InsightBYg: Siyeh Pass & Good Friends

Steve's response was, "We climb Chief Mountain to get a good feel for the kids; their ability, their decision making, their drive... It helps us know how to relate, connect, and move forward".

Sounds kind of like a test - and it is - and it's a fair thing to do.

Most importantly, the kids learn about themselves. Can they make the correct decision? Do they know their limitations? Will they push on the way up, but falter on the way down? It's one thing to safely ascend the mountain. It's another to arrive back at camp safely without burdening other climbers as you descend.

Over vacation, Sarah and I visited the ranch Mallory was staying at while on Summer Project with Campus Crusade and its Nations program. The Nations program attempts to understand and connect with Native Americans. Mallory is minoring in Native American Studies. It's become a passion for her. This particular Summer Project is focused on the Blackfeet in Browning, Montana. It was the fourth summer and the ministry is starting to see fruit.

Steve, one of the volunteer leaders, shared his insights with us. He's been hiking and climbing in Glacier National Park for over 15 years. His first marathon was the Death Valley Badwater UltraMarathon. He's a bit extreme. Highly likeable - and inspirational - but extremely driven. Each year, he leads the Chief Mountain climb early in the 5-week long Summer Project. I had asked why they climbed Chief. His response surprised me. I was expecting more of a "because it's there" answer.

We joined the Summer Project group for a day hike in Glacier. Steve really pushed hard for his favoirte trail, Siyeh Pass. It's a 10.3 mile long hike that gains over 2000' of elevation and then descends over 3000' to the trail head at Sunrift Gorge. It's his favorite "short" hike in the park. You experience forest, treeline, a beautiful mountain pass, and flower-filled meadows. It has it all!

It's easy to reflect while hiking. As you climb the many switchbacks to reach Siyeh Pass, you start to question yourself; "Can I push harder?", "It's not a race, just slow down", "How can these young kids (granted they're all 19-21 years old) be kicking my tail on this climb?", "Why am I doing this?".

Each and every day we make decisions. Life decisions. Work decisions. Decisions lead to consequences - both positive and negative. It seems like the negative consequences always get all the focus. Human nature, I guess. Shame on us for not focusing on the positive.

We achieved our positive success by completing the Siyeh Pass trail. For Sarah and me, it was one of our vacation highlights. Along the way we made some life-long friends. Steve & Cynthia, Mike & Julie, Doug & Karen and Wes & Summer. Great people! They impacted Mallory's life -and, I'm happy to say, they impacted our lives too. I trust we impacted their lives as well. Best of all, we were able to be with Mallory doing something she loves. What a gift to observe and share in. Her competence and confidence is truly a blessing.

Enjoy some of the pics from the hike.