Tag: REI

• Mount Angeles

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on August 15, 2022

  One of my pals just bought a new Subaru Outback. Naturally when one buys an adventure mobile such as this, adventure is put onto the radar almost immediately. I was happy to oblige when she asked me to go for a hike with her, and we had plans to go for a mild, chill elevation hike last week just to get the feet moving.

  Then the tables turned and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.

  I have been craving, longing for, pining and whining to get my feet onto an epic hike all summer, and I finally did just that. I haven’t always been the best at last minute changes to a plan, I like to have an idea of what I need to prepare for, but as I have gotten older I have been working on morphing more into a human like flubber so that I can bend and roll with what’s thrown my way.

  A work in progress, but a progress nonetheless.

  

  A group of pals from work had a hike in the works, and when they asked me to join I didn’t think twice. It helped that I was in the peak energy and social phase of my cycle (ladies, I cannot stress enough tracking your cycle and knowing how your body works throughout the entirety of it!) We planned to meet at 0600 for an early start at the Hurricane Ridge location of Olympic National Park.

  This area fills up quick on weekends, so an early start is a must.

  Our plan was to hike Mount Angeles, a new to me trail with recent bear sightings and a scramble at the summit. What could possibly go wrong? Fortunately for us nothing went wrong, and the trail was mosey and mild for the first couple miles, allowing the entire group to stick together. When we started the hike we could see our destination at the end, although in the beginning I had no idea the curved peak was our summit.

  

  There were six of us total, and we kept a nice pace walking along chatting about the awe and wonder around us, the possibility of wildlife sightings, and the amount of sunscreen our pal Chris had accidentally put on. His entire body looked like the face of a mime. At least he would not be getting burned. We eventually came to a fork where the left had a drastically steep start, and we were not sure if it was the correct path despite the map telling us it was.

  So we went right instead.

  After ten minutes of going down, down, down, we realized we had gone onto a different path heading to a different destination, and four out of six of us decided we wanted to go back and try the path to the left. We headed back to the fork, waved goodbye to the other two, while four remaining hikers trekked on into the wilderness, hopeful for new sights, sounds, and smells.

  

  I had the idea of a “scramble” in my head, but I wasn’t sure what exactly that entailed. The four of us slowly made our way up the mountain and it was certainly more steep than the first half of the hike, but nothing was unmanageable. We took it slow and only one person passed us coming down. I asked if he made it up the scramble and he said yes.

  He advised to keep to the left, that it was longer but easier, and while I appreciated the input I didn’t anticipate I would be crawling up a rock wall.

  The closer we got the more we realized the landscape difference between what we had been hiking and what must be the scramble portion of the trail. We all decided then that we would hike to just below the scramble and call it. We made it to a beautiful open meadow where two of the girls stopped, but I had to touch the trees at the very base of the scramble.

  I had to go the final 100 ft before I no longer felt comfortable.

  

  As I sat at my chosen summit, the other two decided to join and we all savored the views before turning back to the parking lot. The summit provides a panoramic view of the entire range around us, but I was happy with the views we had. The climb was a little too vertical for me with no designated path. Maybe one day I will enjoy the idea of a scramble. I would be fine crawling up, it’s the coming back down that scares me.

  

  

  After admiring some local marmots, we made our way back to the fork where we hoped to find the other two members of our party. Turns out our hour and a half detour was a bit longer than everyone expected and the other two made their way back to the parking lot. The views from the lot were just as awe inspiring meaning everyone left happy that day. This hike was just what I needed to bring my soul to life, even if just for a few hours.

  I’m thankful for good friends with a zest for life, and I cannot wait for more adventures in my friends new Subaru.

  

  

  Q: Would you crawl up the scramble?

