The drive up was more peaceful than usual. The morning
commute was mostly dark but as we were driving down US 302 the sun began to
rise. This ride is famous for its direct route across the White Mountains with
peaks on both sides towering over you. As the sun started to wake, it illuminated
the peak just ahead of us with a bright pinkish orange color, and while the
others were still hidden in the morning’s night, their silhouettes made for a
serene contrast.
We started the hike at Glen Ellis Falls via the Wildcat
Ridge Trail, which was soon regretted just minutes in. The trail starts off remarkably
precipitous, rocky, and harsh. Within moments we were walking on a ledge with a
drop off to the left, which typically wouldn’t bother me but the random ice
patches undoubtingly had my nerves acting up. Although, ledge walking was nothing
compared to the monstrous chimney (two vertical rock walls at an acute angle)
we came across about 15 minutes into the hike. We had two choices; either scramble our way up
and over or head back. Without even having a chance to ponder the options
Cullen was already making his approach up. I quickly followed and when it
became too challenging for him and he became unclear of what move to make next
I was right there guiding him up. I was telling him to stay when it was too
unsafe so I could catch up and help him the next few feet, having to be
extremely cautious because one wrong move could send either of us off the cliff
just a few feet to the left.
Slowly and safely we made it to the top, and as we continued
our hike we came across an open cliff with an exceptional outlook. However, as
I approached the cliff, Cull was nowhere to be seen. I called his name, which usually
he appears so rapidly it’s like a magic trick. I called again, and again my
voice getting more and more frantic fearing that he had slipped on the ice at
the edge of the cliff. Moments later he appeared running top speeds down the
trail to get to me. He then did something he has never done for me on any of
our hikes. As I dropped to the ground, half of the reason was due to my relief;
he jumped at me placing his tiny paws on my shoulders and started to smother me
with kisses. I swear he could tell the panic in my voice and how uneasy I felt
about this treacherous climb we were on. His paws stayed on my shoulders and
his head was now pressed against mine, comforting me as I sat and welcomed the
view of Mt. Washington. The peak was completely
controlling the view once again, but this time the view was completely snow
capped. The mountain wearing the snow as a crown establishing the dominance it
has over the other mountains in the presidential range.
From that point on Cullen’s attitude changed. His guard was
up and he didn’t want to leave my side. As we pressed on, he constantly would
look back at me or stop to check in, not leaving me until I gave him a pat and
told him I was okay. The hike was nothing more than a series of steep inclines
and declines with some serious ice making it tricky for me to navigate my way
safely. Most of the time I would just follow Cullen’s lead and he would present
to me the safest way up or down, however there were times when my assistance
was needed and I did the same for him.
As we approached the summit of Wildcat D, the sun was shining
and bright, and I felt its warmth cut through the harsh cold winds this peak
was famous for. We took shelter from the wind behind a tractor as we shared
some lunch. I quickly made the decision to cut the hike sort and make our way
down the ski trails. Descending the same way we came would have been a gamble I
would have not wanted to take for either of us. Cullen’s friendship is one of
the greatest gifts in my life and I will never take advantage of his love and
dedication for me by having him push himself to the point of getting hurt.
The trails on the way down were much calmer than the one we had
ascended. Some of the trails were covered in hardened snow. Without even thinking
I grabbed Cullen and began to slide down the slope on my butt just like a
young, innocent child after a snowstorm. However, that lasted only moments and
then we were back to using our legs. As we reached the base I knew we had about
another two miles of road walking back to the car.
As we walked I realized that the mountain we just hiked was
a lot like living life. There will always be challenges, a series of ups and
downs with some slippery spots and the only way to triumph over these complications
is to keeping moving forward using the guidance of your loved ones. Although,
there is no doubt that there will be some great views on the way up, in order
to get the whole picture, to see things for what they are you must make it to
the top. This is where you find out who you are and where you find the purest
love from the most important ones in your life. Turning back brings to you
nothing more than regret and doubt. Never question your will and the will of
others; it will be the only way to reach the summit.
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