7/30/17 Rainier

July 31, 2017

Poised to climb a mountain, we geared up and galloped out into the day.

Smack in the middle of a fruitful valley we were bombarded with signs for growers large and small. Cherries were the main sell and not being able to resist them any longer, we pulled over. Just from the cooler, the Raniers were cold and juicy. We entertained ourselves through the rest of the dry heat by scarfing down the cherries and spitting the seeds into the wind. So fitting that we demolished the Rainier cherries on the way to Mt. Rainier!

Route 12 took us along the Natches River where fishermen stood waist deep, angling the waters for trout. An increase in elevation brought trees and refreshing air as we swerved our way upward. A glance over my shoulder caught a white peak. Miles later, Rainier deigned to make another, more open appearance. Flirting with us for miles, this volcanic giant loomed larger at every turn. And we weren't even in the park yet!

My "Granny Pass" to the National Parks got us a free ride, as we entered the park at Stevens Canyon. Here the road narrowed and the paper clip turns came hot and heavy. We were on a constant roller coaster. Jules' keen eye for a picnic table found us in solitude on a knoll, tree hidden from the road below. As we ate our lunch, we talked about bears and pretended we weren't nervous.

Then we met Rainier face to face. Again, each bend brought us closer, on a day so clear you felt like you could reach out and touch him. The only flaw in the view was one white cloud that circled around the peak, reminding us that this is a volcano and could become active at any time, like his sister down the road.

The descent was filled with convolutions and wildflowers; pinks, yellows and purples blooming at every hook into a switchback. We took the southern route of the park through Paradise, and yes it was. So many peeks at the white face of Rainier kept us focused as dense firs filled in the gaps.

Riding out, we headed toward Morton, our hitch up for the night, as another brilliant day faded into a memory. Sometimes the memories blur; so many mountains, so many roads. But then, like an old time flash bulb, something triggers that one moment that we haven't thought about in years, and we fill in the blanks together, reliving another moment on our long strange journey together.