I love to hike. This summer I had planned to go on a few hikes with my kids and our dogs, but all throughout the summer stuff got in the way.
In August my athletic director “friended” me on Facebook and then whenever I checked Facebook, there was a picture of him standing on a mountain top. “Damn,” I’d think to myself, “I want to be there too.”
Finally I’d had enough. Yesterday morning at 5:30 am, I grabbed the dogs and hit the road. I could easily get to the top of Tiger Mountain and return in time to pick up the house before company arrived in the afternoon.
I stepped onto the trail feeling alive and inspired.
I’m like my dad that way. He is a hiker. He grew up in Austria traversing the hilltops in his back yard. I grew up hiking with him and admiring his spirit to climb. When he turned 40 years old he summited Mt Rainer, at 60 years old it was Mt Baker, and there were many peeks before and after. (though this year, at 75 years old, he decided to change it up with a bike ride from Spokane, Washington to the Idaho border).
The key is getting out and doing what you love.
I started up the three-mile Tiger Mountain path with gusto but quickly realized that nursing a bad hamstring for the last couple of months had left me in less than tip-top condition. Still I used my “never give up” basketball background as well as two energetic boxers pulling at the leash, to keep a good pace and reach the top.
And it was worth it. Though there was no view, because of the fog that sat in the valley, there was sun and fresh air and a feeling of peace. And after I got myself and the dogs some water, I took a selfie and left the mountain ready for the day.
Remember to spend time doing things that you love.
Beautiful reminder. Thank you.