I’m standing halfway up the mountain
Slowly making an ascend
At 11,000 feet
Gaining 6 miles over 5 hours
I’m this close, I can feel it
Doggedly hiking to reach the peak of the mountain
Finally nearing the end
The last painstaking hour
Me, still steadfastly trekking
My sore, aching legs stagger along carrying me
After all of my suffering and struggles,
Losing half of my lunch,
Hefting a 30 pound bag
I slowly edge closer, and closer, up the mountain
I see it...
I see the gigantic lake
Purified by nature
Majestic...
Reflecting the glory of the surrounding mountains
I am in awe of this sight- to see and bask in
Embracing the great lake with my own eyes
Made the whole trip worth it
Teaching perseverance from the aches in my feet to the ache in my head
But I sought and I conquered, with my family
This is what hiking is all about