Sheri - Back from the Brink

Saturday's hike couldn't have been better-perfect weather, no mud (amazing for January), and great company (hubby).

We left town with scouts and parents by about 7:20 am, making it to the park by about 8:45.  The parking lot was still in shade at that hour, so it was quite chilly and left me wondering if I should have worn a heavier jacket.  But we set off on the trail to the caves near a small reservoir.

By this time we were nicely warmed up and the sun was shining, so we all packed away our jackets before we headed up the trail.

This part of the trail was of course all up hill and switchbacky.  I tend to power walk up, because I just feel like I get a momentum going, and going slow just feels like trudging.  This felt pretty good, but hubby was starting to huff and puff, so I slowed down a bit to pace him better.  Pretty soon we got our first panoramic view as a reward.

Of course the scouts scampered up ahead and climbed around on every single available rock.

I found the manzanita interesting.  Stopping long enough let me hear that they were literally buzzing with bees, since the trees were in bloom.

We made it to what seemed like the top of the mountain, but it was an excellent place to stop for lunch, since it was about 11:30 and there was actually a pit toilet up there.  Since scouts eat so quick, there was plenty of time for more rock climbing.

We came across another scout troop up there, they were from King City.

Soon enough it was time to move on, but first we had to decide which trail to take.  This sign was daunting:

but the map showed this trail was shorter, and perhaps would offer better views and less switch backs.  So bring on the steep and narrow!

We were soon rewarded for our work.  Note the folks at the bottom left of this picture--they are not so sure yet, they haven't seen the view that awaits them!

The incredible views just kept coming.

The return hike down to the parking lot was a bit tough on the joints, but most of my soreness was in my neck, as I had to keep looking down to keep from tripping on rocks.  The last time hubby did this hike with the scouts was about three years ago, and his knee gave out on him so he had to be carried down the last mile of the trail.  He had that knee repaired surgically two years ago, so he spent the last mile down reminiscing about being rescued, pointing out every rock where he had stopped to rest before trying to go on until the rangers arrived.  He was so proud that he is such better shape now and the hike for him was hard but completely do-able.  I am proud of both of us, because I never even considered going on that hike three years ago when I was still wearing my fat suit and occupying the couch of doom.