A Rainbow Mountain Observation

Prior to the trek to Machu Picchu, we went to the Mountain of Seven Colors most recently renamed “Rainbow Mountain.” To get there, we got in a van with a dozen other people, drove two hours to a breakfast, and another ninety minutes on a single lane dirt road with switchbacks to snake our way up to the foot of the mountain. The beauty of the mountains made up for feelings of terror as we looked down on sheer drops to the valley. Luckily, no one got car sick.

From where we unloaded there was a two mile hike to the summit that was a gradual incline. According to my watch we started at 14,000 feet in elevation and by the time we ended, it was 16,297 feet above sea level. Although we’re in pretty good shape, about two thirds of the way up, we got to the point where we said something like, “See that rock about fifty feet ahead? Let’s get there and then take a break to catch our breath.”

Rainbow Mountain was beautiful and well worth it, but there are some things I’ll be reflecting on besides its wonder and majesty. There were Peruvians who would offer a horse ride up to the mountain and many people took them up on that offer. The Peruvians would lead the horse at a brisk trot, and then we’d see them running back down to pick up another “fare.” They work so hard. In addition, there were many photo opportunities for the tourists. We posed with the llamas that the photographer insisted upon, and for a tip, he took several pictures. This also can’t be lucrative work.

Finally, we could see the highest mountain in Peru, named Mount Huascaran. It is 22,205 feet above sea level. It was spectacular and with the clouds blowing in sometimes they were obscuring parts of the mountain, then all of it, then none of the mountain. It was truly remarkable; pictures do not do it justice so I won’t post any.

But the lesson is that even when you can’t see the mountain, it is still there. Even when you can only see some of it, the mountain is still there. When you see all of it, you’re lucky because it still is there. And maybe that’s how I’ll think about God and saints…