there were no snakes

by Amy

©Amy B Photography 2015

while I have always loved hiking…it’s become more obsessive lately.  maybe it is due to the fact that my kids are now all able to actually hike without being carried.  maybe it is because we have done a bit more exploring these last few months and I find myself wanting to see the scenic views more than the cities.  or maybe it is because I am finally realizing the flightiness of human health and don’t want to waste the blessing that being able to climb a mountain is.

whatever it may be, I have a desire to sweat profusely, climb higher and breath deeper in this amazing beauty of an earth that God has gifted us.

and today, I was able to enjoy it with one of my favorite people in the whole wide world.  because she is in the same state as me (which is basically the same as the planets ALL aligning and then proceed to play a game of leap frog) and because we have awesome husbands and families to watch over our six collective children, we were able to hike Rattlesnake Ledge.  alone but together.

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©Amy B Photography 2015

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I recently heard an experienced hiker say, “Don’t be disappointed by false peaks.  Keep going and don’t tire until you find the peak and the view you were expecting, even if it is off the trail and you have to work really hard to get there!”  As exciting as it was to get to the first overlook/peak, I knew it wasn’t where we wanted to be.  We kept going until we found that sweet spot…and oh how sweet it was!!

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how cute is she?!  how beautiful is Rattlesnake Ledge?  while it is somewhat of a popular hike in the Seattle area, it was one I have always wanted to complete!  we visited on a Thursday (so probably didn’t experience the larger crowds) and found it very peaceful .  also, there are no rattlesnakes lest you be fearful.

©Amy B Photography 2015

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at the end of our hike, my beautiful friend read Psalms 19 aloud to us and anyone surrounding who would listen.  wind and words breezed in swirls around our cliff point…eyes closed, breathing it all in.

 

the skies proclaim the works of his hands

day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
they have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.

yet their voice  goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

 
in the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
it is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
it rises at one end of the heavens    
    and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
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may these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
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oh the list of things to be thankful for!  Lindsay, her love of the Lord, her excellent hiking skills, how she doesn’t get winded when she talks and climbs (unlike my out-of-shape self), her crazy photog skills, her amazing & fresh perspectives, her giggles and her never-ending friendship.
post script:  coming back to the city after you spent the hours before noon hiking up a mountain make you feel like you just came from ruling another planet and are now disguised among the common folk.  for reals.  get outside…try it!