09-05-13 Together at the End

Nerves woke me up early. The last weather forecast we had received was 40% chance of showers. I lay in my sleeping bag praying it would hold off at least until we reached the top.

We started our last 5 miles at 6:20 a.m. with all our stuff in tow. Only 4,172 more feet of climbing to do until the end.

The first mile was easy, the second not so bad. A few boulders to hoist ourselves over. More boulders. Before we knew it we were above tree line, in the wind, and the bouldering became more difficult. The rebar sections were intimidating at first, with the wind whipping, but not impossible. A slow mile, but rewarding.

We crested the false summit to "The Tableland" and enjoyed the final 1.5 miles to the summit. As we got close to the top we could see the final summit sign. The moment we had dreamed about for so long was now within reach.

And then we were finished.

We rejoiced in the spectacular view. Throughout our morning climb, the clouds had been clearing out. No rain, only sun. Glorious sun.

As we looked back at the 100-mile wilderness, back at White Cap and beyond, we smiled as we remembered the past 170 days.

From rainstorms to sunshine, arguments to agreements--there we were on the top of the world. Celebrating not only the end of our long journey, but also our anniversary, ready for the next adventure.

Always together, somewhere.