Brandon Guard and Lara’s mother led us up the mountain, through a series of bends and straights and rocky crevices. Kyle, Allen, and Michael took the lead, practically sprinting the first two miles, until they realized that they were in for a marathon rather than a 5k. The three of them even made it to the top of Haystack (the tippity top of Mount Si, a giant rock that hovers over the peak).
The view from the top was breathtakingly beautiful, despite the clouds and cold, damp air. We couldn’t make out Mt. Rainier because of the overcast, but we were entranced by the mist and the pines and the valleys and the hills below. I felt like Bella Swan.
It was nice for us to get out of the city for a day—to see the mountains, experience the outdoors, and the beautiful Burbs, in a space that felt like home. I will never forget trekking up that mountain with Annie, Kristen yelling behind us, “go on without me!” and eating over four plates of food surrounded by great new friends and alumni that care so deeply about our experiences. Alum of the day, if you’re reading this, we love you and couldn’t be more appreciative of the work you’ve put in.
On to Mt. Rainier (just kidding).