Mount Rainier is a 14,410 foot slumbering giant with pockets of beauty scattered throughout. This mountain is where I always go first to reconnect with myself and the natural world. The stillness, peace and life of the mountain always bring me back to tranquility. Some nights I just sit and watch the stars until the cold settles in. On this particular evening I hiked up to this rare vantage and watched as the light rays danced across the wildflowers, slowly sinking behind the peak until last light. It was the epitome of summer.

This mountain is place I love. A place I feel the wild permeate and temper my soul. A place I feel free.