MHS3

I'm headed out the door as soon as my iPod finishes syncing the new music I just purchased. I'm going back to REI to get my gear then up to The Mount Hood Resort to try to catch a day nap before the climb. The plan is to be at Timberline at 10:30 PM and board the snowcat by 11 PM. I think it takes 30 minutes for the snowcat to accomplish what it took us 5 hours to do a month ago. Once we get to the top of the Palmer Ski Lift, we will assess the situation. We will always be assessing the situation. The plan is to stay there until the snowcat brings the next group. The group after us is led by professional guides and we hope to follow them up to the summit.

I've been challenged physically and emotionally these past 8 weeks training, trying, prepping, canceling, willing myself to try again and that's not all mountain talk. Other things have been going on and those of you closest to me know about some of that. But wow, I've learned so much.

I just finished reading a book by Karen James. She is the wife of the man from Dallas, Texas who died on Mt. Hood in December 2006. Its called "Holding Fast." If you are interested in mountain climbing or that tragic accident at all, I highly recommend this book. A lot of people have been judgemental-including myself-about the guys making that climb that time of year, that route, ect. but there is always more to a story then what we think we know. In the book she included a poem that Kelly James wrote at one time. He never shared it with anyone but now its in the book for the world to read. I am going to publish it here, I pray Karen James will forgive me but its because I want to continue to honor her brave husband and its because I understand this poem like I could've written it myself. (No, I do not have a death wish, neither did he. )

I love life, I enjoy what God has given me&

I grab it with both hands & pull life into my heart.

I have seen true beauty, most people never experience.

Thank you Father, I recognize this is not possible apart from you.

I cannot resist the lure of adventure, I crave it.

I'm absorbed by challenge, & to a certain extent, Danger.

Thanks for your protection!

I am motivated & driven to climb now more than ever,

even at the expense of death.

Death has no hold on me & does not instill fear in my bones.

I do want to live, but not at the expense of being idle.

I know God wraps his loving arms around me

& cradles me in his palms.

I know I scare my family and friends

but I don't want to live unless I can live.

I think everyone understands reluctantly.

I just want to enjoy God's beauty with His help.

HE IS MIGHTY!

-Kelly James, Mountaineer