Day 54 - Connections
- Aug 19, 2017
- 4 min read
To be honest, I am typing this on Day 55. (and it is the third time I am typing this due to computer issues. If you are reading this, the 3rd time has, indeed, been the charm) I was without cell service for 24 hours. After I post the pictures, you'll be able to see why (and why I did not much mind). What you are about to read is what I wrote last night (Friday).
This is one of those days that I have to start at the beginning...but not until I tell you where I am. In Ohanapecosh Campground in Mt. Rainier National Park, under pine trees that reach to the sky with the river below, rushing over the rocks, providing the perfect background in which to fall asleep.
The day started out with who got to shower first, then which hike to take, or when to take the gondola to view Mt. Rainier, now or later... We took a break for breakfast, and, of course, there were new people for Beatrice to meet! : ) (For those who know me well, my people skills pale in comparison to Beatrice's!) Before I knew it, the question of the day, "Are you running in the race?" had uncovered someone who grew up in Jonathan's hometown and someone else who used to workout and run with my brother-in-law in Michigan! I am sure those stories are not over yet!
After breakfast, it was decided that we would head to the top of the mountain and enjoy some hiking up there before lunch. We rode up with some who were running the race. I asked what percentage actually ran, rather than hiked or walked. In their estimation, it was about 20%. That seemed consistent with the comments we heard from those we had met last night and this morning.
Our hike was pleasant and quite short compared to the racers'. But the last 1/2 mile shared the same path as one of the legs of the race. 5-year-old Evelyn was cheering on the racers and even running and walking along with them for the last few yards to get them up the hill. Beatrice also noticed someone laboring and offered to let her use her walking sticks for the last stretch. Melissa gladly accepted the generous gift. When we saw her again at the finish line, her pain and exhaustion was replaced by a smile and a thank-you! Pretty amazing to be a part of the spectacle.
We stayed a bit longer to cheer on those who were finishing that portion, then headed to the restaurant. We made it just in time to watch a table of 20 welcome their friend to a surprise birthday party. Once again, Beatrice and Evelyn somehow made friends with the group which encouraged Tom to deliver some special gifts to our table. He and his wife make small button-sized hearts to hand out to people they meet to remind them, "of the love they have been to others".
On a side note to this point, I will keep this heart as a reminder of the love that has been shown to me throughout this summer. I have been the guest of honor everywhere I've been. I thank God for all of you that have been apart of this experience, whether I have seen you in person or not!
On the way down from the mountain, we met more racers. Beatrice had something in common with them, too, of course! : )
It was time to leave and take the very scenic route out of the resort and toward the campground. With a running commentary on the geography and the history of the area, we played, "I went camping, and I brought...apples, bananas, cars, dachshunds, earplugs, feathers, gasoline, hats, ice cream, jars, ketchup, "luv you baby", mattress, nutella, "oh!", pajamas, quail, "ar-ar" (you know, the sound a seal makes!), sneeze, turnips, umbrellas, vests, water, x-rays, you, and zippers!" As you can imagine, the game got long for Evelyn.
The campsite is amazing. I already told you about it. I think I might decide to stay here indefinitely!
Like mother, like daughter - Evelyn found a friend. (Although I'm pretty sure it was the friend that found Evelyn.) The friend came with a mom and a dad. AND, following the theme for the day: the dad works for the woman who sold her house to Beatrice, Jonathan, and Evelyn! We found this out while chatting during the traditional making-of-the-s'mores.
Now, I lie here, sifting through the day's events, realizing that tomorrow I'll be in Seattle, the last town on my list. Someone asked me again, "What has been the best part of your trip?" Today's answer is, "It just keeps getting better!" Each new day and new experience is another reminder of how connected we all are. The things we have in common and the life that we share: a person, an experience, a story, a day, not matter what it is, it is ours, not mine or yours. Of the many memories I will take away from this summer, the connections will be at the top of the list.
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