Mt.Whitney, USA

Mt Whitney, 14,500 feet above sea level

Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states standing at 14,497. While the majority of those who hike the 22 mile round trip rightfully spend the night camping at many of the high camps, we set out at 4:00 AM to do the whole trip in one day. Blessed by perfect weather and great company, we charged the mountain and reached the summit just after 11:00 AM. Our spirits were high as we were able to take the Radiating Hope flags to another peak and carry those signatures and names behind them to further this great work and cause.

RadHope prayer flag climber at the top of Mt Whitney

Cadillac Mountain!

Cadillac Mountain (located in Maine) is not one of the highest peaks in the world in fact, it is only 1,528 feet. Why would Radiating Hope prayer flag climbers make a fuss about this little peak? The thing that makes Cadillac Mountain special is not its height, nor is it the difficulty of the climb. Instead, Cadillac Mountain is special because it is the first place in United States to see the sun shine every morning!! In our case this was at the early hour of 4:48 AM. The journey started at 3:45 AM, on a bike (probably the only mountain we will ever climb on a bike that is for sure), and within an hour we had arrived. The moon was still out. So we found a nice place to rest as we waited for the sun to rise. Yeah, it was pretty spectacular.

Prayer flags at the top of Cadillac Mtn.

Mount Rainier, 2011

This month we were back on Mt. Rainier! As many of you know, at least those who have been following your flag for more than one year, we attempted Rainier last year and had to turn around at 11,000 feet due to poor mountain conditions. This year we were back on the mountain, determined to make it to the top. Our team consisted of two roped teams of three, Cecil, Brandon, Luke, Larry, Chris, and Jeff.

We got an early start on Friday and made it to base camp, Camp Muir, in record time and were able to secure a spot in the shelter and even practice crevasse rescue (repelling into a 100 + foot crevasse). After boiling some glacier snow, eating a dehydrated meal and getting a little shut eye, we made our summit attempt at 11 PM. The mountain was in great condition, and after crossing several crevasse and climbing the steep, steep trail. . .

We were on the top of Mt. Rainier by 8 AM. The flags flew very naturally in the high mountain winds. We hope that you all can feel some added hope, strength, and well being in our efforts on your behalf as we send our prayers and thoughts to you.

Prayer Flags in Yosemite

Where have your flags been lately? As our prayer flag climbers prepare for their next big summit attempt we continue to be mindful of where we can take the flags. Yosemite is one of the great and first National Parks, hence it seemed like an appropriate place to wave the prayer flags in the wind and say a little prayer for your loved ones, I’m sure they would love the fresh air. In the picture you will see that the flags blew naturally into the wind overlooking El Capitan.

This is a picture is of John Muir and President Roosevelt at Yosemite, there they camped together and Muir convinced Roosevelt to take control of Yosemite and protect it. . . eventually starting the National Park Service. This is an example of the positive influence Muir, and any one individual can have, and that we can all make a difference. Muir continues as an icon for mountaineering, he once stated, “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

Pico de ORIZABA, Mexico

Next to Denali and Mt Logan, Pico de Orizaba in Mexico is the highest peak in North America reaching 18,700 feet! Carrying the Tibetan prayer flags on behalf of RadiatingHope.org we set off to conquer a peak that less than 40% who attempt reach her summit.

We had moonlit, windless skies to light the way for our early alpine start. Within the first 30 minutes, the mountains first casualty caused one member to throw in the towel and head back to base camp.

As we climbed the first few thousand feet we reached the Jamapa Glacier, a 1,500’ snow and ice incline that turned away two more climbers mid way up. After three grueling hours of battling the 30-40 mph unceasing wind in our face, we reached the summit and proudly waived the prayer flags in respect of those whos cause we climb for!

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Mount Washington

Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeastern US. It is famous for its dangerously erratic weather, and long held the record for the highest wind gust measured on the Earth's surface at 231 mph. They often claim they have the world's worst weather.

We started with some ice climbing on routes called Bob's Delight, Chia, Rock Finish and Pegasus.
The next morning we woke up early to conquer Mount Washington. We then climbed up the Pinnacle route, which was exhausting but amazing.

We crossed the long alpine desert, eventually making it to the summit. We raised the flag long and high for all the people whose thoughts are interwoven in the prayer flags. May you have some extra strength, support, and well being!

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