Ever set out for a fun day, and twists and turns create a defining experience? 

While it was the dead of winter in New Hampshire, the sun gleamed, the skies were blue, and the air was fresh and crisp. Ironically, the day was perfect temperature, not too cold or warm. A perfect day to be in the mountains. 

We divided into two teams to climb the mountain, a mix of ice climbing. 

As we traversed and ascended, we moved much more slowly than anticipated. The terrain, which was difficult to navigate, eventually brought us off route. The one thing we did know was to keep ascending, as there was only one top/peak. From there, we can find the hiking trail down. 

The climb turned into a bushwhack, moving through pine tree branches, around rocks, up ice banks. Each pitch took longer than expected. A pitch is the top length. At times, we used ropes; other times, we free soloed. At one point, the sketchy terrain and potential slip required slow, precise movements. 

While we started the day shortly after sunrise, our slow movements and the off-route caused significant time delays. The sun was slowly disappearing. We started to ration our day’s food and water. We still needed to hike out once we hit the top. 

At the end of each pitch, we carefully plotted our next movements. Navigating in uncertainty, yet fully knowing ascending up was the only way and fastest way out. Inner strength became the flame within. There was never fear. Only what’s the next step and the steps of movements to take. Keep moving is always the best option when the temps are dropping and the sun disappears. 
The beauty of the twilight setting in, is that the full moon was rising. At 5 pm that day, sunset was wintertime, and we had made it to the very top. We laughed and giggled on what the day brought forward. 

What should have been a 5 hour day turned into 12 hours plus. 

The harsh, changing conditions, and varied terrain test your inner core. The smallest of doubts  and fears can creep in and disturb your focus. 

Inner strength and perseverance will guide you out of any situation. Lead from your heart. Our higher selves always knows what to do. 

The full moon illuminated our way out of the darkness of the night. The full moon was so bright shining through the leafless trees that we didn’t even need headlamps.