False Summits

Team at summit!

Wind River Range, WY

        Several nights ago I was thinking about the length of this current journey.  To be frank, it’s beginning to be quite long.  While preparing for bed, I briefly considered the mental toll this seemingly slow process is beginning to take.  A picture of a false summit immediately came to my mind.  False summits are points on a mountain that appear to be the top but as you climb closer it becomes noticeable that the summit you thought was directly before you is not the final summit.  Depending on the mountain sometimes you know there will be a false summit and you are looking for it while other times you’re not aware until you get right on top of it.  

I recalled various “false summits” I’ve come up against on mountains.  One was in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, as a student on a six week backpacking course.  One of the technical mountains (meaning we needed helmets, ice axes, ropes, special spiky shoes called crampons, and other equipment) we climbed had at least one false summit.  I was struggling big time with asthma and what we found out much later to be parasites.  Needless to say, the false summit on that peak was a gigantic disappointment!

My first 14,000 foot peak was Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest mountain.  It’s well documented that this 14er has a false summit.  Unlike the other one, I was prepared and even waiting for it.  I’m not going to pretend it still didn’t stink!  Mountains aren’t exactly a walk in the park, especially for people with asthma!  BUT is was sure easier when I was mentally prepared.

To me, that word picture could not be more perfect to describe where I’m at now.

There have been so many false summits since February 3rd.  Initially I was told I’d be recovered in 6 weeks.  Then I was told full recovery in 3 months, 4 months, 6 months...12 months.  The same with a job: 6 weeks, June, September, August, sometime in the fall.

I found myself thinking how different my mental attitude would be had I known initially it could take 6 months or more.  Seriously, and what’s with the doctor who said “Back to full time work in six weeks”?  I wasn’t even on drugs yet at that point but perhaps he was?!

Even so, the thing about a false summit is whether you’re expecting it or not, you just keep going.  One foot in front of the other.  Going forward.

The mental focus up to that point doesn’t matter.  It’s how you choose to continue the journey up the mountain.  The path would only be longer, more taxing, and more tiring if you dwell, gripe, mope, and grumble.  So you choose.  Choose to enjoy the scenery.  Choose to keep breathing - literally!  Choose to smile.  Choose to keep conversation.  Choose to ignore your screaming limbs and burning feet.  And finally....arrive.

It’s about that time I start digging deep for songs to sing (silently if need be!) and scriptures to spur me and others on to the summit.  Right now, that’s exactly what I’m doing!  Lots and lots of singing and digging in the scriptures.  Because I’m ready to reach that final summit but it’s still questionable whether there are false summits ahead.  So I’m choosing.  Choosing to keep fighting the mental and emotional toll.  Choosing to call in my army of friends and say help I need some encouragement here.  Choosing to worship my God and thank Him for unseen and seen things!   

Rappelling down surrounded by stunning views!

Just before or after the false summit 

Writing in the log on the summit.
Unfortunately we were engulfed in clouds!