A Mountain Top Experience

Every person experiences important events in his or her life. Some experience the joy of parenting, while others marvel at the wonders of the natural world. Sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. These experiences can influence a person's personality and goals. My journey to the top of Mount Baldy was a mountain top experience that has positively influenced my life.

The journey started at the base of the mountain around 8 o'clock in the morning. It was a crisp, cool morning without a cloud in the sky. Birds were singing and the wind was whispering a melody through the leaves of the aspen-covered hillsides. I made sure that my water containers were completely full because I knew that I would need every last drop for the hike. I checked in with the rest of my crew, and we made sure that...