I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I think I’m in pretty good shape. I can easily crank out a 5-6 mile run, I attend multiple spin classes a week, and I’ve upped my yoga to daily sun salutations.
I just like to keep moving.
With that said, there are times when I am humbled by certain physical activities. Weights? Yea right…don’t even ask me to lift. Saturday I was humbled while on a hike, a hike that took a total of 6 hours.
I don’t have many friends these days, by choice. I just don’t know many people that enjoy the activities that I enjoy, and life is too short to waste your time with people that don’t add any value to your life.
I was fortunate enough to discover one of my old coworkers loves to hike as much as I do, so we’ve been hiking…a lot. I don’t dare go alone..
Saturdays hike started out like any other, gradual climb with beautiful views. 3 miles in was a series of waterfalls, the perfect “calm before the storm” of the climb to come. I had no idea what I was in store for.
This is the spot most people turn around at. Well, I’m not most people and I wanted to see the top. Time to activate incline glutes. My hiking partner thought it would be a good idea to bring a 20+lb bag. I thought it would be a good idea to try and carry it. I lasted 10 min.
Into the clouds we go.
Bag of death.
The straight up climb to the summit felt like it lasted for hours. It took us forever to get to the top because the pace was S.L.O.W. So steep. As with all climbs though, the accomplishment is indescribable.
The view at the top was…well…white. We were legit inside of a cloud.
A bit further down.
I never doubted that I would make it to the top, but man was it tough!
This was the first time I had hiked into the night, it was dark by the time we made it back to the car. I wasn’t too worried, I found a potential new house to live in when I move to the Seattle area.
Who wants to throw a housewarming party in here?
My neighbors house. Birds, or possibly a jackalope.
Overall this hike was about 7.5 miles round trip, with an elevation of 4800ft. I think the fact it took 6 hours tells you enough in itself.
What’d I learn this time? 20+ lb bags slow you down, and quitting is never an option. Unless you get eaten by a bear.
Q: Do you like steep climbs, or gradual climbs? I like both…on the same hike. I want to feel the burn, get a small reprieve, THEN BURN AGAIN!
Blissfulbritt 