The buzzing of my alarm hit me in the darkness of early morning (3:30 to be exact), followed by an ecstasy of messages from my fellow explorer urging me to be ready for the day's adventure. With the irrational thought process of a stumbling drunk and the drive of an avid explorer, my fatigued body urged itself into action under the pretense that this was worth - but my gosh, it truly was. Following a few replies to the texts and an ice-cold shower, I made it in time to sneak out the house and join my friend in her car. The tranquility of an early morning drive accompanied with soothing country music provides the fuel essential to start a day like this.

Google maps lead us out of town and into the rolling reaches of the Cascades, and directly to the heart of the woods. Finally, we arrived at the distinction but only a small lay-by was insight and no path. After a frivolous few minutes and some reckless U-turns on the road, we saw through the car's headlights a tiny path winding into the trees. Truth be told, I was terrified. With no cellphone signal and only an iPhone flashlight to fend off the bears, we walked on in. The path lead straight up and the sweeping branches of the trees enclosed upon us, it was deserted and all the more frightening. Finally, we enclosed upon the peak and there stood an old, wooden tower.

We climbed on up and the first views of the valley came into show. The tumbling clouds of the sky reflected the strays of moonlight struggling through, illuminating the vast array of moss-filled trees. But with ever patience and an urge to explore the structure, I utilized the darkness to capture the surroundings with my camera. The North West can be tumultuous to the unluckiest of travelers, but the beauty of the the dangerous environment allows for the most scenic of views.

At long last the night sky gave way to the rising sun, opening the valley to the fragrance of colors and enlightening smells of earthy freshness. The mountains transformed from the shadows of giants into the the sparkling armor that protects them, and the valley morphed into a breathtaking stretch of mother nature. This is the reason to find the passion to rise early, sights like this do not come to without an urge of motivation and struggle - but they truly are worth the effort.

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