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When Climbing Towards a Big Goal…
Be prepared to lose a little elevation.
When I was young my mother enrolled me in a two-week-long camp for teens. I think it was more for her sanity than for my entertainment. Part of the trip involved climbing Mount Yamnuska, which is not a gargantuan mountain, but sizeable with the summit at an elevation of 7350 ft. The mountain is clearly identifiable when driving by on a nearby busy highway as it has a stunning sheer rock wall face. The unique rockface formation has the appearance of a man sleeping on his back, which further adds to the incredible silhouette of the mountain. Although the formidable rock face is challenging for technical climbers the accent can be made in sturdy running shoes when approached from the backside; this is the route our group took.
It turns out our guide never had the intention of reaching the summit, instead our goal was an upper viewpoint, which, while not at the top of the mountain, provided an incredible view. When we reached this upper point, at the maximum elevation of our hike, I poked my head out over the upper ridge to look straight down the harrowing cliff face of the mountain. The feeling of being that high up, with no ropes or safety equipment, wind rushing around my ears, is one I will never forget. The surge of adrenaline I felt as I dangled my head over a 500-foot cliff was an absolutely…
