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| The Man, The Mountain, and The Storm by Michael Fitzpatrick Destiny has always captivated the human imagination and its curiosity. A thread spun on the spindle of time, it is possibly one of the greatest sought after entities in all of humanities history. And yet, in the midst of our quest, we sometimes discover that we have no real idea of destiny at all. It simply is an elusive concept that we center our existence around. We don’t understand it, nor do we comprehend it, yet we desire it. Even so, there remains a pattern to the madness. Amidst all purpose and essence lies 3 things: a man (or woman), a place, and a story. And within each factor lies a presence, a life, an emotion, and a power that escalates into the matrix that we call our world today: Life. And each man/woman, in their place, has their story. Some are triumphant and enchanting, while others are dreary and dispirited, and the remaining just are. And in this spiraling paradox, we find our hope, in the prevailing of human spirit and determination. Each man, each place, and through each storm. Michael Graham sipped the last of his Root Beer and came to a stunning epiphany as he sat on the dusty step of the Snack Bar: the world was dull. There was no excitement anymore to life, everything that society has produced and labeled “entertainment” is hollow, featuring only a monotonous chorus of empty thrills, special effects, and loud noises. Life had lost its spark as far as he was concerned. The olden days when a man lived off the fat of the land, hunting his supper, out in the wild yonder plains, and thick rolling hills, and rugged peaks, man was free, and truly alive. That was how life was meant to be-simple. Nothing complex, just simple. And most of all, alive. He really had no room to be complaining, and knew it. The day had become deflated, but his life sure hadn’t been that way. He just hadn’t been really willing to take any serious risks, since.....since the fateful climb. He could still remember that day with crystal clarity, and the year in between had done nothing to his sharp memory cells. One year....one year. Michael Graham was a 21-year-old college kid on vacation. He had grown up in a Northern California in a little country town called Seiad Valley. That little wide spot in the road was where he learned that you do indeed reap what you sow. He had learned hunting, fishing, and many other outdoor sports. Including mountain climbing. His dad had always loved mountain climbing, and his strong bond with high altitudes was passed to Michael. And that passion had never ceased until last.......until last year. Mt. McLoughlin. Michael was lost in his thoughts when a stone flew across his view, thwacking against the building, and ricocheting off into the bushes. Michael glanced slowly upward, meeting a dirt worn boot, faded and ripped jeans, a rancher shirt, and the face of Kenneth Crawford. Kenneth had been Michael’s friend since forever, and even though Kenneth could get on his nerves, he liked his company. “Whaddya want?” “Nuttin’ much, just wonderin’ if you would like a rematch.” Kenneth said, boring his eyes straight into Michael, and wearing a lopsided grin. “With who?” “Not who, what. Mt. McLoughlin.” “Say what?!?” “Yah, you heard right, I am saying that they gonna run another hike up the ol’ mountain, and I was wondering if you would like another go. Ya know, show her she won the battle, but she ain’t never gonna win the war.” Kenneth chuckled a little at his own wit, and his lopsided grin widened. “No way. No way. I can’t.” “You can, and you will. The only way you gonna ever repress any of them memories is to conquer the thing that created them.” “No.” “I’m gonna sign you up.” “Kenneth, you do, I sue.” “I love you to, good buddy.” “Don’t!!!” “Michael, face it, it is in your blood, man. You’re the best darn mountain climber in the state of Oregon!! It’s your destiny.” And Kenneth walked off. Oh crap. I can’t go up that mountain again, not again, never again. That place nearly destroyed me, now what, they want me to go up and finish the job? No way. No. No? Michael stood up off of the snack shack and walked down to the nearby lake. From there he could see the mountain full view. A shiver crept up his spine as images danced freakishly around his mind. Never again. Right? As he looked at the mountain, an old hunger rumbled deep within his heart. A hunger for the top. A hunger he thought had long been sated. He looked at the mountain, and a cool breeze rippled across the water, up across him, consuming him, and into the forest behind. He