The 2008 Lygon Stevens  Memorial Climb

The Lygon Stevens “Time to Live” Memorial Climb 2008 will go down as a milestone of victory for all who participated – all 56 of them from ages 12 - 80! Over 30 were at the trailhead at 3:00 AM where we handed out shirts and ribbons, shared a prayer, thanks, and instructions for the day. After starting out with headlamps, by 11:30 am 21 LSMC climbers gave praise to God and cheers to each other as they stood on the summit of 14,255 ft. Long’s Peak! Looking down on the Chasm Lake hikers, connected by radios and binoculars, we shared the moment and victory together reading the words above from Lygon’s journal. With everyone looking out for each other, many pushed themselves to limits they had never known and accomplished something they never thought possible. Even more amazing, for 10 of those who reached the summit, this was their very first 14er! The comradeship, the pushing, the accomplishing, seeing Christ’s strength continue where yours ends - these are exactly what led Lygon to take other people in to the mountains.

Those on the Chasm Lake hike enjoyed the wonderful feeling of accomplishment without the 3am starting time! Leaving at 7:15am, the 8.4 mile round trip hike was a rich time of sharing stories and the impact of Lygon’s life, and getting to know each other. Pastor Jim Sturgis kept a shepherd’s eye on us all (thank you, Jim) and Shusong told us of life in China. Everyone made the final ascent to the lake and enjoyed a rest, prayer, and journal reading together. It was a peaceful day in which a deep sense of trust developed among a group of people who had not know each other. With the first raindrops came a hurried descent across the boulders in the soaking rain and even hail!

The testimonies of the hand of God abounded! To capture a few…
• 1st 14-er crew – Brian and Cade Cobb, Sarah Warnock, Jonathan Osgood, Mark and Sammy and Alison Donelan, Ben Fullerton, Alan Schmidt, John Summers
• At 80 years old, Eckart Lemberg climbed the 6 miles to the Key Hole with his daughter, Catherine.
• Three generations of the Summers family made the hike to Chasm Lake together.
• John Summers made the summit on this, his third, attempt.
• Father and son John and Brent White actually summitted twice – once before everyone else then turned back on their descent to be present for the picture
• Heather Martin survived the collapse of her dorm around her during the February tornado in Tennessee to claim the Lord’s miraculous victory over injury and stand on the summit. She claimed that same victory at the end of the day by walking out on her own two legs - the last 2 miles without stopping - after falling ill to Altitude Sickness! I can do all things through Him who strengthens me
• The Donelan family – Mark, Sammy, and Alison – stood together on the summit for their 1st 14er!
• Sarah Warnock took one step at a time and did it!
• The Towne family – Doug, Val, Christine and Meg – burned the trail beneath them for an incredibly fast ascent to the Key Hole
• Steven Olson showed his grandsons what it means to never give up, to push on and keep on climbing

In addition, several people were climbing at other places in RMNP in honor of the day - Black Lake, Bear Lake to Emerald Lake. Many, many thanks go to Kelly and Genoa Benedick, Sharlane White, and Sonja Donelan for setting up the barbeque at the Benedick’s home. Everything was waiting for the climbers as they came down!

And yes, this was, without a doubt, the 1st Annual LSMC!