  

  | 27 Comments Tagged Hiking, Mount Angeles, Olympic Mountains, PNW, REI

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on July 26, 2022

  1. I am writing this post from Duncan’s apartment where the WiFi is like that of my dreams. Fast like a Starbucks lobby, but comfortable like a hug from an old friend. The WiFi at my place is horrid, and often prevents me from wanting to write anything because of how sSSsLLooOwwWw it is. Little luxuries like this keep the world spinning.

  2. I have had the last two weeks off of work for what was meant to be a vacation, but turned into a staycation. For the first week I was irritable, kicking myself for not having anywhere to go after changing original plans, but during the second week I settled right in. I go back to work today and can’t say I am looking forward to it. I’ve been biking, hiking, sleeping, running, eating, staring at the wall, and reading.

  I’m currently reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, and prior to that I finished the book below.

  

  3. With this time away from work, my chronic – year long back pain – has subsided during the second week. I am certain that my job has been contributing to my lack of healing, and I am now game planning my next move. No job is worth breaking my body for.

  4. The heat has hit Washington and it has hit haarrdd. Duncan and I went for a mid morning hike recently that should have been moderate to easy, but it felt hard with the heat. I suppose having Covid two weeks prior made it difficult too, but who knows. The views were great though.

  I don’t know which I preferred, the mountains off yonder or the gray jay’s stealing food out of people’s hands.

  

  

  5. I have a possibly unhealthy attachment to my cat. I feel genuine sadness when I leave him for a night or two. I have always loved the little ball of fur, but lately I feel closer to him. Please live forever. Please let me put you on a leash and come with me on hikes.

  6. I have been more mindful of my Instagram usage lately, and occasionally take days off at a time. The benefits I get from staying off of it outweigh the temporary boredom quell, but recently during one of my allotted scroll times I entered a giveaway for some local GF/V donuts I have been wanting to try. Spoiler: I WON!!!

  I was stoked to get a free six pack of their current seasonal flavors. Half of them were more of a miss, but the other half were tasty. Although I still prefer my Brittany friendly muffins from another local biz.

  

  7. Speaking of Brittany friendly muffins, I woke up Sunday morning to Duncan surprising me with one of these muffins. I told him I wanted a muffin surprise someday, and I didn’t anticipate that day being so soon. It was delicious, despite the fact they initially gave him the wrong muffin. We went back to get the right one.

  8. I found a new road to ride my bike on that gives me backroad farm vibes. Maybe because it is a backroad with farms…but it makes me feel like I am biking in an area that warms my soul which is hard to find where I currently live. I rode there three times in the last week, and I think I have finally found my new spot.

  

  9. I miss the spirit of blogging past. When I first started this blog, I met copious amounts of others both online and in person because blogging was a growing hobby for many. I understand the entirety of this type of social media has changed with the onslaught of Twitter and Facebook and Instagram etc, but sometimes I just miss the community these blogs fostered.

  I also adore when those who still read my blog leave me a comment. Like, it legitimately makes my day. Please be a community with me. I need friends.

  10. I sometimes get sucked into the homebody aura that Duncan exudes, and while this is helpful at times it can also be harmful for me. This past weekend we got out of our bubble and went to a brewery for a friends birthday and played card games with six other humans. We laughed until our bellies ached, and afterwards we ate sushi with the sunset.

  It doesn’t take much, but that evening was a complete recharge for my mental health battery.

  

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Biking, Donuts, Early Morning Confessions, Hiking, REI

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 25, 2021

  1. I went for the most glorious bike ride recently with my favorite human, and I am still riding the high. We biked nearly two hours through the woods and my soul will be swooning for many days to come. I rode the bike I bought in Germany for the first time since March, and it was like having coffee with an old friend.

  

  2. Somehow I have been at REI for a year now. I told myself I would get this job until I figured out what was next, but it appears the world is still in proverbial flames, so for now this continues to be what’s next.

  3. We have approached the most wonderful hiking time of the year. Fall is my absolute favorite (along with most people I speak to), and the cooler weather, crunchy leaves, and autumn colors fill my cup in a way that cannot be done by summer rains.

