Exploring Alternative Pathways to the Top of the Haystack

This past Labor Day, I ventured out to the eastern part of King County via Metro’s Trailhead Direct service to hike Mt. Si.

Once there I enjoyed a peaceful hike through the woods before reaching the final scramble up the haystack. I’d reached this point of Mt. Si numerous times before, each time turning back as I felt the loose rubble slip beneath my feet and trembled with fear as I stared up the rocky haystack.

That day however, I felt a little braver and confidently made it halfway up before my fear gripped me again and almost convinced me to go back. As I started mapping my route down, I bumped into a fellow hiker who was determined to reach the top. I gave him quick pointers on the spots that gave me trouble. He thanked me and continued on his way.

As he took my advice and explored a different path, I watched him quickly disappear and continue pushing up the haystack. Seeing his bravery inspired me to clear my head and map a new path up through the rocks. Using his pathway, I pushed past my personal wall and powered up the rest of the haystack and reached the top!

After taking in the amazing view and enjoying a lunch break on the haystack, I slowly made my way back down to the midway point area. Pausing for a few minutes before continuing back to the road level via the switchback trail, I looked back at the terrifying haystack I’d just climbed. Suddenly from afar, what seemed impossible was a very tangible challenge.

The experience was a reminder that in intense moments, it’s important to pause, take a deep breath, and reassess the challenges and rewards of the problem at hand. Sometimes, as I’ve blogged before, fear shouldn't hold you back and it's worth pushing past the fear to reach a new level or experience.