With a pile of frequent flyer and reward points, I took a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. Hoping for a few days full of spectacular views, exhilarating hikes and remarkable rafting, I got more than I expected. With another school year approaching, I have been concerned and frustrated about the future of our country and the environment we will leave behind for our children. To my delight, some time in the clean air and with a community on a mountain left me refreshed and optimistic about how the world can look. For four days, God opened my eyes in the right place at the right time. The imagery gave me hope and understanding.
The Continental Divide
On the first day I joined a guided party on a seven mile hike up and down a challenging trail. We started our day’s journey at 6600 feet on the Continental Divide where half of the rain that falls flows either to the left or to the right – perhaps symbolic of the state of our country. But as I stepped onto the trailhead, for the next seven hours, rising another 1000 feet, I left the divide behind and encountered a community of people who moved together in one direction.
The hike was challenging physically. The rocky trail was sometimes less than four feet wide. One side dropped off steeply to the road below and the other side often went straight up. Above the tree line, we were exposed along the way. As we climbed, one could feel the effects of the high altitude, the ever-rising climb, and the bright sun. But, in those seven hours, I regained my optimism of how our society was intended to be and the need the to pass the spirit on to our children.
My Fellow Hikers
Along our trek, I encountered a diverse group of hikers. There were folks from different states and different countries. Some spoke different languages. Short and tall. Young and old. Blonde, brunette, black and gray hair. Faces of varying shades. Experienced hikers and first timers. Hats and shirts gave signs of loyalties down below. There were logos for the Atlanta Braves, the New York Yankees, the University of Montana, Cal and Cornell. We had started from many places, but today we all had the same goal. Make it to the top and return safely. Determination and purpose were everywhere.
Along with their outward appearances, I knew that my fellow hikers held differing views on politics, religion, economics, and the like. But those were put aside. Instead, conversations focused on the beauty of the surroundings and preserving them. The history that had shaped the mountains – fires, storms, glaciers and avalanches were shared accurately by those who knew – enhancing our understanding. Experienced hikers told stories of their previous hikes at other spectacular venues. I asked questions and got answers that helped me on this trail and the others I hoped to challenge one day in the future. Free advice from those who had gone there before. Mentors in this time and place. New lessons stored in my old backpack.
In an atmosphere of community, hikers shared their personal stories. About families and children. Where they grew up. Where they went to school. Jobs they held back home. Upcoming weddings. Even dreams and aspirations. No distraction from phones, screens, messages, or emails. We engaged with each other directly. In seven hours, we began to build relationships. Despite a competitive rivalry, in an exchange with a Houston Astros fan, she and this loyal Cubs fan found commonality in our mutual respect for manager, Dusty Baker.
As we passed other hikers and they passed us, there was an air of courtesy, and almost always an exchange of pleasantries. How are you doing? Can we help? Watch for the horned sheep around the next bend. Be careful and have a good day. Always a positive tone. Encouraging those like me who looked older and moved slower; or others who carried a look of trepidation their first time on such a trail. When the trail narrowed, hikers willingly stepped aside to let others pass. On uneven, rocky sections, hikers offered a hand to those with less steady footing.
Clean Up Your Own Mess
High on a butte, we stopped for lunch. Unwrapping our sandwiches, fruit and cookies, we carefully collected the trash and placed it in our backpacks to carry down the mountain. The rule in the park is “leave no trace”. Do not spoil the environment. No trash. No graffiti. No picking the beautiful wildflowers. No carving your name on the rocks or trees. Leaving nature as it was intended to be. Those who climbed with you will remember you were there. Your own memories of the amazing vistas will be enough. The simple lessons from All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten came to life. “Clean up your own mess” and “Don’t take things that aren’t yours.”
The national parks were set apart to help maintain some of the beauty of our country. They were set aside so we can remember how it was in the beginning and encourage us to preserve it all. In the parks, nature is the priority. Long horned sheep, mountain goats, chipmunks and, yes, Grizzly bears have the right of way. They were there first, and they allow us to visit. Borrowing from Field of Dreams. “The one constant through all the years has been the mountains. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But the mountains have marked the time.”
The Big Picture
On the descent it was easier to see the breadth and majesty of the mountains and valleys. While it was crucial to watch each step, it was also imperative to stop frequently to view the splendor of the amazing vistas. To see the big picture and wonder how it all came together. As we neared the end of the trail, clouds crossed the peaks and eventually a soft rain fell upon us. The clean rainwater felt like nature’s way of cleansing the dirt and sweat after a day’s struggle before we headed for the bus to re-enter our civilized world.
I spent two more days in and around the park away from the hustle and bustle of my life in the city, As I walked along other trails and in the small village where I stayed, I watched families spend time together. They paddled kayaks. They skipped stones on the lake. They ate ice cream cones of unique huckleberry flavor. Without internet, siblings and cousins played games of catch and tag and swam together in the lake. Lunches were spent together around picnic tables.
Take a Breath. Look Around. Reflect.
I was motivated to take a breath. Look around. Enjoy the scenery. Reflect upon what is truly important. To remember that there is joy in this world that does not come out of our phones or screens. I am reminded that we all come from different places, but we usually have common purpose – faith and family. I am reminded that we can have conversations – with family and even with strangers. That we can protect the environment. That fresh air and exercise are good for us. That sitting quietly by a lake in the still of the evening watching the sunset can be a stimulating experience.
Dads are told that periodically we should take time to reflect on our lives. To reflect on the world around us. To reflect upon how we want to raise our own children and decide how to engage with other children. I think maybe my few days in Montana were meant to be days of reflection for me. To think about how the world could be. I ascended my own mountain and came back down with a renewed perspective. My challenge is how to bring that feeling back to the city.
National Treasures
I learned that our national parks and our public schools are all national treasures. They are so much alike. They are places:
For us all to share
Where we all can learn
That encourage us to wonder.
Where we can gain realistic and unaltered images of our history
Where we can all work together for common goals
Where everyone is welcome
Where each of us can climb to whatever height our dreams and determination will take us
Fill the Backpacks
Whether we hike a trail in Montana or walk the halls of a school in North Carolina, there is still reason to believe that
People with different backgrounds can share the path in harmony
People can still have face to face conversation
Those conversations will almost always lead to some common experience and understanding.
We are much more alike that we are different
We can pursue common goals without having to always compete
Ice cream tastes good
Skipping stones is a forgotten joy.
As we approach the new school year, I encourage dads to reflect on the world around us. Think about what is good. What is beautiful. What is necessary. Believe that our daily journeys can be as amazing as my hike on the mountain. Then, find a way to share those things with the children. Walk alongside them and fill their back packs. Help them to see the whole picture. Help them to see the splendor in their surroundings. Help them to see the beauty in each of their neighbors. Help them to climb where their hearts will lead them.
… whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Desiderata