  We’ve got backyard hikes…

  

  

  We’ve got far away hikes…(Mount Rainier)

  

  

  And of course we’ve got the hikes that are worthy of their own blog posts.

  4. I have recently been introduced to “walking in…” videos on YouTube. Basically you can find most any city you want to see someone walk around, and it is oddly satisfying and meditative. The first one I watched was the town I lived in DE, and it was a mixed bag of emotions. Highly recommend.

  5. Running has been so good to me. I continue to surprise myself by how far I have come with regard to this sport. For many years I ran for all the wrong reasons, causing burn out and overwhelm. I now run for my mental health, and watching my pace slowly get faster is just an added perk. I used to think anything above a 10 minute mile was slow, but I am humbled as it has taken me six months to find this pace again.

  

  

  6. Last September I moved back into my childhood home, and I was determined to only stay a short while. I have had moments of motivation to find my own space, but they continue to be fleeting. I find such comfort in staying with my mom and my sister, and I currently need this comfort more than I realized.

  7. Before I moved back to America I made a list of things I was going to miss about Germany, and a list of things I was looking forward to about being back in my home state. One thing I was looking forward to was taking a bite of my favorite muffins, muffins I hadn’t had since 2017 or 2018.

  It took me a full year, but I finally indulged in a muffin…twice.

  

  8. Ever since I hurt my back a few months ago it has never been the same. I have had the most obnoxious and annoying sciatica discomfort for weeks, and the only thing that helps is vertical movements (ironically running helps shake it out the most), and horizontal resting. Sitting down on my bum is a sure fire way to a game over.

  I have never felt more my age than I do now.

  9. After eight years of (comfortable and content) singledom I guess my heart isn’t as black as I thought, and after six months of dating I guess I am ready to properly introduce Duncan to blogland. Time spent with him in a corn maze, and picking out pumpkins is time well spent. ❤

  

  

  

  10. Every year when fall rolls around I feel twinges of grief with regard to my “former life.” Life before food sensitivities and autoimmune disease, life before anxiety and overthinking, life when I didn’t have to meticulously plan out my daily activities or meals. I have moments of jealousy towards those who can indulge in all the pumpkin and cinnamon treats without repercussions, but at the end of the day I am reminded why I choose to live the way I do. Feeling well far surpasses a pumpkin bagel with cream cheese. Alas, sometimes a splurge is necessary.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 35 Comments Tagged Biking, Early Morning Confessions, Hiking, Pumpkin, REI, Running

• Maiden Peak

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on October 4, 2021

  I recently went for a new to me hike, one I would have never done had it not been for the rugged safety of a vehicle belonging to someone else. I think back to some of the trails I hiked in the past and the roads I took to get there, and you couldn’t talk me into driving those roads again even if you told me a cupcake was waiting for me at the end.

  My Toyota sedan has done her job, and she has retired to calm terrain only these days.

  

  The destination was Maiden Peak, and the road to the Deer Park Campground where we started our hike isn’t the worst terrain, but the constant uphill on gravel roads without 4WD would give my tender little heart a bout of anxiety if in my car. I am thankful for friends who have more trail appropriate vehicles and are willing to carpool to these hikes.

  They have allowed me to see places I likely wouldn’t venture to alone.

  

  The benefit of driving up quite a ways is the payoff at the end of the hike, and we topped off at 6200ft. Starting at a higher elevation meant this hike started cold. We’re talking high 30’s cold. I was surprised by how cold it was when we started, and while I prefer hiking in cooler temps this was a bit of a shock to the system. The trail starts off with a walk downhill, which is always a sign some brutal Scheisse is about to come. What goes down, must go up.

  Right as rain the trail had such a steep incline I thought my calves were going to spontaneously combust.

