Watching the Ball Drop; Ryan Mountain Versus Times Square

Ryan Mountain > Times Square

Ryan mountain provided us with an excellent vantage point for taking in the last light of 2015 from the summit in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park. We took a road trip there during the New Years Holiday weekend 2015-2016. On the way, we made a detour to check out one of the largest bodies of water in the US; the orphaned Salton Sea.  We did not tarry too long so as to prevent us from ascending to this vantage point overlooking the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree. 

Ryan Peak was a great spot to watch the sun set on the last night of 2016. We had the summit all to ourselves as the nuclear fusion powered ball cast its shadows over the bizzare rocks and vegetation of Joshua tree. The hike is about a 1.5 miles each way/1000 ft climb making it doable on the day of arrival.

At elevations in the 3000-4000 range, the December sun's light was more notable than it's heat. It was too cold to stop for more than a minute as the excess body heat generated by activity was vital to preventing hypothermia.

Still reeling from tragedy, I similarly felt an appreciation for the illumination brought into our circumstance by the grace and power of God.  While the cold chill of loss still goads me, I know I must press on, ever seeing by but not not always feeling warmth of the presence of God.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path." -Psalm 119:105