This rock tells a story of love.
There was a once boy who had lived for nearly 50 years before he found the love of his life —he found his true love while hiking Manastash (prounounced MENastash) Ridge, in Ellensburg, WA.
Because he could, he strapped a 50 pound bag on his back, to remind him that he was still strong, still alive, still capable of handling great weight.
The heat was almost, but not quite, unbearable (100 degrees, or so) and he focused on the sharply escalating trail in front of him. When at last he reached the top, a golden-haired angel helped him give his Dog some water. She smiled. She talked with him not at him. She too was hiking the ridge at an inhospitable time of day. She was like no other. They shared air and steps all the way down the ridge.
He knew then he would give her all the apricots in his orchard. He knew she was his love, and soon she would realize it as well.
