trips, always searching for bears and spotting "love bug" cars
and tallying license plates from different states. The trips were less exciting
as I became a teenager, and I could think of a million better things to do with
my time than seek out a Chevy-Chase style family vacation. Parents were no
longer cool and the mountains impeded the
social calendar of a "sophisticated" teen. Parent's ideas were cheesy
and annoying, and there was no wonder in the mountain apart from the ghastly
idea that someone would venture where there was no toilet paper, phone, or MTV.
As I grew into my 20's, my ideas about my dad and the mountains began to change
again. At 31, as I climbed the jagged path, I rediscovered the wonder of the
mountains and of my dad. We laughed when we slipped on
slick rocks, splashed in the mud, and looked up to feel the full effect of the
cool rain on our sweaty faces. We shared embarrassment when we took pictures of
ourselves at Rainbow Falls and then realized our mistake when finding the real
Rainbow Falls a mile or so later. We gave a few "are we there yet's"
when the trail became steeper and we knew the top was around each sharp bend. We
said an "Ahhhh" when we found the quiet, simple cabins hidden just
below the mountain's proud peak. We shared water and peanuts until it was gone
and began groaning as there was none left and pointed rocks pierced through our
tennis shoes as we stumbled down the mountain (Yes, I would highly recommend
hiking boots.) We shared a sigh of relief in finding the car and now share the
aches of sore calf muscles, creaky knees, and tender toe blisters.
What's best is that we shared. It's the power of the mountain and the beauty of
Mount LeConte. It's where you find yourself finding - well, yourself.
So, pack up, lace up, and get up. There is something waiting for you on that
mountain. Something the lowlands can't show you and the valley won't reveal. The
secret is up, up, up.
Keep climbing.
Sincerely,
Regina Forehand
Batesville, Arkansas
Proud daughter, friend, and fellow hiker of Eddie R. Cox
