We fairly flew up the mountain, thanks to expert leadership by our guides.  We topped out on the rim of the summit crater in darkness, crossed it in first light, and arrived at the Columbia Crest into the new day.  Was the sensation delight, madness, glee, relief, or some combination, to watch our great ball of fire emerge out of the noblest peak in the ring of fire?  Rainier’s perfect trapezoid shadow formed in the morning haze to the west, just north of a nearly perfect lunar orb, while summiteers snapped selfies. Casey had brought a new register book, which we had the honor to be among the first to sign (the full one he brought down to return to the NPS rangers).  At “Register Rock” we huddled to inscribe our names, though really it was the mountain inscribing itself on us!

Posted by: Lisa Fernandez on 7/26/2021 at 9:37 pm