Memory 10 Thousand Feet Plus

Memory Ten: Hiking Our Way to Love

It is amazing what one will do for love. Like hike a brutal summer series of mountains ranging from 2000 feet to 14,505 feet. Borderline crazy I know, but it was Ryan's dream to hike Halfdome and Mount Whitney. And well you don't just hike those mountains without preparation and training.

So we spent the late spring through early fall of 2010 hiking our way through the mountains of California. Sometimes we were all sweat and smiles. Other times we fought worked out our issues. The wilderness has a way of bringing out the best and worst in people. There is peace in the solitude and quiet nature of the outdoors; yet it can create way too much time for your mind to wander to too many things.

We also became a stronger couple as the training went on. Something magical happens when two people work towards a common goal; needing one another's help along the way; finally reaching the pentacle of achievement.

And even though we didn't get engaged on the top of Mount Whitney like I so had hoped, I am so happy that we embarked on such an exciting adventure together. Looking back, I can see how the love between us grew with each passing hike and the strength that it has brought to our marriage.

Now on to Mount Everest???