Part 2: Hitting The Road

Kyle’s cell phone rang. He went outside to talk. I sat inside his apartment, delirious, talking to his neighbor who had brought over some excellent beer. Kyle returned and broke the news that his mother was very sick with the virus that shall not be named. His younger siblings were rushing her to the hospital back home in Arkansas. His demeanor had changed and I could sense that our plans were about to change as well.

The next morning he said he needed to fly home to Arkansas to help take care of his mom and the rest of his family. They were all sick too albeit not as severe. I knew he had to go, even as I tried to convince him to wait a couple of days. It was the right thing to do.

The audible was called and the play changed at the line. We took a little time that day to hang out and experience the city and grab some gear for me. I would take him to the airport that night and set out for Mt. Rainier on Monday. He lent me his truck and all of his camping gear. We had food already so I was set. Going solo on an adventure was no big deal, I had done it a year ago. However, driving someone else’s truck on Seattle freeways scared the hell out of me.

By the grace of God, I made it to the Park. The road up to Mowich Lake from Carbonado may have been the roughest and dustiest drive of my life as it rattled the truck and my brains… But, I made it. Mowich Lake campground - my beautiful home for the next two nights.

I stood at the truck between trips to the tent as I unloaded my gear, looked up at Mt Rainier, and said, “I cannot believe I’m really here.” The adventure was just getting started.