Mountain Top Experience

There are 40 peaks in the Southeast that are above 6000 ft in elevation. As many of you have probably figured out, I am drawn to this. Climbing each peak, with certain regulations to your hikes, earns you a spot in the “South Beyond 6000” club. Basically you get a patch and a certificate of accomplishment. I felt up to the SB6K challenge and got started this past week. Since it isn’t safe to do these things alone, Clint Ulmer is joining me on this adventure.

We set out to hike in the Roan Mountains, covering 12 miles and knocking out three peaks. Each of these peaks had a different personality. Looking back I feel like there is something I was being reminded of from each of these. Part of the SB6K for me is a journey of spiritual renewal. We often use phrases in our lives like “Mountain Top Experience” to express our relationship with God after a major event.

We got a late start on Thursday and only made it the mile and a half we needed to make it to the shelter on the Appalachian Trail we planned on staying at. The next morning, while I made some oatmeal, Clint went for firewood and ran across the marking for our first peak, Roan High Knob (6285'), turns out that we were camping within 50 yards of our first Mountain Top Experience. It was covered in trees and we couldn’t see anything really…but still a Mountain Top Experience?

We set off for our second Mountain Top Experience, Roan High Bluff (6267'). We walked along the path as the trees greeted us with ice that rested upon them during the night. Finally reaching the summit overlook we were welcomed by the innards of a white cloud blowing icy wind in our face. Clint informed me that the view is actually quite breathtaking…we just couldn’t see it because we were in a cloud…so we headed on…but still a Mountain Top Experience?

After a decent hike back to our cars we made coffee, warmed up, and decided to tackle one last Mountain Top Experience before heading home. Tired and cold we decided that the five mile round trip hike was still worth it not to have to come all the way back just for that one peak. Our third peak, Grassy Ridge Bald (6160'), didn’t have much of a view either, so we took our picture and started to make our way back…but still a Mountain Top Experience? Right?

I am reminded of Psalm 125, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people.” Often we only look for God to surround us during our Mountain Top Experiences. The mountains that surround Jerusalem surround the city, the hills, and the valleys…so the LORD surrounds His people. It would be easy for me to be upset about not seeing one good view from any of my Mountain Tops…but when the clouds opened up and I saw the rolling mountains of North Carolina, I was reminded that I don’t have to be on the peak to be surrounded by God. Everything I saw that day was beautiful…because I was surrounded by God. Look for God today…where you are.