  The trail gains 2100ft of elevation, and at times it felt like 1000ft of this was all at once. Trails like this open up to expansive views that are indescribable, and while the struggle was real at times I very much enjoyed this hike. It wasn’t all an uphill battle though, we evened out a handful of times for a reprieve, much like my mood after I come down from the sudden cortisol spike after too much coffee.

  

  

  We sat at our chosen destination of Maiden Peak for roughly ten minutes before the weather started to take a turn. The views of the surrounding mountains began to disappear as a thick fog rolled in. I enjoy when the weather is a combination of sun and clouds, it somehow feels like two different hikes. Alas, my bones grew cold once again and we packed our bags to begin our descent.

  

  I wasn’t cold for long as the trail began moving up and down like a wave, and the final push at the end (walking up the hill we initially went down) was enough to get my core temperature back up to baseline. We managed 8 miles of trail, 4 hours of conversation, and a full day of fun. These coworkers turned friends of mine are what keep me at my current job.

  That and the fact that I still don’t know what’s next.

  

  I’m a simple gal, with simple goals for my life. I want a roof over my head, good food in my belly, fun adventures here and there, and deep connections from select humans. I want to drink hot coffee atop mountains, cook nourishing meals while listening to Noah Kahan, read a book when it’s raining outside, soak in a hot tub under the stars with snow all around me, and ride my bike or walk through the woods with autumn leaves crunching under my tires or feet.

  I want to cuddle with my partner through the silence of the night, feel the low hum of my cats purr on my chest while resting on my favorite chair, sit in silence with my family while we each engage in our own activities, run on backcountry roads past cows and sheep with the smells of farmland wafting through my nostrils, cry until my temples ache, and laugh until my abs are sore.

  I want to live in each moment and to take each day as it comes, learning from others and learning from myself.

  

  My current job aligns with my current priorities in life, and in time those will both change. Life doesn’t have to be complicated, and I am at a point where I no longer feel the need to conform to a template built by anyone other than myself. Living an authentic life created exclusively by me – that is what I call success.

  Q: What are the ingredients for the successful soup of your life?

  

  | 13 Comments Tagged Hiking, Life, REI

• DIY Halloween Costumes

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on November 11, 2020

  Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Halloween. October is the superior of all months, fall is the only worth while season, and autumn changing leaves quite literally give me life. I also adore black cats, pumpkins taste like cake when cooked right, and corn mazes make me feel like an explorer.

  However, all that said I don’t typically love to dress up. I don’t love parties, I don’t love the attention wearing a costume brings, and I get an odd anxiety when I’m one of the only people in a room who is not in costume. Like when I am working somewhere that advocates for Halloween participation.

  

  I recently and somewhat unexpectedly got a job at REI. I have always wanted to work for REI, and when I saw the store in my town was hiring I decided why not. I needed something to do while I figure out what’s next for me, and traveling isn’t an option right now, so I’m currently getting paid to research about my hobbies.

  Every job I have worked in the past has encouraged employees to dress up for Halloween, but REI decided to take it one step further and encouraged us to dress up for Halloween…for an entire week. I initially thought I would sit out on this game of participation, but when more and more people were dressing up I decided I needed to play too.

  Especially when there were such awesome prizes at stake…

  

  Participation alone earned you an extra 10% off coupon. As an employee I get 30% off, and with this coupon I can get 40% off most anything in the store. I have my eye on a Yakima FullBack that I’d save $100 on with this coupon! Then there were the prizes for the best costumes: a full paid day off work, a half paid day off work, a $25 TJ’s gift card, and two $25 Starbucks gift cards.

  Game on REI, I’m in.

  Now, I am a frugal human. I always have been and likely always will be. So I knew spending a lot of money on a costume wasn’t going to happen. I also didn’t want something uncomfortable or high maintenance as I was going to be working 8 hours in whatever I chose to wear. I decided on two costumes for the week, one to wear on Halloween, and one to wear the day before.

  First up…the Domino.

