Climbing the Devil

Sundays we go to church because that's the day everyone is there. People are baptized, communion is shared, the Word is preached. An infinite God loves you and loves me and gave us life while we lived in death. The One who paints the sky that gorgeous shade of orange and pink that fades into blue and green stirs inside my heart as words like, "Did you feel the mountains tremble? Did you hear the oceans roar?" pass through my lips and I answer, "Yes."

In September, I went to church with only two people. I woke up one Sunday morning in Spearfish, SD; I dressed, loaded the car with Ben and David, and watched the darkness lighten out the backseat windows. We looked for Devils Tower, not knowing it would seem so small from the road. And so high at its base. We hiked at 6:30 in time to see that morning's sunrise reveal rock and river and meadow. For 45 minutes, we were alone. For 10 hours, we climbed, and I knew the gift it is to be human - to know God with heart and mind and strength. To know Sundays in the pew and Sundays on the rock. There is more to thrill-seeking than adrenaline. It's seeking God in the cathedrals not built by our hands - His omnipresence. It's challenging every faculty, every muscle because it's what we were made to do.

We were impulsive. We settled on our climbing location only one week prior. Only one of us knows how to safely place protective equipment - we trusted Ben. We wanted the risk. We wanted the memories. We didn't take the time to plan it out because all the pieces were already there, and we simply wanted to go. We'd fit them together on the wall. We drove west. The climb was physical and long - full bodies jammed in cracks, breathless. We learned. We loved each of the eight pitches, especially when they scared us. The same philosophy we believe on Sundays at church holds here: This isn't a fluke. This isn't a once-in-a-lifetime (or even a once-in-awhile) thing. This isn't just for honeymoons or Sundays. This is who we are and who we are continuously becoming. We are creatures with heart and mind and strength, and we want to use it all. We want to reach the edge of our capabilities. And then we want to go farther.

Spearfish Canyon

Oftentimes I have found myself daydreaming about what it would be like to have no other obligations than to go outside and explore. The past 2 weeks, Taryn and I got the chance to do just that. We have been hiking and climbing in the great Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I have been visiting the Black Hills since I was a boy so for me this adventure made me feel right at home.

Spearfish is one of those places that a lot of people visit but few actually get out of their cars and explore. After buying a climbing guidebook, we talked to several locals about their favorite spots. I like doing that. There is something special about “word of mouth” spots that make them seem more beautiful. The canyon is full of these spots and I’m sure it would take many years to become familiar with all of them. But, we picked the few that sounded the best and were handily rewarded.

The climbing in Spearfish was hard. Most of the rock is limestone so it has a tendency to feel slippery after just a few holds. Many of the climbs had decent handholds but the ratings seemed a bit steep. We are comfortable climbing moderate routes but even these seemed difficult in the canyon. This was a far cry from the sticky granite rocks that we climbed in Colorado. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed being on the rock and plan to visit in the near future.

I had an interesting conversation with my brother about our trip and all the amazing places that we have been seeing. He reminded me how blessed Taryn and I really are to be experiencing the beauty of the U.S. the way that we are. I highly recommend everyone visiting the places we have been. 

Our next adventure will take us several hundred miles into the California wilderness. I have wanted to hike the John Muir Trail for some time and now I have the chance. I have no doubt that in a few weeks I will have some great pictures and memories to share.

Go outside and find something beautiful today.