This poem was sent to us by Marlene Ruthen.  Her grandson, Neil Garret Ruthen, wrote it recently reflecting on his stay at North Face Lodge two years ago, when he was twelve.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Denali
Awakening at the first light of dawn,
breathless with delight  
I stare through the window,
with unbelieving eyes,
for through unveiling curtain of clouds,
natures most treasured jewel
stands for all to see,

I scramble outside,
feeling the
excitement build in my soul
for here I found indescribable beauty,

A gigantic, majestic
behemoth of rock
two towering sky scrapers of shining ice,
gleam with the pinkish glow of early morning light.

I gasp and
take in a breath,
a breath of the crisp spice of conifers,
that warms my body.

I smile at the landscape,
for sharing the secret of natures beauty.