Hiking Mount Lam Lam…power of prayer


Mason and I chose to hike Mount Lam Lam, Why? Because it is technically the highest point the in world. Because of the Mariana Trench that reaches some 35,000 feet below sea level and Lam Lam being at the top of that trench at 1332 feet above sea level.

The day started very early, we got up around 5 AM and drove to the trail head. We had to hike it fast so I could get to work by 8 AM at Guam Power Authority. It was too dark to hike when we arrived at the trail head (we didn’t have a head lamp), so we waited for a bit in the car. Once we could barely see the signs of daylight we hit the trail. It had been raining all night and was still drizzling. This made the trail like a slippery slide. It was quite the challenge to hike up such a steep hill. Reminds me a lot of hiking littles peak, very steep but much slicker. We heard a few wild hogs in the brush which kept us moving on.

As the light came out so did the bugs, there were tons of Mosquito’s and little spiders every where. After about 1 mile the weeds got so tall that they were above my head and way above Mason’s. There were spiders every and their webs were getting all over us. I grabbed to sticks and held vertical one in each hand to catch the spiders and webs as we worked out way through the jungle like weeds. We saw several bright yellow spiders that were about the size of a baseball. Their webs were about 4′ in diameter and the spider would hang in the middle under the web upside down. They were somewhat intimidating.

The last 300′ was so steep and rocky that we had to circle around to find a way up. It was quite the adventure I slipped and fell right under a huge spider, I am not a big fan of spiders so that was a real thrill. There were huge boulders we had to climb over and around. It was not like anything I had done before because there was moss and foliage all over them so it was hard to tell where they were or well the holes were. After what seemed like forever we made it to the top. It was great. It made all the sweat and wetness worth it. We took some photo’s from the top and then headed back down.

After we got back out of the boulders, we got a little disoriented. I thought for sure it was one way but the GPS said it was behind us. We were in a bit of a panic because we couldn’t see more than 100′ in any direction and I had to get to work. We decided to stop and say a prayer, what an experience. As we prayed we were very fervent and sincere, we were seeking for an answer and expecting it. It was amazing we got up and just started walking following what the GPS said and within minutes were found the trail again. It was such a relief. I know that our prayer was answered. I went totally against what I thought we should do, we had just got turned around. Bottom line is Prayer is more powerful than the sword.


Some serious fog

On top of Mount Lam Lam Guam

Static Peak and over the divide


We climbed up to Alaska basin, up to the Grand Teton NP boundary then onto the static peak divide. At the divide we hiked up to the top of Static Peak real quick, then high tailed it out of there because it was fixin to rain. On the way out it began to pour on us so Paul and I ran as fast as we could out of Death Canyon. Mom was there to pick us up and take us home. It was a great experience for all.

Middle Teton with Family


We climbed the Middle Teton August 21, 2000 with family and friends. What a pretty hike, full of variety and challenges. It was a first for all of us so there was plenty of excitement in the air. Stacie did a great job, as usual she set a gruling pace for the group. Can’t wait to climb this one again. Someday I would like to spend a few days up there and climb all three in a row.

Stephen and Jodi climbing the Grand Teton


Jodi and I climbed the Grand Teton together, I had planned on climbing but we talked Jodi into climbing it the night before we went. What a priceless experience.


Looking up to the Upper Saddle

almost to the top of the upper saddle

Just before the belly crawl

The Belly Crawl

First Chimney

Second Chimney

almost to the top

Stephen and Jodi on Top of the Grand

The repel down