Sir Edmond Hillary conquered Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. As a tribute, Google changed it’s image to this:

At 29,000 feet, that’s some serious Elevation. I look at that picture and say there’s no way I can climb that. But as I think that, there’s many people that have climbed not only that mountain, but similar mountains as well.

I know people who have faced mountains like addiction, pain, broken trust, death, divorce, and so many other things that look impossible to climb. I’ve seen some begin their journey and make it to the end. I’ve also seen others stop along the way and give up. Those who made it to the end had someone there to help, challenge, and encourage them along the way. They were their climbing partner.

Today, I encourage you to find a climbing partner. Sir Edmond needed one to help him climb Mount Everest. You and I both need one to take us from where we are to the summit of our lives. There are many mountains that I have climbed (both personal and physical). In my experiences, I’ve learned that it’s better climb with someone rather than alone.

This week, I went with Chuck to hike a 20+ mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. We started on Monday morning from Clingman’s Dome (the highest point of the AT) and headed to Cade’s Cove. We saw great mountain top views and tons of thru-hikers on their way to Maine. The high elevation was tough at first, but we were able to adjust and keep pressing forward.

There are many takeaways from this trip, but I have to share this one. This was my first overnight hiking trip and I must confess that I didn’t know much about lightweight gear. Initially, my pack was full of stuff I didn’t need. Thankfully, Chuck helped me take out lots of unnecessary things to make it lighter and easier to carry.

Each time I think about how Chuck helped me take out stuff, I think about how there many things we carry  around that we don’t need. Past hurts, pain, brokenness, mistakes. Whatever you call it, you don’t need it. Don’t let your past take you down. Ask God to heal you from your past, and get moving forward and upward to a higher elevation.

It’s great to be back with all of you. I’ll post some pics tomorrow, but for now, you can read Chuck’s post about the trip.

Wish that I was on ole Rocky Top,
down in the Tennessee hills;
Ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top;
Ain’t no telephone bills;
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top;
Half bear the other half cat;
Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop,
I still dream about that.

Rocky Top, you’ll always be
Home sweet home to me;
Good ole Rocky Top;
Rocky Top, Tennessee.

Yeah Baby! In case you missed yesterday’s post, I am standing on the true Rocky Top today. Not many Tennessee fans have made this 20 mile hike, but I’m there today.

I’ll have some pics for you on Thursday when I get back home.

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be standing here.

Can you guess where I’ll be?

I’m heading out today with Chuck for a big hiking trip. We’re heading out to East Tennessee to tackle a 20 mile trek through the Appalachian Trail. I’m loaded up and rarin’ to go. This trip has been in my mind for quite a while and I wanted to tackle it before the weather warmed up too much. Hopefully, the bears will stay away so we can get some sleep.

We’re starting out at 6,643 feet and will be going downhill for most of this trek. But as you know, the mountain trails UNDULATE (that’s a fancy way of saying they go up and down). In the end, we’ll be at 1,966 feet.

Where are we going? Check back tomorrow for a clue.

Last Saturday, my friend Chuck and I hiked Mt. LeConte. The 5 mile trek took us to the very top: Elevation 6,593. Oh and it was 35 degrees at the summit.