Music and mountains. Both have an incredible ability to create real connections.
Aspire Rendezvous trips are mountain running parties where runners develop a relationship with an incredible wilderness zone and the other runners they’re with. Incredible days on trail are bookended by a vibrant basecamp scene that may include music, yoga, swimming and more. Musician David Burchfield shares his experience as camp musician for 2022’s Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous for the journal.
Listen to David’s album “State to State” while you read!
My first day of the Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous I found myself deep in flow, rolling down Ptarmigan Ridge near Mt. Baker. Some smoke from nearby fires had drifted through that morning but was clearing up as the day went on – dramatically unveiling luscious green forests, stark peaks, and alpine lakes in true North Cascades glory.
I’d started out with another runner, Melissa, but she had cruised ahead while I drifted back until I was between groups. I was just far enough from other runners that I felt safe belting, I mean absolutely shouting, along with the song I’d been jamming to in my earbuds. It had been a pretty tough year for me, full of huge personal disappointments that left me feeling gridlocked inside. There was a twisted knot in my chest of regret and a bleak, uncertain feeling about where and when I might ever find deep joy again. In that moment, I was surprised and delighted to find the freedom to unlock my heart, open up my lungs, and move my legs over some really beautiful terrain was just what I was needing. I found myself supported, once again, by two of my oldest friends: the mountains and music.
Making the final descent to the waiting Aspire van (complete with cold beers and watermelon) I put on an album I’d been saving all year for just this opportunity, although I didn’t know it until then. Hiss Golden Messenger’s “Quietly Blowing It,” inspired by the artist’s own feelings of internal lockdown and finding release and freedom in the midst of pandemic, was the perfect balance between hopeful beats and sober lyrics. I danced down the forest trail, capering sideways, high stepping short steps, and playing with fun flowy arms – and a huge smile came across my face. I have always felt a strong connection between breath, running cadence, and rhythm in the music that I listen to while out on longer days, but this particular run was special. I let go and let the mountain music flow through my legs.
Back in camp, while Aspire guides doled out super tasty appetizers, runners dipped their legs in the rejuvenating water of the Nooksack River as part of their recovery rituals. Nearing dinner, folks began to gather and prepare for the feast – sharing stories of the day. At some point, Kim said “Were you… singing up there?” A short pause followed as looks of recognition dawned on the faces of Kim’s running companions of that day and my own. We burst out laughing as we realized that my solo karaoke session was anything but private. Luckily, I love singing mountain music for other people and later did exactly that with my guitar around the campfire while runners relaxed and stretched. Playing mountain music for the group was, in fact, what brought me onto the trip in the first place.
Because the rendezvous experience is all about gathering at a central location each evening, there’s a uniquely relaxed and communal spirit to the post-run hang in camp. The crew often brings along a musician or two to provide some evening entertainment and that night I was lucky enough to play the bard. After the first night, I took requests from other runners and prepared them for the next evening’s “performance.” Performance? More like, singalong, arms around the shoulders, smores and beers kind of hang out. You may think I’m exaggerating, but I promise I am not – it’s that kind of picturesque good time.
Over the course of our three days out there, the members of my trip went from perfect strangers to new friends – forming small groups to run together and encourage each other through long, beautiful days in the mountains. By day three, we left from the trailhead practically all together in one supergroup. I’d made friends, played some mountain music, found refreshment in my spirit, and learned just how far I can really run. Day three found me without headphones at all – instead I spent most of the day chatting in the little running groups that I found myself in, or pushing my pace to catch the next group of friends ahead of me. You can be sure that between groups I will still belting out a tune or two.
All photos by Jessica Vandenbush.
Join us for four days of incredible running and camping on the Nooksack Ridgelines Rendezvous!
David Burchfield is an adventurer, trail runner, and touring musician based for now out of Salt Lake City, Utah.