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World-shaking
~ Solo Trek of Rampart Ridge ~
Sept. 12, 2001
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From Rampart Ridge © Ken J. McLeod
Somewhat distraught and angered
over the recent terrorist acts (Sept. 11th) upon our country and
it's people as well as against freedom and democracy, I decided
to head into the world that I know, love and feel safer in .....
at least in a realm I feel more confortable in ..... the realm of
alpine lakes and mountains. So over Snoqualmie Pass I drove, then
went up the Gold Creek area and hiked the way trail with day pack
on .....only the birds made noise as I traveled. Soon, I was
standing on the shores of Laura. There, about 6 merganser ducks
spooked from the shore out into the lake. After taking some
photos, I decided to climb one of the cliff cracks above the
lake, rather than backtrack up the way trail to the Lillian Lake
Trail. Several cracks were tried without success, so I settled on
the far right crack, one which eventually led me up to the
Lillian outlet. From Lillian, I climbed the ridge to the right
and then climbed the surrounding peak knobs. The day heat was
almost unbearable, it had to be in the 80s up there! Ate
blueberries as I went. Through the pass to the Beaver Puss pots I
wandered sighting bear crap here and there. The blueberry brush
was painted red, and the crimson gold colors of grasses and
heather turned the mountain a beautiful fall glow. Even the scrub
mountain ash berries were painted a brilliant red. And nowhere
did I hear the voice of other men. I was completely alone!
Across the mountain (Rampart Ridge) I trudged to Rampart Lakes,
still eating blueberries as I went to help quench the thirst.
Soon, I stood at the shores of the Ramparts tired and feeling
spent. After relaxing a bit, I then climbed back up to the ridge
where more photos were had of the lake and that of Rachel
Lake and Alta Mtn. to beyond.
"What a grand view!" And in the moments while I
lingered, I said a brief prayer for those who lost their lives
yesterday in New York City from the terrorist attack, and a tiny
tear rolled down my cheek. When I go into the mountains and into
the open spaces of the natural world, it is my temple ..... it is
the oldest temple in the world ..... one where I feel more
comfortable in than walking down a city street.
Alas, I turned around and headed back from whence I came. I took
a swim down back at Lillian to cool off. It felt odd being there
at times, especially with no jet sounds coming from the sky, as
we know they were all grounded. I saw nobody the entire day and I
wondered if the world I had left behind was still there and
intact? Upon reaching my vehicle, I turned on the radio to learn
the world or at least civilization was still there.......
KJM
(McPilchuck)
all rights resevered