The 10 Essentials

Today we went to Mount Rainier National Park.

It was breathtakingly beautiful. One of the most incredible places I've seen with my own eyes.

A few facts about the park and Mount Rainier:

1. Mount Rainier National Park is the 5th oldest national park

2. The park covers 378 square miles

3. Mount Rainier is 14,410 feet high

4. The mountain is a dormant volcano

5. Only half of those who attempt to climb to the peak ever reach their goal

We did not attempt to climb to the top of Mount Rainier, but we tackled some lower-level hiking. As we drove through the park, searching for our trailhead, Mom entertained us by reading through the "10 Essentials" list.

It went something like this:

Mom: Map of the area. Oh, good. We've got that. Compass...Chuck, do we have a compass?
Dad: No, we don't.
Mom: Extra food and water.
Jess: Check!
Mom: No extra clothing. Or emergency shelter. Or first aid kit...or flashlights!
(Chuckles from Dad and Jess)
Mom: Sunglasses and sunscreen. You can all thank mom for remembering something on the essentials list. Numbers nine and ten. Nope, we don't have those either.
Dad: 3 out of 10. We're not very prepared, are we?
(More chuckles)

Turns out all of the things listed were not required for our hike. We hiked about 3.5 miles in about 2 hours today. I loved it!

I have decided to make my own "10 Essentials" list in case you ever find yourself in Mount Rainier National Park.

1. Take your time enjoying the sights along the way to the trails. It takes a long time just to drive to the visitor center, so enjoy it.

2. Take pictures at all the look-outs. You can never have too many photos. I love digital!

3. Don't get stuck behind a paint striper truck on a two-lane road (he wasn't even painting!)

4. Watch for wildlife - we saw a fawn today, but no bears!

5. Take breaks to stop and enjoy the beauty around you during your hike (you might need a break anyway!)

6. Smile even when the altitude is killing your lungs

7. Enjoy your company

8. Create a motto. Ours was, "Put one foot in front of the other." We also did some Lamaze breathing exercises at one point. 

9. On your way out, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant just outside the park. (Yum!)

10. Tell all the people traveling the opposite way on the trail that it's not too much further to the top. It's a lie, but it'll keep them moving. (At least, I'm guessing that's what the couple who told us that little farce was thinking.)

A few more photos from today: