I See Your Halo

Have you heard that song "Halo" by Beyonce?  It's been on my play list for a couple of years and I swear I have listened to it about a hundred times.  For some reason, it grabbed me and held on.  Well, on Thursday, a certain few lines grabbed me in a whole different way.

Everywhere I'm looking now

I'm surrounded by your embrace

Baby I see your halo

You know you're my saving grace 

I checked the dictionary for the definition of halo and this is what it said:  the aura of majesty or glory surrounding a person or thing that is regarded with reverence, awe or sentiment.  BINGO!  Those four lines speak volumes in describing that feeling I feel every time I venture into the mountains.  Today's hike/scramble to the summit of Windtower embraces that aura, that glory, that majesty, that reverence, that awe, that sentiment.     

I had originally planned to summit Windtower on June 22, 2013 but our world came to a stop the day before and this hike was put on the back burner.  Today the time was right!  This is looking at Windtower from West Wind Pass.  Our goal is to be at the top of the highest spot in the photo below.   

A view during our brief stop at West Wind Pass.

Blue sky, few small puffy clouds, mountains, lake, reflections all packaged into one.

This was our view of the Spray Lake from part way up the steep open slope.

Looking back at The Rimwall with autumn shades splattered here and there.

By shortly after noontime we arrived at the summit to find a large cairn and a couple of wind shelters.  It was lovely and warm with no wind, so no need for shelters.  There was a need for a summit shot and this is mine.  We each had our turn going for our shot.  Everything about the place, conditions and weather was on our side so we visited for a full hour.  

After dining,  I checked out the area.  There was not a large amount of terrain to check out.  Right behind our lunch spot was a drop off and I checked it out. This was the safest way for me to do so.  Further along, we found a stash of filled water bottles tucked in the rocks and a couple of bolts for the climbers route.  On top of Windtower, I really felt that newly discovered halo effect!

Everywhere I'm looking now!

I'm surrounded by your embrace!

Baby I see your halo!

You know you're my saving grace!

Today turned out exactly as I hoped it would!  Due to this hike not being able to take place back on June 22nd because our world had come to a stop, today felt like a victory in taking back our mountains.      With arms wide open, we gladly accepted and embraced this gift today!