Three

Have you ever picked up on a pattern and wondered if it meant anything?

During the summer and fall I seemed to run into the number three quite often. It took me until my third time trying to summit a fourteener for me to finally get it on Gray' Peak this summer. Then the third time I tried to hike Quandary Peak, I finally made it to the top. Then again on November 5th, I made it to the top of Quandary Peak after two other attempts to do this peak in the winter conditions. This one was more intense, with immense pain, I refused to retreat. I was making it whether I was meant to or not. After reaching the snowy summit, I quickly retreated for the warmth of my Jeep. Later that week it was discovered that at some point during the hike, I dislocated a rib, causing the excruciating pain. Though it was true again, the third time was the charm.

This phenomenon hasn't only happened with fourteeners however.

A local mountain called Lookout Mountain has a 5.4 mile trail that gains 1,896 ft in elevation. resulting in a gorgeous view of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This trail took me three attempts to complete as well. The first was a test run, both my friends, Josh and Jenn had plans so this was more about getting a feel for it. The second attempt was cut short due to lack of both natural light and manmade lights, such as flashlights. But the third time I finally made it through the tall grasses and crumbling red rock to the top.

So what is it with the number three?

One thing for sure is that it has taught me to be patient and persistence. I have discovered that it isn't always the destination that holds the most importance but instead, the journey and the fight to make it. I learned that it is important to take in the sights and smells, to enjoy it.

If you are determined enough and not willing to give power to the idea of quitting, you can make anything happen. This can and will help me throughout my life whether it be in my adventures, my career in photography, work in general, and more. This isn't just a lesson on climbing mountains in Colorado, but climbing those theoretical mountains as well. I hope that I continue to know this lesson and to never let obstacles defer me from what I am meant to accomplish. May the struggle never outweigh the accomplishments. As I continue to climb mountains I will have a continuous reminder that I am meant for great things. That I was given the willpower to complete these seemingly impossible tasks.

My hope is that you do the same. Never let the mountains become the reason you give up, but instead be the motivation you need to continue climbing and striving for greatness. Reach the top, yet enjoy the trip there. Remember, its those struggles, those journeys that make you the person you are. Not the end result.