Have you ever started something that you’ve always wanted to do, or you were doing something you love to do, and then find yourself having to take a detour.

It feels like you reached the bottom of a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ page, having to pick whether to go through the dark cave or take the sunlit path. You sit there debating which one you should pick; maybe even thinking about peaking at what each option holds in store for your adventurer. Unfortunately, with real-life you don’t get to skip ahead to see what each option holds instore for us; we have to evaluate each option and pick the one that we feel is the best for us for that particular situation. Even though we can’t see what the outcome will be until we get to the next detour sign; pivot, focus on staying strong, and having faith.

Here you will read about a young man who found himself at one of lives many detours. He picked the option that he needed to at that time and then found himself with the option he chose against available again further down the road in life.

The Gift That Took Time

Tyler’s story begins with a thoughtful graduation gift from a family member: a guided hike to the summit of Mount Rainier. However, life had other plans. As he and his wife prepared for the arrival of their first child, the trip had to be postponed. Years later, with his kids a bit older, Tyler decided it was time to finally cash in on that long-awaited gift. But as he prepared for the hike, nerves crept in. After all, he had a family to think about. “Initially, I was nervous,” Tyler admits. “I have a wife and kids. But I also knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Training for the Challenge

Tyler wasn’t about to take this journey lightly. He knew that climbing Mount Rainier was no small feat, so he dedicated five months to intense preparation. To build up the strength and stamina needed for the rigorous hike, Tyler focused on cardio training, including long sessions on the stair master and running with a weighted vest.

The Highs and Lows of the Journey

Tyler’s hike began in earnest, with a sense of excitement and anticipation. One of his favorite parts of the journey came when he reached high camp. “The view from high camp was breathtaking,” Tyler recalls. “The skies were clear, and we could see the peaks for miles. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever witnessed.” However, not everything was smooth sailing. On the second day of the hike, the weather took a turn for the worse. Snow and rain pelted the group, and the steep elevation gain made the climb even more challenging. Tyler’s team faced 50 mph winds and temperatures that plummeted to 29 degrees below zero. Unfortunately, the weather proved too much, and the decision was made to turn back before reaching the summit. “It was disappointing not to make it to the peak, but safety had to come first.”.

The Hardest Part: The Weight of the Challenge

While the weather was undoubtedly a challenge, Tyler cites carrying a 65-pound backpack as the hardest part of the entire hike. Although he had prepared for the physical exertion, he hadn’t fully anticipated the weight of the pack. “That was a huge factor I didn’t prepare enough for,” Tyler admits. “The weight was incredibly taxing, especially with the steep terrain.” On the flip side, Tyler found the descent to be the easiest part of the journey. After the weight of the climb and the challenging weather, heading down the mountain felt almost like a relief.

Looking Ahead: New Goals and Adventures

Though Tyler didn’t reach the summit this time, the experience has left him with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to take on even more challenges. His next big goal is to run a marathon in 2025. And the mountain? Tyler hopes to return someday to finish what he started – reaching the top.

A Message of Encouragement

Looking back on his journey, Tyler offers advice to others considering an adventure of their own: “Go out on adventures, especially the ones that require training and preparation. There’s no better feeling than accomplishing something you didn’t think you could do. The hard work, the challenges – they all pay off in the end.” Whether you’re preparing to tackle a physical challenge or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, Tyler’s story is a reminder that every adventure is an opportunity for growth, achievement, and self-discovery. And sometimes, the hardest journeys lead to the most rewarding experiences.