I am a part of the climb team that is raising funds for Washington's National Parks Fund in partnership with the world-class Alpine Ascents International. The culmination of our fundraising efforts will be a thrilling 3-day summit attempt of the iconic peak of Mt. Rainier in August 2024. The proceeds will contribute to search and rescue operations, trail and meadow restoration efforts, and other critical projects to improve visitor experiences and preserve the rugged and spectacular beauty of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.

Like many others who love wandering in the wilderness, I am looking for myself and I'm on my longest journey - the journey inward - whether it is skiing in glades or on groomers, running or hiking on trails, or climbing mountains. For many, the wilderness is the medicine for the body, mind, and soul. There is no other place we feel more alive and awake, and more human, than in the wilderness. It keeps us humble. It teaches us prudence and boldness. It teaches us a life lesson – that it is possible to have the best time in the most challenging conditions.

Standing tall at 14,410 feet, Tahoma (Mt. Rainier as we know it) is the highest volcanic peak and the most glaciated volcano in the contiguous United States. With a sea of magma in its belly, over two dozen ancient glaciers, endless snowfields and icefields, ancient forests, and vast meadows, it feeds vital river systems that support entire ecosystems and a large human population. For millennia, the native peoples had a deep connection to the mountain and revered her as the great mother who nourishes. Naturalist Charles Landis said of the mountain: "The soul that does not respond to a feeling of reverence upon gazing at the great mountain is indeed dead. It fills souls with peace and makes us walk in humility."

Can we take a moment to unplug from our busy daily grind, think about the wonder we have in our backyard, and do our small part to help protect it? For us. For our children. For those yet to come.

Thank you for supporting Washington's national parks.

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"Where must we go, we who wander this wasteland in search of our better selves?" - Madmax: Fury Road

"One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between Man and Nature shall not be broken." - Leo Tolstoy

"There are two kinds of climbers: Those who climb because their heart sings when they're in the mountains, and all the rest." - Alex Lowe, the renowned mountaineer

"It's not about being an adrenaline junkie. It’s about putting yourself out there and finding out what you’re truly made of. See what you can learn about yourself. See how those experiences can broaden your life in surprising ways. - Strength from the top of the mountain (Kim Kircher, Washington State's first female ski patrol director, Crystal Mountain.)

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