Mt. Adams Climb 2024

We are SO Proud of our team for accomplishing this daunting climb with courage, resilience and true team work this past weekend, and so grateful for all of the volunteers, donors, and cheerleaders who helped make this experience possible. Truly a monumental team effort and much to be celebrated! Congratulations to our 2024 Mountaineers! 

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Mt. Adams is the second highest peak in Washington standing at 12,281' above sea level with an approximate 12 mile and 6,700' elevation gain.

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Climbing Mt. Adams is more than just a physical challenge; it's a profound metaphor for the journey of recovery. Mt. Adams demands not just strength and endurance, but also a deep connection to one's inner resilience—a quality often developed and honed through the process of recovery.

The ascent begins with preparation, much like the early stages of recovery. You gather your gear, study the route, and mentally prepare for the obstacles ahead. In recovery, whether from physical injury, addiction, or emotional trauma, this stage is about gathering the tools and resources needed to face the challenges that lie ahead. It’s about building a solid foundation, understanding the terrain of your struggle, and knowing that the path won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

As you begin the climb, the first steps might feel daunting. The air is thin, the path steep, and every step requires focus and determination. Similarly, the initial stages of recovery are often the hardest. You're moving out of a familiar place—one that might not be healthy but is known—into an uncertain and often painful journey of change. It’s in these moments that you begin to test your limits and discover the strength you didn’t know you had.

As you ascend higher on Mt. Adams, you may encounter moments of doubt. The peak seems distant, and fatigue sets in. But you push forward, taking one step at a time, focusing on the present rather than the daunting distance ahead. In recovery, this mirrors the practice of staying present, taking each day, each moment as it comes, and not getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Progress is made not by leaps and bounds, but by consistent, small steps forward.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Adams is a triumphant moment. The world below looks different, and so do you. The air is clearer, the view breathtaking, and there's a profound sense of accomplishment. In recovery, reaching a milestone or overcoming a significant hurdle offers a similar feeling of triumph. It’s a moment of clarity, where you realize just how far you’ve come, and how much you’ve grown.

But just as the climb doesn’t end at the summit, recovery is an ongoing process. Descending the mountain, you must remain vigilant, careful not to stumble on the way down. In the same way, maintaining progress in recovery requires continuous effort and awareness. It’s about integrating the lessons learned along the journey into everyday life, knowing that the path to wellness is not a destination but a lifelong journey.

Climbing Mt. Adams and the process of recovery are both testaments to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. They remind us that while the journey may be challenging, the rewards of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery are immeasurable. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or navigating the path of recovery, each step brings you closer to becoming the person you’re meant to be.

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