Wonderland by Kimberly Wheelock

Author:Kimberly Wheelock [Wheelock, Kimberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kimberly Wheelock
Published: 2023-05-14T23:00:00+00:00

Leaving the protection of the cabin, the rain began again in earnest. We reached the first Puyallup crossing by the afternoon. The river was unseen, but its familiar chorus rose as we approached. I felt nothing except the nagging pain in my side.

Ford turned down the spur trail for the individual camp sites. I continued onto the boardwalk, my footfalls clunking along the wood path. The dense foliage opened to the footbridge, and I stepped onto it, finding myself in the center before realizing where I was.

My pulse did not quicken, my breathing steady. My mind was clear and able to admire the landscape around me, the gentle rapids below cascading over slate-colored boulders. The sun sank below the cloud cover and filled the valley with warm light, igniting the surrounding forest and reflecting off each raindrop.

Su-Jin and Ford appeared at the entrance to the bridge. Ford’s surprise was written across his face. Su-Jin graced me with a big, beautiful smile.

My fear was gone.

Soaking in the moment, I felt free. My worst fear had been realized, and I had survived. I laughed, turned, and finished crossing to the other side.

We stayed in the North Puyallup campsites that night and the following day we moved onto the South Puyallup Camp. Again, I crossed the river without hesitation.

The following morning, we climbed to the top of Emerald Ridge along a cliff face overlooking the Puyallup Glacier. I helped Ford manage the wagon, carrying it between us. It was painful for me, but I managed. The sky remained overcast with occasional showers. The meadow at the top, a verdant green in mid-Summer, reflected the rich colors of an autumn palette.

The descent from the ridge led into a moonscape. The sweeping meadow disappeared, transitioning into the carved valleys and peaks the Tahoma Glacier had cut centuries ago. Ahead of us, a wall of crumbling andesite surrounded by stone fields. The mountain was hidden from view, but the edge of the glacier could be seen above the deep oranges and greys of the surrounding cliff faces where the receding ice had ground away and exposed the layers of earth. The valley was vast and unearthly. Mount Rainier’s name before white settlers arrived was Tahoma meaning ‘Mother of Waters’. Given the number and size of the glaciers on the mountain, it is not hard to understand why.

The trail passed from dense forest filled with moss-covered trees to an open field with an endless sky to a crumbling cliffside overlooking the glacial river valley below. It was nothing short of astonishing with or without the mountain in full view. We continued until we reached Indian Henry’s Hunting Grounds and slept in another patrol cabin. It was evening when we arrived. The clouds had parted, and the sun appeared, exposing the previously hidden mountain view. Su-Jin and I admired it side by side.

After my fall in the river, Su-Jin’s injuries, including the semi-healed scars, vanished. All signs of our struggle were gone. She was perfect again, made whole once more.

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