wondered.... ********** Mt. McLoughlin is a 9,495 ft. trek that ranges from a flat, serene forest to a rough, vertical assault on the summit. It covers an area of over 20 sq. miles, and is the highest peak in southern Oregon. Though not a lethal climb, it is intimidating to the faint of heart. Many conquer the mild forest level only to walk into the jaws of a dragon when they breach the treeline. They’re mild hike becomes a battle of phobia, vertigo, and nerves. The courageous find it a playground, while the meek find it a nightmare. At the base of Mt. McLoughlin, a van pulled into the trail parking lot. It was a cozy Thursday morning at 10:30am 85 degrees. The sun was cheerfully shining overhead, and save a few clouds patching the sky, the day forecast looked warm but pleasant. The van doors opened and the hikers stepped out. There were two more vans pulling in beside the first, totaling all hikers at 20+. Each door jumped open at the moment the vehicles stopped. The hikers were psyched, the men attempting to out macho each other, while the ladies formed circles and giggled and chatted in the glistening sun rays. The leaders, 4 in all, called the energetic group around. Water bottles were passed out, 2 per person, and lunches were added as well. Then the hike leader and guide called for silence and gave them the prep speech. “Listen up, my name is Mike Bloom, and I am going to be you commanding officer for today. You do as I say, or you don’t come up this mountain. The hike starts off with a very mild forest hike on flat terrain. That will not last long. Slowly proceeding this is sharp raise in the angle of the trail, and you will find yourself trudging uphill, though still in the tender forest area. This will continue for awhile, then the trail will steepen again. You will find the path to be more rocky, and you will need to exert more energy, and rest more often. You will also notice the trees thinning. When you reach the treeline, you must be very careful, because the treeline means the trail becomes unstable, and at times, hard to find. If you become lost, retrace your steps slowly, or call for help. Also, take the final part of this hill slowly. The last 100 meters are a vertical boulder climb to the summit. In all this thing is a challenging 5-mile trip. If I call off the hike for any reason at any time, I don’t want any arguments, nor debates, just move back down. Understood? And drink water, lots of......”. His voice drowned away as the kids swarmed in a frenzy to grab their packs, apply sun screen, bug repellent, or to adjust a Discman. Michael Graham couldn’t believe it. It was almost surreal, almost impossible. The fact that he was here was like floating in a dream, a dream that could turn into a nightmare, and the anticipation seems to kill you before the impending nightmare can. Michael felt himself being lifted off, again, into another time, another moment. The world spun before his eyes, and..... “Hey space cadet, ya comin’, or did ya chicken out.” Michael knew that voice, and the world swam back into focus. He shook his head, and set his eyes on one of the finest, sweetest young ladies he knew, and a great friend to boot. “Well?” Inquired the ever supporting Melissa Starling. Her eyes stared into his, and her smile pierced into the heart of his deep founded fear. “You aren’t having flashbacks, now are ya?” Melissa asked. “No, just, well.....wondering. You can’t just erase and experience like that, Melissa. It just doesn’t work that way. It is a shadow before you, taunting, mocking, and......well, I don’t know, I just feel a bit of apprehension.” Melissa flashed him a famous Starling smile, took his arm, and began tugging him along, saying, “Now Michael, your getting nervous over nothing. You had one bad experience, but it is time to destroy that haunt for good. Your friends are here for you, and we promise the past won’t repeat itself. Come on, where is that reckless Michael that raced me up last time.” “Still in last time.” “Michael- “Melissa, do you realize she couldn’t come with me?” “Michael, you have got to come to grips with yourself,” Melissa said with affection, “You see, you are better than that. She is a great friend. But, not everything works out how we like it. Come on, before you change your mind.” Michael mumble a subtle “all right” and stumbled along behind her, dragging his feet on the dust and gravel bits. The mountain loomed overhead, like a lion over its prey. He tried to focus his mind on other things, but he always wandered back, back to the event that changed his life, and the women who stepped into it. continue |