Small Journeys

Today I decided on an “active” rest day. My “active” part involved a little run to the highest point on the northern area of Camp Pendleton. It was probably the most awesome little journey I have ever done. It took me a little less than an hour to get all the way to the top, mainly due to me stopping to take pictures. Here is a little photo-documentary of my journey.


Here is the camp that I work with as I start up the trails that will lead me to the top.


Here is the first of several fairly steep trails. Yeah…this might suck.


Oh…look! Another steep and hardly noticeable trail! YAY!


Here is the camp I work at getting smaller and further away.


If you look to the top left of this picture you will see my final destination…and I swear those crows laughed at me when I passed.


The brush was getting a little thicker, and the air a little thinner…


Here is a sign for the more adventurous cross-country runners. Isn’t it nice that they give you a choice of how much you want to cry.


The end is in sight…now to get to the top of that biotch.


So close…yet so far.

I finally make it to the top! As I come up to the final fire-break, I am stunned when I unexpectedly find this.
It seems that a unit (3rd battalion 1st Marines as I found out later) has made a secret memorial to their fallen warriors.


Another view of the memorials. On the ground in front of the crosses the words USMC and SEMPER FI are spelled out in rocks.


This is the point that all the pain in my legs and wheezing in my lungs ceases as I realize I am extremely lucky to be feeling those pains…the Marines that these crossed represent will never have those feelings again.


One last view of the memorial, with the valley below it. This was worth every step of the way up the mountain.


A panoramic shot of the camp I work at from the top! Mission accomplished.


The long, STEEP road home. I spent the first 1/4 of it sliding down on my butt.


This was truly an awesome day. Every once in a while people have days that bring a lot of humility, reflection, and appreciation to the surface. This was one of those days for me. Thanks for sharing!

Let me know what you think in the comments! Have a great weekend everyone.