Utah is all about extremes. The wind last night knocked my guideline down not one, two or three times. But four times. It was like the jet stream came down on hovered over my tent! The only other place I’ve ever experienced winds like that was in Patagonia with my daughter years ago. After the third time of reconfiguring my line, I gave up and pushed my back against the tent pole and attempted to sleep. Needless to say, I was up early and on my way over Pobquupine Pass.

Others had the same idea, early summit, except they were hiking Eastbound, so I ran into two big groups. The first crew were leaders who were taking out new college students before they began freshmen year. There were a couple of younger boys and girls who didn’t seem to be thrilled with the idea of hiking over the pass to see the sunrise. It truly is something everyone should do once in their lifetime as God puts on quite a show to the early risers. The other group were 15 men from all over the world, who were embarking on Seminary School and this was there, getting aquatinted, 50 mile journey. They were in great spirits and quite fun to talk with.

Porcupine Pass was a great early morning climb with endless vistas in all directions. The trail on the way up was fairly easy to follow, but heading over the pass, and going down to the meadow below, could use some help. It has eroded from all the recent rains and the ones who know me, know my fear of heights and crossing abyss like caverns. I try to not look down, move as slowly as I can, and make it without slipping and succumbing to certain pain!

The day is always best when I can climb in the early morning. Salamander and I hooked up in the valley below near a creek and had our morning snack, washed our extra pair of undies and socks and carried on to the next creek for lunch. As days go, this was definitely our easiest day of the trip so far. After lunch, we made our way though an unnamed meadow that was filled with sheep. This time, I actually walked right next to them like I was the Shepard or just an annoyance being they fled from left to right and vice versa, not sure where to go. They were all sizes, Youngers and Elders, black sheep and white sheep. I never saw their Shepard and they were doing just what sheep do, graze.

The afternoon was uneventful and we made it to a free flowing creek for the evening. Salamander always finds the best Camp spots away from the trail and fairly level. I taught her the fine art of using a water bottle to find a level spot. You lay the bottle on the ground and use it like a carpenters level and presto, sleeping flat is that simple.

Today I was talking with God and making some sense of the past few days. It seems it takes me a few days to unwind and really get deep with the Lord. As I have been journeying I realized how many things that I say or do that block the power of the Holy Spirit. When I criticize others, gossip, and flat out talk rudely about Gods people, I am placing a wedge between me and Him. The more I love others, edify Gods people, bring joy into their lives, I receive tenfold of what God has desired for me. I wonder how many gifts I have rejected by not being the person God designed me to be? This is a place that I truly need to work on so I can sincerely do what the Lord has planned for me. This is tough stuff, much harder than climbing mountains or crossing flowing streams. This is really desiring to change who I am, so I may better serve my master. This is only the tip of the iceberg of conversations that I have been having, but it starts with one step in front of the other and those small steps can truly change the lives of the people I love.

Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my rising up and my sitting down. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with my every moves. For there is not a word on my tongue, Lord that you know it all together. You have hedged me before and behind me and laid your hand upon me. I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:1-5