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Visibility was low. It was one of those slate-grey days, with sleet, and about four inches of week old snow on the ground. Not the kind of day that a person would really want to spend their time outdoors. But, it was a Saturday, and most Saturdays are reserved for the new guest's outbound experience. This Saturday, bad weather and all, was no different. So we packed our gear and headed for the Moose River Plains in Indian Lake, NY. The Mountain we decided to climb that day was Wakely Mountain.
I have never climbed Wakely in good weather. I don't know why, the mountain itself seems to almost want the experience to be just a little more challenging than an average Adirondack trip. I personally, don't mind walking in bad weather. Hiking to the top of a mountain with thick cloud cover and no view does not dampen my enthusiasm.
It is the challenge and helping others get to the top that makes the experience enjoyable. But, let me tell you, the newcomer fresh off a binge, does not usually share my enthusiasm. This day was no exception.
Bob spent fourteen days in a hospital detox unit, and then four weeks at a rehabilitation center. Even after these four weeks his health was still at the breaking point, he was morally degraded and was at the end of his rope. This is when his insurance ran out and he was thrown out of the rehab and into the street. His EAP from work was worried and called every where to get him help because he was still in rough shape and could not go home if he expected to stay sober. The St. Jude Retreat House™ was the only option that seemed feasible. We took him in and in the next five weeks he slowly gained his strength back. Bob was ready for a personal challenge. It was time to tackle a small mountain, good weather or not.
When we got to the trailhead, Bob felt a sense of anxiety along with fear that he would not make it to the top. Jerry and I encouraged him each icy step of the way. As we slowly increased in altitude the sleet turned to snow. Bob's mood changed from fear to enjoyment as the day wore on. Each step skyward added to his confidence, a feeling he hadn't felt in ages.
You can always tell when you are nearing the top of an Adirondack peak. The pines get smaller, and they all bend downwind from years of prevailing high winds. Walking through these pines is like walking through a white tunnel of snow. Bob walked through this tunnel and found himself, much to his delight and amazement at the top of a mountain. A large snowshoe hare scurried away adding to the frigid atmosphere of the place. The wind was blowing hard in our faces and was unbelievably cold. Ice had collected on the fire tower in a sideways pattern from the high winds. Bob climbed to the top of the tower and sat in total amazement at the sheer accomplishment of the task. |
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Bob attributes finally feeling peace in his life to this outdoor experience. He feels he "came out of the fog" on that fire tower. That was in 1993. Bob never drank again. Today Bob has moved on with his life and is a success in his personal and business life. Bob went back to work for the same company he left and has been one of the most solid performers they have. His family relations are excellent and his health is top notch.
Bob was one of the first people to go on a St. Jude Retreat House™ outbound. His experience proved to be so profound and life changing that these trips became an integral part of the Jude Thaddeus Program™. Since those early days I have witnessed many guests have a life changing event on a mountain top. The St. Jude Retreat House™ hopes you have enjoyed our website, and if you would like more information on these trips you can call the St. Jude Retreat House™ at 1-888-424-2626 or fax us at (518) 842-5099. |
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