  

  This was by far one of the easiest last minute costume I could have possibly chosen. I spent a whopping $4.17 to make this costume, and I will 100% be doing this again. I went to Michaels and bought white felt with a sticky backing, cut circles using a standard masking tape roll as my template, and slapped them onto some already owned black clothing.

  And of course the mask, don’t forget the mask.

  

  This costume was fun, easy, and most of all COMFORTABLE. I accepted my first extra 10% off coupon after a full day of work, and made my way home to make costume number two. My choice for the next costume I wore on Halloween was a bit of a surprise, not only for myself, but for my family.

  I chose the scariest costume I could have possibly worn – my real life phobia on my back and on my head. I bought brown craft paper, masking tape, yellow ribbon, a headband, yellow cotton balls, and superglue. I then made myself into a human snail. Oh, and don’t forget the Saran Wrap slime trail.

  

  I have a legitimate fear of slugs and snails, stemming back to my childhood (if you follow me on Instagram, you likely read my more detailed caption regarding this phobia), but when I saw an adorable little girl donning this creative DIY costume I knew it would be the perfect fit.

  This costume took me a couple of hours to make and all together cost me about $8-$10 (I spent more on the supplies, but I still have a ton of left over tape and ribbon accounting for less on the actual costume cost.) I had a great laugh putting this all together, but if I’m being honest the antennas freaked me out a bit.

  Old fears die hard.

  

  As proud as I was of this creative project, I only managed to wear this for 2 hours at work. The backpack shell hurt my shoulders and upper back more than I expected, and I decided to take it off. I was also quite warm with the thick sweater and the extra baggage made me uncomfortable.

  This costume is a good option for a quick night of trick or treating, or perhaps a very short Halloween party, but definitely not for a full day of work. Carrying your home on your back ain’t easy! Ultimately this snail costume won me fourth place, and a $25 Starbucks gift card.

  I just can’t seem to escape Starbucks.

  

  While I originally didn’t plan to participate, REI dulcified dressing up by offering prizes, and at the end of the day it was a lot of fun. Winning a gift card was just an added perk. As for the new job, I have no idea how long I’ll be with REI, but I know it’s a great “right now” job for me.

  I welcome a company who respects their employees and encourages them to get outside.

  

  Q: Did you do anything for Halloween this year? With Covid it never truly felt like Halloween, even with these costumes.

  

  | 14 Comments Tagged Costume, DIY, Halloween, REI

• I Want to Ride My Bicycle

  Posted at 7:20 AM by Brittany, on October 27, 2015

  I highly recommend listening to this song as you read this post, which has become my theme song for life. At least for the moment.

  Last week I took myself on a date to Seattle with one goal in mind: buy a bike.

  

  As you can see from the above photo I was successful in this endeavor, but before I get to that I want to relive my Seattle adventure.

  

  

  Despite my many trips to the city, I can never take just one photo upon arrival.

  

  I may be bias, or just sheltered, but this is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. If anyone wants to take me to Europe and change my perspective that’d be great.

  I had the entire day to myself so I wandered, wandered, and wandered some more.

  

  

  My first stop in Seattle is almost always the same, a trip to Pike Place Market for good coffee, fruit, treats, and entertainment.

  

  

  

  After I got my caffeine and sugar fix I headed to REI. On my way there I saw many signs I was doing the right thing. Not that I needed any convincing.

  

  

  I’m not an impulsive person, and most of the time I miss out on things because I am too afraid of making the “wrong choice” or because I don’t know enough about things.

  I’ve been planning to buy bike for years now, but wanted to do some research first. After no effort on my part to do so, I decided to buy a bike based on feel.

  Complete and utter impulsiveness. I regret nothing.

  

  A 15 minute test ride, 30 minutes of paperwork, and nearly 2 paychecks later I rode away on my brand new bike. The color was not at all what I planned on, but I love it.

  I made this purchase based on the feel of the bike, and partly on the brand name. Cannondale makes great bikes, this much I knew.

