Awe and Wonder

We often use “awe” and “wonder” interchangeably, which makes sense because as you can see, the experiences share a lot in common. But there is a primary difference between our experiences of these incredible emotions that’s worth understanding. I love how researchers Ulrich Weger and Johannes Wagemann explain it. They write, “Wonder inspires the wish to understand'; awe inspires the wish to let shine, to acknowledge and to unite.” When feeling awe, we tend to simply stand back and observe, “to provide a stage for the phenomenon to shine.” 

Awe and wonder are essential to the human experience. Wonder fuels our passion for exploration and learning, for curiosity and adventure. Researchers have found that awe “leads people to cooperate, share resources, and sacrifice for others” and causes them “to fully appreciate the value of others and see themselves more accurately, evoking humility.” Some researchers even believe that “awe-inducing events may be one of the fastest and most powerful methods of personal change and growth.” 

-Brene Brown, Atlas of the Heart 

the Northern Lights Anna got to see on her drive to Fairbanks yesterday 

Anna had a friend in town last weekend so they went on the Bomber Traverse that we did but added a section and did it in the reverse direction from what we did earlier before Labor Day. 

Leg 1: Gold Mint Trailhead to Mint Hut

Hike the Gold Mint Trail across the valley floor (expect mud and wet terrain).

Ascend steadily as elevation increases toward Mint Hut (~4,300 feet).

Leg 2: Mint Hut to Bomber Hut

Climb out from Mint Hut up and over Backdoor Gap (around 5,717 feet), a steep and unstable loose-rock pass.

Descend toward the Bomber Hut (~3,853 feet) near the Bomber Glacier and B-29 wreckage site. 

Leg 3: Bomber Hut to Snowbird Hut

Navigate from the Bomber area up toward high alpine passes (such as Bomber Pass or connecting route areas).

Cross boulder fields, moraines, and the Snowbird Glacier up to the Snowbird Hut, which sits high in the peaks near Snowbird Glacier. 

the birthday cake that came with us last year when we drove Anna to Alaska came with Anna on the hike 

Behold!