![](https://i0.wp.com/ravenandchickadee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/02-Beginning-The-Trek-IMG_0145.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Beginning the trek
There’s a lot of time for reflection when you’re hiking for four hours, with nothing but the sound of your own footsteps, and the occasional call of a raven.
At first, I kept saying aloud, “Look at that beautiful rock!” “That view is incredible!” “Can you believe how big the sky is?” And then we just fell silent, walking, breathing, observing.
![](https://i0.wp.com/ravenandchickadee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/06-Lots-Of-Climbing-IMG_1281.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Lots of climbing on the trail
![](https://i0.wp.com/ravenandchickadee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/11-Pinnacles-In-Background-IMG_0157.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Pinnacles in the background
![](https://i0.wp.com/ravenandchickadee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/15-View-From-The-Top-IMG_0172.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
View from the top
The beauty is so stunning, and so vast, that it brought me to tears. At one point, I found myself chanting quietly, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” a prayer to the miracle has allowed me to be here, embodied, walking in this beauty—for this, I am immeasurably grateful.