  My ride back to the ferry was a bit scary as it was getting dark and I didn’t feel comfortable riding in the road like all the other bikers. Total newbie over here trying to maneuver around walkers on the sidewalk.

  

  I had to ride my bike onto the ferry (back to my car) among a sea of commuters. I pretended I knew what I was doing, but really I didn’t.

  At least I wasn’t the only one wearing sandals.

  

  The cool kids.

  A successful trip to the city, and I now have a new mode of transportation. 
  

  

  

  Now all I need to do is get my butt used to the seat, and figure out a better way to pack this into my car. For now, I’m content riding around my area.

  I also need a bike lock, a basket for my cat groceries, and strobe lights.

  

  Post purchase selfie after stuffing the bike into my car.

  Q: Do you have a bike?

  

  | 76 Comments Tagged Bike, Cannondale, Explore, REI, Seattle

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 9:01 AM by Brittany, on July 10, 2015

  1. It’s been over two months since my last confessions post, we’re long overdue.

  2. I ran 4 miles in just my socks a few days ago. I didn’t have my running shoes, but wanted to run. I also tested the Nike app because I didn’t have my Garmin. I run in barefoot shoes anyway, so it wasn’t much different. OK it was kinda different.

  

  I did this + another 1.67 miles. + 2 miles earlier in the day. 6 miles total. Almond butter by the spoonful when I got home…

  3. I slept until just before 8 this morning. That never happens, but my inner zombie took over and forced me to keep my eyes closed. This is now mid morning confessions.

  4. I received partner of the quarter at work and was humbly surprised. What a special treat, my coworkers are too good to me. Thanks guys. ❤

  

  5. It’s been in the high 80’s/low 90’s here, and I’m dying. I am loving sunny running though because it makes it way easier to spot shiny reflective road change. $$

  6. I am trying to justify why I need another French press because I found one that I need. Yes, need. It’s so rustic and beautiful.

  

  7. Then again, the last time I purchased a French press with wood accents it chipped immediately. This one seems a bit more sturdy though.

  8. Whattttuuuuuppp tomatoes from our garden!

  

  9. I started seeing a naturopath. He’s a cool dude.

  10. I’m still running in my five fingers that are a million years old. I just can’t say goodbye despite the holes…separation anxiety to the max.

  

  This photo is a month old. It’s gotten worse.

  I did finally buy a running hat though… so that’s something.

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 42 Comments Tagged Confessions, French Press, REI, Run, Vibram

• Keeping Busy

  Posted at 7:56 AM by Brittany, on May 26, 2015

  As I mentioned in my previous post I’ve spent the last couple weeks training to be a supervisor. This keeps me busy while I am at work, but there are things that have kept me busy when I’m away from work too. Things like…

  …house/Pet sitting. I spent last Sunday-Friday with the fluff ball shown below, and we spent a lot of time soaking up the sun. My Jun/Jul are both full of sitting.

  

  She’s much fluffier than the last time we spent time together.

  …running everyday. I’m feeling quite fantastic. I think once 100 mile May is over I’ll need to set another running goal for June to keep the party going.

  
  

  …putting time and effort into my dinners. Despite the fact that an apple and pretzels always sounds like a good option, potatoes are better.

  

  

  There are six in this photo, though hard to see. For those of you that wonder where non meat eaters get their protein, this meal had a solid 20 grams. 😉

  

  Potato heaven.

  …figuring out what to do with the growth atop my head. After realizing my mop was turning into…a mop, I chopped it off. Sometimes I’m very impetuous.

  

  View from the back..

  To keep it real though here is how I will look the remainder of my days.

  

  

  The above photo of it straight, along with my main blog photo were both taken the day I got it cut (blog photo was last May’s haircut) because my stylist straightened it. Then it never see’s the flat iron again. I don’t like it straight, and I’m lazy.

