Above timberline, flowers abound, and sunshine highlights lush grasses. Higher up, barren rock features patches of snow. Ant-sized human figures with red coats or yellow hats can be made out on the trail. We are high enough in elevation that we are feeling oxygen deprived and are moving in s.l.o.w. motion, each step taking considerable effort. We succumb to a drumbeat:
climb a few vertical feet – rest pounding heart
climb a few vertical feet – rest pounding heart
Finally, looking straight up and southerly, we see Redcloud Peak – though it’s still a long way off. Hates-Red-Tape (see previous blog, Climbing Redcloud), a bit agitated – just wishes to be on top of the world, already, but Loves-to-Bike relishes each moment of the challenge. We turn around to note our progress and are astounded at the unbelievable mountains enshrouding us. To the west we pick out Handies Peak, book-ended by lower peaks, and to the north, Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks are beginning to emerge. The view grabs my heart, stills me. Hates-Red-Tape relieved for the moment.
The trail takes hair pin turns, one after another, until it crests out onto a ridgeline that connects Redcloud to another peak to the east. A fierce wind on the narrow ridge reinforces the fact that there is a steep drop-off in either direction. The drumbeat now in the background, a sense of reverence prevails. Life feels so present and sings out – my pores sigh an invincible-vulnerable-mysterious-conscious awe.
We head up a lower portion of the final ascent, but first sink back into navigating more scree – chunky, sharp gray rock in thick deposits on a very steep slope and back to the drumbeat… The monotony of navigating scree momentarily obscures the Song of Life – angular obstacles now, front and center. Hates-Red-Tape questions why people climb mountains and registers a whiny, too many obstacles. Loves-to-Bike consoles her with I know it seems difficult, but it’ll be worth it.
Suddenly, Redcloud Peak, is tangibly in front of us. Now on less angular, smaller rock, with renewed energy we pick up the pace, make more hairpin turns, and at last, arrive at the summit. Camp Buddy and I give a celebratory high-five and circle around the 360 degrees of wonder. We pick out known peaks and observe unknown peaks, taking it all in, Life – vivid and fully awake again. Loves-to-Bike lives for moments like this and naturally Hates-Red-Tape feels a sense of relief. We don’t stay long, less than 10-minutes, as the wind howls and ominous clouds brew.
Hungry and thirsty, we retrace our footsteps, the hairpin turns, and the scree – lunch delayed until we get below that enormous wind at the ridgeline. Finally, a couple of inviting boulders offer a respite for lunch (Camp Buddy’s delicious, though-by-now-squashed sandwiches). Squashed or not, I manage to devour everything in mere minutes. As we enjoy the scenery from a new perspective, Hates-Red-Tape mentions loud enough to hear – that was a lot of work for only a 10-minute view. But Loves-to-Bike encourages: As in life, there will always be obstacles, mountain climbing reminds us of those obstacles – and trains us how to respond to them. The point is not so much to be at the top of the mountain – the icing on the cake, but to empower to overcome the obstacles so you can have a taste of the icing.
Author’s Note: Hates-Red-Tape and Loves-to-Bike are considered ego states or more simply, parts. We all have many parts. Ego state work or parts work involves acknowledging the parts of ourselves, and working with them so they become integrated. This will bring about harmony. I am currently working towards Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) certification with Jessica Downs, an EMDR-certified therapist and consultant, of Live Well Counseling Center (livewellcounselingcenter.com), who is teaching me about parts.
