Growing up on 100 East in North Ogden during the 80’s meant something to me. Every day as I walked up my street, not only did I have a spectacular view of Ben Lomond Peak, but I knew one day I’d want to climb that thing! But not today. No--- I needed to get stronger, grow a little taller, and aim a little higher.
Then, it happened! I grew up! I turned 42 and knew this was it! This was the year I’d hike “Old Ben!” I mentioned to a friend of mine that it’s always been a goal of mine; and before I knew it, we had a date picked out and extra friends who would come along!
In the wee hours of June 14, 2018, at 2:00 a.m. I met up with the other ladies—now there were 12 of us—and after a prayer and cheers of confidence we were off! Black and dark was the morning but our head lamps shone the way along the trail line. We were giddy as we talked and walked—all excited about the anticipation of hiking this mountain. Not a single soul on the trail but us. And, who would be at this crazy hour anyhow?
I thought briefly about how I was losing sleep over this, about how my whole family was all at home slumbering away, but I also knew I was fulfilling a life long dream! And today was the day!
Climbing higher in elevation meant more work. But I was ready for it! My legs were ready to tackle all 16 miles of this incredible slope! At least I thought so! We stopped to look over the sea of twinkling city lights below and the view was…A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! North Ogden was a sparkling array of glitter! THIS is one of the reasons why it proved to be so cool to start in the dark!
Once on the ridge, the wildflowers were waving back and forth ever so swiftly as they greeted us at the near half way point.
The sun peeked over the edge and warmly rose higher filling us with golden light as it spilled over the hillside. Now, I could see everything! The majestic views were in every direction!
We laughed and took a few pictures and loved the sun on our faces as we treaded up the last part of our hike. And oh, this was a doozy! I’d say the last ¼ mile reaching the very top of the peak tested our limits!
My energy was just about spent but I couldn’t stop now—no, I wouldn’t! I took baby steps, S-L-O-W-L-Y up, up, up again. One foot in front of the other. We crossed over snow! And scaled large rocks. The landscape kept changing from forest, to rocky, to dirt.
Then, before I knew it-- there we were! Right at the top of Ben Lomond Peak! I couldn’t believe it! We did it!
I quickly looked down at my phone and realized my Dad had called at 7:05 a.m. It was now 7:07 a.m.
“Dad,” I said, “How did you know I was at the top already?”
He said, “I just knew. I walked outside and calculated when I thought you’d be at the top.”
Well he was spot on!
And you know what he did next? He stood out on 100 East and he took his mirror and he shined that mirror toward the peak, catching the sun’s rays and reflecting it back to me.
I could see it! I saw the light twinkling at me. It was THE BEST FEELING! I was choked up with tears as I watched that light flicker back and forth at me. Miles away from my Dad’s hands to my watery eyes. And I knew my Dad loved me. He knew this moment was going to matter to me and he made it that much more special. I’ll never forget it.
Although my feet were super tired and sore going down the mountain I was ever so glad to be done and accomplish this dream! It the best it could be! 16 miles down. Who wants to go again?