  …spending moneys. I never spend money, so this is a big one. Except on food, which I do plenty of. REI knows how to work a bargain though with their anniversary sale. I walked in for new running shoes, and walked out with a jacket, a bag, and no shoes.

  Both were on sale, and when you see a forest green back that doubles as a backpack and a handle bag, you buy it. It was time I upgraded my overnight bag from a reusable Whole Foods bag to something a bit sturdier.

  

  I like busy, busy is good.

  Q: What’s kept you busy lately?

  

  | 75 Comments Tagged Coffee, House Sitting, Potatoes, REI, Running, Starbucks, Vegan

• Granite Mountain – The Ten Essentials

  Posted at 5:12 AM by Brittany, on June 24, 2014

  Last week while exploring the mountains I got lost. Like, I actually got lost…no trail…no familiar sights…just….lost. In the midst of my life flashing before my eyes, I realized how under-prepared I was. It was on this hike I discovered the importance of  the ten essentials.

  

  Driving to the mountain, thick cloud cover…no bueno.

  

  

  Washington hasn’t been playing nice for my last couple hikes, and the fog/cloud covers have been intense. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, but when a trail is new to you limited visibility isn’t ideal.

  

  

  For the first bit of this hike (on Granite Mountain) things were smooth. Visibility was limited, but the trail was easy enough to follow. It was when the snow hit things started to get sketchy.

  

  

  Climbing up to…blank space.

  

  Thanks to avalanche warnings (yeah, real talk) we took the rocks. Thank God I’ve been doing more yoga because I used my arms to climb like a sea turtle crawling back into the ocean.  A LOT of arms.

   

  

  

  Rock climbing like a boss.

  

  After finally making it to the top I enjoyed what I could see, despite being a bit bummed by the lack of view. I even made a new friend.

  

  I found it ironic that the photo in this hiking book looked exactly like the the foggy scene I was viewing in real life.

  

  Reading about more hiking…

  On the way down is when shit got real.

  Mistake number one: Venturing away from the snow line. There was a rock wall that hugged the snow path, but we veered too much to the right. Lack of visibility made this even worse.

  

  

  Down into the abyss!

  After a short while we were no longer in the right area. The drops got steep, and the path was non existent. Somehow we ventured so far to the right we were on a completely different mountain. A mountain with no paths. I about lost my marbles.

  

  Two hours of wandering, panicking, and contemplating whether I wanted my vegan ways to end due to eating my hiking partners leg.

  Mistake number two: Not enough food/water. Of all things for ME, a FOOD LOVER to fail at…not having enough food. I ate everything I brought by the time I hit the top. Never again…

  I literally had to grab onto deep rooted bushed to avoid falling down the vertical drop. My legs got cut up, and my mind began to wander.

  

  Mistake number 3,4,5,6,7…: No navigation/sunscreen/fire starters/insulation/illuminations…nothing! Just me myself and my empty pack. The goat poop I saw indicated someone was probably freshly hungry after emptying their breakfast, and I was on the menu.

  FINALLY, after somehow catching a connection via Google Earth on a cell phone, we figured out which way to go. GPS is SO necessary in a time like this. Ironically this is when the clouds started to break.

  Not that it helped, with no visuals to base our ascent on, the decent was just as foreign even with visibility.

  

  

  Here’s what I learned: NEVER hike under prepared. No matter HOW easy you think the climb will be. 7.5 hours and over 9 miles later we made it to the car, and I nearly cried. I was legit scared.

  I will be making another trip to REI (my fourth in less than two weeks) to grab some basic essentials to add to my pack. Looking back I can now laugh, & I also appreciate these photos – I think they are great.

  

  Latest purchase, day hike trail shoes. They survived this glorious misadventure.

  

  Q: Have you ever been lost in the mountains before? Suddenly I am reconsidering my desire to thru-hike the PCT. Just kidding, this will happen..but I will be much more prepared, and maybe have a small army with me just to be safe. 

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Explore, Granite Mountain, Hike, Nature, REI

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