Mitch Lewis had no idea when he scaled Mount Everest that lessons he learned in climbing the highest peaks around the world would help operate a Thurston County regenerative farm and gathering space. But that’s exactly what happened. And today, Summit Farms reflects the values he and spouse Michelle gathered along a global journey that brought them to their farm’s 28 bucolic acres near Millersylvania State Park.

“You can’t do it alone,” says Mitch in describing what climbing taught him about life. “You are part of a small team and a bigger team of a global community. You will have a lot of adversity, but also a lot of perseverance.”

“Being a farmer is more difficult than climbing,” he adds.

“There are no short cuts to farming,” says Michelle. “It takes a lot of hard work, and nurturing and intention. Then the rewards are amazing.”