When we look back on our lives it is sometimes hard to recognize the greatest experiences while in the moment.  This is the story of one of those moments.

The summer solstice, longest day of the year, has always been a special day for so many reasons. So why not celebrate it in grand fashion?

Five years ago my brothers Luke Bradford and Carlos Martinez and I decided to celebrate the solstice by skinning up to Illumination Saddle on Mount Hood to watch the sunset and ski down in the moonlight.

We packed a bevy of goods that would make the “World’s Most Interesting Man” feel envy of our greatness. That includes a fifth of rare whiskey, a few bottles of Luke’s wine, fine cheeses, baguettes, chocolates, and speakers to light up the jams.

With no other intention other then to have fun and watch the sunset the magic began to happen. We started chatting about topics all the way from adventure, personal demons, the beauty of nature, and falling in love.

Immersed in Nature

The food came out, the music got turned up, and the cocktails started to flow at 9800 feet.

When a moment has a natural rhythm everything seems to fall into place perfectly. The sun began to set, the batteries went dead on the speakers, we congregated on the saddle, and looked west to watch the sunset.

Mount Hood felt like she was on fire. The mountain began to glow of a pink and orange mimicking the sky.  As the sun set began we could see the Pacific Coast range clear as a bell and the sun began to fall into the horizon. It was a moment we will remember for the rest of our lives.

When we are immersed in nature it seems to help connect us on a very natural level. It breaks down the walls of ego and insecurities while letting us speak from the heart.  As we grow older time is the one commodity we no longer have available. The intensity of experiences in the mountains helps push together new and old friends extremely quickly.

So this year if you’re free on June 21, 2015, please come join my friends and family on Illumination Saddle. Bring some good food, great libations, and fireworks. Dress in a costume, and come with a smile. I can promise one thing: a really really good time.

Last modified: June 10, 2015