Reflection Paper

After three hours of of hiking what felt like a vertical slope, the top of Mount Haystack was right in front of me. I knew that I could keep pushing through because I had suffered so much worse before. I wasn’t about to let this mere incline prevent me from reaching the top. I powered through the aching muscles and throbbing knees, while ignoring the sharp radiating pain in my calves. After what felt like forever, I was standing 5260 ft above the sea and taking in a spectacular view. When I glanced to my left, I realized I wasn’t quite at the top, I still had two more peaks to go before I’d reach the top of Lafayette. So after a few minutes of rest I got started on the rest of the hike.

Pine needles and underbrush crunched underfoot as I climbed uphill on the mountainside. The forest canopy acted as a strainer, blocking all but the most lucky rays of sunlight. Sweat rappelled down my face and jumped off the tip of my nose, falling to the soft earth. My body commanded me to stop, to rest, to give up. For days I had already hiked and camped among the Blue Ridge Mountains with no sense of accomplishment, and I hungered for satisfaction. Rain and constant change in elevation broke my spirit, and encouraged me to go home. I felt as if nature itself taunted me, pushing me to give up. It became my worst enemy.

“Over here!” Lori called to her friend, Kayla as she was trudging below the blazing hot Arizona sun. After looking up and seeing Lori, Kayla shouted “Coming!” while jogging happily to greet her best friend. Both girls were looking forward to this get together because they were planning on hiking a new trail through the beautiful desert mountains. “I am so excited!” Kayla exclaimed once Lori caught up to Kayla. Carrying small filled bags with a couple granola bars, water, a hat, a couple of bandages and some sunscreen, you could see the anticipation in their eyes for this fun adventure! Although they didn’t do much research on this trail, they were thrilled for the trip ahead.

On June 15, 2013, six weeks prior to climbing Mount Rainier’s Inter Glacier and Emmons Glacier to Camp Schurman (9,450’) on the east side, Tim and I hiked from Paradise (5,400’) via the Muir snowfield to Camp Muir (10,188’) located on the south side. The idea was to replicate similar hiking conditions with a full weighted camp pack, ascend 4,800’ and camp overnight to acclimate to the high altitude. We bunkered down early inside our tent around 7:35 P.M. only to be awakened at midnight by the soft chatter of enthusiastic voices as several climbing parties prepared for their departure for Washington’s grandest summit. Approximately one hour later, the unmistaken crunching sound of crampons meeting the mountain’s cold icy surface would drown

My phone hit the floor when travel companion and sweepstakes winner Jack Johnston invited me on an all-expenses-paid Mount Logan expedition from Explorer. As avid climbers, this was the opportunity we’ve been training for but assumed was years within reach. Suddenly, it was right in front of us. Within 48 hours we were driving to Kluane National Park and Reserve with a box of granola and truck full of gear.

The soaring sandstone cliffs never cease to amaze me. They offer a freedom from everyday life. After being cooped up in a classroom all of January and February, I needed a break. Going to the slot canyons to the east of Zion was the perfect way to start that break. Spring break. Today my uncle Wade, older brother Tyler, and cousin Silver were going to climb cougars cliff, which is near Snow Canyon. This was the third time that I had ever gone rock climbing, so it seems reasonable to attempt the daunting 135 foot cliff. I climbed into a harness. Wade tied a double fisherman’s knot, and then the four of us approached the wall.

With the hustle and bustle of today’s world, an escape from the chaotic routine of everyday life is a welcome reprieve. Taking a hike through Mt. Mitchell state park is a journey through the senses, leaving one in a state of serenity and harmony with the planet. The relatively short trek up the mountain will erase any cares or anxieties. There are faster ways to the top; any vehicle can easily travel the road that winds gently to the top. However, it would be an injustice by not taking the footpath to the top and enjoying all that the mountain has to offer.

A collective groan of relief came from behind me as my group started up one of the last steep sections of our trail up the beautiful, Costa Rican mountain. Our guide, Riza, the mother of our mission group’s host family, gave the rest of the group a smile. “You volunteered to climb a mountain! What’d you expect?” I seemed to be the only one who was actually enjoying the rewarding exercise. The crisp mountain air and occasional breeze felt refreshing as I trudged up the path, being careful to avoid holes and wondering what sights lie ahead.

Two years ago I went to summer camp with my boy scout troop 1517 to Camp Alexander , in Colorado Springs,Colorado . I was able to go to the high adventure camp which included backpacking in the Colorado mountains for six days and then hike to the top of pikes peak. I didn’t realize that the air is thinner up in the mountains and I haven't gone on a hike in a while so everyday I was tired and worn out.

Adventurers are seeking for a new journey that is stimulating and invigorating. If they want to be spontaneous and try a daring task the trailblazers should try hiking the Barr trail. The Barr trail is well known to be one of the most difficult and strenuous trails to hike because of its dangerous conditions. “For the first time is an exhilarating experience, but being prepared is a necessity. The Trails & Open Space Coalition can't make it an easy climb for you, but maybe we can help you get prepared”(Hiking). The Barr Trail is located in Pikes Peak, Colorado. The trail is estimated to be about 12.6 miles long. The Barr trail was established by an extraordinary man by the name of Fred Barr. Barr constructed this trail with his father and it cost him about 10,000 dollars. Along the trail, Barr built the Barr camp, which is where the travelers can reside and rest for the night. To hike this trail, the madcap needs to be well assembled, thoroughly know the hazards, and be physically conditioned or he will not be able to endure the strenuous paths that lie along the trail.

The Cascade mountain air scented of fresh pine in the mild 55 degree weather as we made the short walk from our cars to the trailhead. We had worked for months previous to this, hiking our local trails every Tuesday and Thursday with an expansive hikes every Saturday. We knew that all the training had led up to the moments would soon follow, this was it . We checked and double checked our overly packed gear as we were Boy Scouts and began on our long trek ahead. The initial portion of the hike included large groves of pine and spruce trees along with small boulders and rock patches spotting the landscape. This went on for approximately one and a half miles until we reached the true base of the glorious peak we were about to summit, Mt. St.

When we were hiking up Johnson’s Peak we would stop at breakpoints and get a drink of water and the naturalists would teach us something and we would ask questions and do little experiments, or the naturalists would tell us a short story. For example, one of the experiments was was

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go hiking with some friends, and have them tell you to walk off a cliff backwards? Well, that is what happened last summer when I went camping at Capitol Reef. It was a Monday morning when my friends and I met at a neighbor's house. After everyone stuffed all their bags into the truck and grabbed their snacks we all piled in the vehicle and started off towards Capitol Reef.

Since the beginning of the semester, my writing has changed and evolved to accommodate and sustain longer essays. With longer essays, there is more room for in-depth analysis. Further analyzing a topic has led me to findings that I did not know existed. As I continue to write, I uncover addition and superior methods to approach my writing to the benefit of me and therefore, my audience. Throughout the semester, I have incorporated techniques to further my narrative throughout my writing.

When I first began this English course, I did not know what to expect, all I really knew was I would be writing essays and papers which I don't particularly enjoy. I was not as confident in my writing abilities but after the first class period had ended, I decided that my goal for the semester would be producing writing that was clear and more effective. The Eclipse of 2017 pushed the first class back, but I still had an assignment to write about the Eclipse. I don’t think I have ever been so nervous when turning something in because I wanted to make a good first impression on my professor. I immediately relaxed when she said we did not have to read our essays out loud but instead explained what freewriting is.