Supertrip XVI!
I think the last time I updated this thing was over a year ago. But something amazing happened to me on Supertrip, and I wanted to share it with those of you who take the time to actually read what I say.
I've been training the past 3 months to get to the top of halfdome without struggling, like I did last year. And I really felt prepared.
When I was in Yosemite on Memorial Day weekend, I hiked to the bridge below Vernal Falls. I REALLY pushed myself, and got there in record time for me, and felt fine afterwards.
Then, I went on the qualifing hike this past Wednesday to Nevada Falls, and again felt great during and after it.
And when I went out on the hike to Halfdome on Friday, my legs were so strong, I was passing people on the hills at an alarming rate, and was even surprising myself. I got to the base of the Stairs in 4 hours, the fastest for me in ages.
Then it happened.
I suddenly felt that I needed to stop, and not go on. This feeling goes against everything I feel about hiking Halfdome. If there is one thing I am proud of and way to boastful about, is the fact that I have hiked to the top of Halfdome 14 time in the past 10 years. But not only did I feel I needed to stop, I had the most unbelivable feeling of peace about not going on. I had a very slight headache, which I used as an excuse to the people I was with as to why I was not going on. The look of shock on the faces of everyone I told made me want to rethink why I was staying, but the feeling was so overpowering to stop right there, that I stuck with my decision to stay.
It took about 45 minutes for me to understand what had happened.
28 of us started out from Glacier Point at 7:05 that morning. One of the most awesome men on this earth was hiking it with us, Elias Contreras. This man had worked so hard to get physically ready to make this hike and even though he could have passed me anytime he wanted, he was staying back and helping so many of the kids in our youth group make it, including his son Alex. "E" and all those kids started up the stairs, and about 45 minutes later he came back down with his son Alex, who wasn't quite ready to tackle the last part of the hike. So I stayed with Alex as "E" went on to the top, for the first time.
That's when I realized what had happened.
The Lord knew what was about to take place. He knew that someone needed to be there for Alex and he too wanted to make sure this loving, patient man of God made it to the top. He has done so much for so many while not thinking of himeself. So he layed it on my heart to stay right there. I finally understood the peace I was feeling, and am still feeling.
True to form, "E" stayed with the 2 young ladies who were struggling to get back down to Curry Village.
Once again, I have spent an incredible week with 47 of the most awesome kids I know, and 8 adults who amaze me every time I am with them. And one of those men I will Love till the day I die for everything he does for others, the Love he has shown me, and the Love he gives everyone he comes into comntact with.
I Love You "E"!
In His Holy Name,
Steve!!!
I've been training the past 3 months to get to the top of halfdome without struggling, like I did last year. And I really felt prepared.
When I was in Yosemite on Memorial Day weekend, I hiked to the bridge below Vernal Falls. I REALLY pushed myself, and got there in record time for me, and felt fine afterwards.
Then, I went on the qualifing hike this past Wednesday to Nevada Falls, and again felt great during and after it.
And when I went out on the hike to Halfdome on Friday, my legs were so strong, I was passing people on the hills at an alarming rate, and was even surprising myself. I got to the base of the Stairs in 4 hours, the fastest for me in ages.
Then it happened.
I suddenly felt that I needed to stop, and not go on. This feeling goes against everything I feel about hiking Halfdome. If there is one thing I am proud of and way to boastful about, is the fact that I have hiked to the top of Halfdome 14 time in the past 10 years. But not only did I feel I needed to stop, I had the most unbelivable feeling of peace about not going on. I had a very slight headache, which I used as an excuse to the people I was with as to why I was not going on. The look of shock on the faces of everyone I told made me want to rethink why I was staying, but the feeling was so overpowering to stop right there, that I stuck with my decision to stay.
It took about 45 minutes for me to understand what had happened.
28 of us started out from Glacier Point at 7:05 that morning. One of the most awesome men on this earth was hiking it with us, Elias Contreras. This man had worked so hard to get physically ready to make this hike and even though he could have passed me anytime he wanted, he was staying back and helping so many of the kids in our youth group make it, including his son Alex. "E" and all those kids started up the stairs, and about 45 minutes later he came back down with his son Alex, who wasn't quite ready to tackle the last part of the hike. So I stayed with Alex as "E" went on to the top, for the first time.
That's when I realized what had happened.
The Lord knew what was about to take place. He knew that someone needed to be there for Alex and he too wanted to make sure this loving, patient man of God made it to the top. He has done so much for so many while not thinking of himeself. So he layed it on my heart to stay right there. I finally understood the peace I was feeling, and am still feeling.
True to form, "E" stayed with the 2 young ladies who were struggling to get back down to Curry Village.
Once again, I have spent an incredible week with 47 of the most awesome kids I know, and 8 adults who amaze me every time I am with them. And one of those men I will Love till the day I die for everything he does for others, the Love he has shown me, and the Love he gives everyone he comes into comntact with.
I Love You "E"!
In His Holy Name,
Steve!!!