Old Rag Mountain : My Fifth Climb
As I approach what may be my final hike up Old Rag Mountain, I find myself reflecting on the journey, not just of this mountain but of myself. My first encounter with Old Rag was back in 2018, and to say I was underprepared would be an understatement. I had no idea what I was getting into. The rocky scrambles, the steep inclines, and the sheer physical demand of the hike caught me off guard.
But something about that experience stuck with me. Despite the struggle, the exhaustion, and the uncertainty, I felt a pull to return. In 2020, I successfully completed the hike twice, feeling a growing sense of accomplishment with each ascent. Those two climbs reinforced my determination, proving to myself that I could push my limits both physically and mentally.
Then, in 2023, the challenge became even more personal after I fell and injured my leg. I was down for three months, unable to hike, and it was during that time I realized just how much hiking meant to me—physically, mentally, and spiritually. That injury reminded me of the fragility of the body, but also of the resilience of the spirit when we allow ourselves to heal and come back stronger.
Each time I’ve climbed Old Rag, I’ve not only found a stronger version of myself but a deeper connection to something greater. The mountain has a way of stripping away distractions, forcing you to focus on the next step, the next breath. In that struggle, I’ve experienced a spiritual clarity—a quiet, powerful realization that I am part of something bigger. The mountain has been my sanctuary, a place where I confront my fears, release my burdens, and feel at peace.
There’s something about reaching the summit that brings a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s more than just the breathtaking views; it’s a moment of communion with both the natural world and my inner self. Each time I’ve summited Old Rag, I’ve left a piece of my old self behind and stepped into a better, stronger version of who I am—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
If this is my last time on this mountain, I leave with gratitude—for the challenge, the spiritual renewal, and the growth. Old Rag may be difficult, but it’s in that difficulty where I’ve found not just my strength but my spirit.
