We met in camp at 3:30am and bushwhacked our way to the trail by headlamp, the tree canopy obscuring any view of the stars. I wondered how many critters we sent fleeing from their beds as we crashed our way through the dark.

For two hours we climbed by lamp. As we approached the last, steepest section of trail, a purple and orange glow seeped over the horizon. I picked up my pace, not wanting to miss that moment when the sun would come cracking over the ridge line. Gordon and Mark sprinted ahead.

At the top I fought to catch my breath. The orange was spreading now. One last climb—we jogged the wooden stairs to the top of the fire tower. Oh, and what a fire it was.

This dainty variscite ring is a size 8.5 and is looking for its forever home. May contain traces of pre-dawn mist and forest floor. Available in the shop.