I tend to change with the seasons both mentally and physically. My moods change, my activities change, and my habits change. I find that living in a state with four seasons allows me to appreciate the changes, and allows me to let go of what no longer serves me. When summer hits I know I will stay up later in the evening, feel naturally a bit more joyful from the extra vitamin D, and most importantly my hiking shoes get a lot more use.
I still hike year round when possible, but in the summer I can climb into the mountains that were once off limits because of snow. I appreciate the seasons forcing me to wait for these moments each year. In a world surrounded by instant gratification I enjoy the delay. Waiting for an adventure makes the journey that much sweeter.
When it comes to choosing a hike, I am one who reads trail reports like I am studying for a college exam. I need as much information as possible to feel prepared and to quell my anxiety. Once I find a trail that is up to snuff in my book I wrangle a willing participant and venture to the mountains. Lucky for me, last summer I befriended my coworker Caitlin and the rest has been history.
She is just as eager to hike as I am, which lets Duncan off the hook for weekly excursions.
Our first bigger summit of the season happened to coincide with the first 90 degree day of a very hot week. We left as early as possible to beat the heat, and overall we were successful. Caitlin, her sister Christina, Duncan, myself, and Caitlin’s sweet pup hiked to the top of Mount Townsend, a trail I have done a handful of times now.
This is a great hike to welcome the season, with spectacular views of the surrounding Olympic mountains.
The day was certainly hot, but when we are on mountain time there is no rush in getting to the top. Gone are the days I used to hike just to rush to the top. There was once a period of my life where I hiked solo a lot. I enjoyed this season of my life, but just like the seasons of weather – things change.
I enjoyed hiking alone and going at my own pace, but the reason I started doing it was because I couldn’t find any willing participants. Now that I am older and wiser (and far more anxious) I avoid hiking alone. I am thankful to have met both Caitlin and Duncan in the last few years, because now I never have to go alone.
While summer is likely my least favorite season, I take full advantage of the longer days. Summer months bring early starts to beat the crowds, and less fear of trying to beat the darkness of the setting sun. We only saw a handful of people on this hike, allowing us to find our own pocket of solace at the summit. We snacked, we savored, and then we sauntered our way back to the car.
Day hikes like this are the perfect summer excursion for me because I have something to look forward to on my weekends, but I am home in time to snuggle with my kitty in the evening. It’s taken me a while to appreciate the simpler things in life, but sometimes all it takes is a hike in my own backyard (metaphorically speaking of course) to bring me to life after a long week.
While I am ready for the high 80 / low 90 degree days to go away, I plan to use them to my advantage on some of these hikes. Insert alpine lake here. More on that in my next post. Who doesn’t love a good cold plunge after a grueling hike.
Q: What’s your favorite season? Hands down fall for me. I don’t care that it’s only August, I LOVE seeing all the fall themed items in the stores.
Blissfulbritt 
27 thoughts on “First Summer Summit”
Rachel
Autumn is my favorite season. The smells of warm spices. Beautiful photos. I’m super impressed 👏
Brittany
Yes, Yes, YES! I can smell the spices now, I am so excited for autumn.
walkwithme413
I love your posts and totally agree – I’m a New Hampshire girl, and fall is hands-down the best season, especially in the mountains. And I thought I was the only one not a fan of summer, haha!
Brittany
You are definitely not the only one! I’m not a fan of the heat. I can only imagine how beautiful fall is in New Hampshire!! 😍
Sheree
Gorgeous scenery! I used to say summer but since it’s become noticeably warmer, I’m inclined to say autumn and spring.
Brittany
I much prefer these mild seasons too. Autumn is top, followed closely by spring. They both feel like a rebirth after the more extremes of summer and winter.
Sheree
Good point Brittany, also great weather for cycling
Makayla
Summer used to be my favourite, but it’s definitely Fall now as I get older. The beautiful colours, football season, fresh apples, cooler temps so it’s cozy but still beautiful weather. October is such a lovely month!! 🍂
Brittany
October is my favorite month of allllll time!!! I love it so much, just thinking about it brings me so much joy. The apples, the pumpkins, the crunchy leaves…I can’t wait!
Charlie Bean
What an interesting post! I’d love to hike! As for seasons, I have never experienced one…I live too close to the equator hahah
Brittany
Fair enough. There are certainly some positives to stable weather that never changes.
Diana
Gorgeous views!
Brittany
I could sit up there all day. 😍
gpavants
Brittney,
Autumn is my season for sure. Not too cold not hot all and maybe rain or grey clouds to begj I. Don’t hike alone, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Brittany
You’re smart not to hike alone. And autumn brings so much joy to my soul.
gpavants
Have many great hikes.
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Roy McCarthy
I enjoy reading/watching the hiking adventures of others. For me though I’d sooner run/jog an hour or two and get my exercise fix and connection with nature that way. Summer for me though preferably not blazing hot.
Brittany
I get that urge towards the late fall/early winter. I think I’ll probably start running more then and will possibly train for another 13.1. We shall see!
C.A. Post
Mountains off limits because of SNOW⁉️
That’s the invitation to me!
As a Canadian friend once told me, “There’s no such thing as too cold; only inadequate clothing.”😉
Brittany
Ok I was wondering if anyone would say something. Hahaha. In my defense I still hike in some snow, but it’s my least favorite. I have the clothing, but I don’t have the bravery (I got lost in snow once and it gave me some PTSD.)
I think I more meant off limits for a vehicle to safely drive up the road to. 🤣
kagould17
A day in the mountains is always a good day. Fall is our favourite season, but we hike in all seasons. Have a great day. Allan
Brittany
I couldn’t agree more! Good on you guys for getting out there year round! I hike maybe twice in the winter. 🤣
Amy
I just saw my local grocery store’s first fall display last week! Fall leaves and pumpkin spice everything… And while we’ve been going through a heat wave (ugh!), those cozy sights still make me excited for what’s to come!
Can’t wait for your next post about the alpine lake!
Brittany
Today (Sunday) is the start of an entire week with a high of 73-77. It’s currently OVERCAST! I’m so excited.
Amy
I am SO jealous. Right now, 70° and humid is basically our low. 😂 Enjoy every moment of this cool wave!!
stewedpears.com
I loved the scenery and agree with you that there’s grace in waiting for the right time, the right season 🙂
Brittany
I’m glad someone else agrees! 😃