San Gorgonio Mountain

The San Gorgonio Mountain stands as the tallest mountain in Southern California at 11,503 feet in elevation. It involves a very large wilderness area and is readily accessible via Redlands. Having a desire to expose my boys to the great outdoors and offer them the opportunity to experience a ‘high adventure’ hike; I arranged for myself and my four eldest sons to spend several days hiking the Fish Creek Trail leading to the mountain’s peak. Michael, Grant, Bret and Paul had reached an age that I could confidently trust them to shoulder a reasonably weighted backpack and climb the rugged trail accompanied by their father. Though they’d had little to no experience in wilderness areas; I was confident they’d exhibit a wilingness to engage the challenges one engages while

Fish Creek Trail

‘roughing it’ where kitchen, bedroom and bathroom facilites were not to be found. Though still reeling emotionally from the divorce; they readily accepted my invitation and arrived in southern california with prepared backpacks and admirable attitudes to venture into the San Gorgonio wilderness with their father. Following significant travel to arrive at the mountain and several miles along a dirt road into the wilderness

Dad, Grant & Paul

Eating it together around the campfire in the starlit night was enjoyable and a welcome respit from the trail’s earlier terrain. Following a night’s rest we broke camp late the next morning and descended upon a now comfortable trail to our awaiting car. The experience was now over, and the comfort of a soft seat afforded each son the opportunity to drift comfortably asleep as we drove home.

Years later I would enjoy the comradery of Grant and Paul as we once again climbed Fish Creek trail. Both sons were significantly older and stronger. Hence, we all experienced a heavier pack as we trekked. Older and out of shape; I found I was not as able to carry my heavier pack and succumbed to Grant’s gracious return to me at a lower meadow and carry of my pack for me to our ‘base camp’ enjoyed during our prior excursion.  Setting up our camp, we prepared for an even more vigorous hike the next day. Unsure of my own ability, I chose to remain in ‘base camp’ as Grant and Paul set our the next morning to see how far they could get along the Fish Creek Trail to the summit. During their absence; I enjoyed the leisure and set up a hammock I’d brought to accommodate my ‘Rest and Relaxation’ attitude. As the day drew on; I was mildly surprised to observe Grant and Paul’s unexpected return. They reported that they’d got as far as the saddle.

       Garbage Bag Rain Parkas                       San Gorgonio Hikers

A few years later amidst a particularly despondent time; I took it upon myself to traverse the Fish Creek Trail alone. I knew I was placing myself at risk inasmuch as I hiked alone and was susceptible to others that might’ve behaved nefariously. I also knew that being in a wilderness; I would be susceptible to carnivors (such as bear and mountain lions) that I knew inhabited the region. Nevertheless; I knew that I needed to be alone atop ‘a high mountain’. Anticipating that my trek would not extend overnight; I took along a small backpack with enough food and water to last the day. Arriving at the car park early; I set out along the trail withou fanfare. As I hiked along; I allowed my thoughts to settle on spiritual considerations that seemed to be troubling me. As I hiked along (observably alone); I began to allow myself to verbalize aloud my thoughts and concerms - as if conversing with my Father in Heaven. Affording myself genuine candor; I held nothing back inasmuch as such was a primary purpose for my sequestration in the private forests of San Gorgonio. As I voiced my thoughts; I found myself listening intently for any impressions I’d recognize as not my own. With no one else there; I discovered I could traverse the trail quicker than at times previously. As I arrived at the saddle; I recognized the surroundings and that I was weary from the accelerated pace I’d been exercizing. Sitting amongst the grass and  cleared areas; I realized I needed rest. There by myself; I lay down on the ground with little foilage surrounding me. I then employed the matches I’d brought to kindle a small fire from twigs nearby into a sustainable flame that would warm me as I lay curled around it. I then fell asleep. Waking sometime later and observing the fire had gone out; I also recognized that I was still alone and had not been visited by other hikers nor forest animals. Such an exposure was not of my nature at all. Rising to my feet; I realized from the sun’s location that I’d best commence my descent down the trail to my car. It was then that I became cognizant that if I even twisted an ankle; I be in serious trouble on the mountainside alone at night. As I hiked the trail thereafter; I was particularly careful to step cautiously. Realizing that I’d not experienced some grand insight ascending to the saddle; I continued my verbalization to my Heavenly Father. As I hiked along; I kept hearing a phrase emerge from my mouth. Confirming to myself; I pronounced repeatedly the question regarding why was I seeking some grandious manifestation? In response to my verbal query came a confirming “Thou hast the words of Eternal life!” Such a statement was repeated numerous times along my downward trek to the car. As if to counter my foolishness at some type of grand manifestation; I was merely confirming what I’d known for a long time. I did not know of myself regarding necessary performances nor understanding of life beyond the grave. No! The needed understanding did not emanate from secular means either; nor did such understanding proceed from the foolish misinterpretations of false priests! Rather, the means whereby one could adhere to righteous paths and holy understanding was only available through revealed truths extended to man from God’s own holy prophets. Hence the phrase repeated over and over to myself - alone on a mountainside!

“Thou hast the words of Eternal Life!”