Saturday’s big hike up Golden Ears was a bit of a disappointment as I had expectations of reaching the summit and had brought my nice heavy camera along to record the event and maybe take some panoramas. Well I didn’t reach the summit.
The last time I hiked I’d pushed myself too hard thinking coming down would be a breeze and my legs were absolute rubber half way down. It was all I could do to lift them and as a result sustained a number of nasty knocks when they didn’t get over logs or rocks. So I thought this time I should be more careful. Also a large part of the trail was making your way over what seemed like a dry riverbed because it was covered in larger rocks which is hard on knees and ankles. So, after 3 or so hours and over 7 clicks of hiking I thought I just might make it if the summit was not far off. I was informed by my hiking companions that we were just beginning the steep stuff and that there was another hour to ‘the ridge’ and two or so more hours to the summit.
I made a couple more attempts to go on but it was obvious I was in no shape for any more and I knew even if I made it further I was going to have to be carried down the mountain so I turned back. I didn’t have to walk back alone which was nice. Pastor Mark had worn runners which are entirely unsuitable for such feats of daring-do and his feet were killing him.
5 hours after I got home the rest of the expedition arrived looking none the worse for wear. Kudos guys; you’re made of sterner stuff than me…
I feel good I got a great deal more exercise than I’ve had in a long time and I now have a new goal to get myself conditioned enough to see the top of that mountain…maybe on another sunny Saturday next year.

Saturday has an air of foreboding. Evidently I’m to hike to the summit of Golden Ears with some buddies from church. This is an 11hr excursion and my largely sedentary lifestyle which includes numerous hours every day in front of a computer screen does not adequately prepare me for such an adventure. 11hrs on the couch watching a Jackie Chan marathon I’m very well prepared for, but 11 hrs of walking up hills not so much. Additionally I have to be in the parking lot at Golden Ears at 7am and I get up fairly early every day so it shouldn’t be that bad…but… it’s Saturday…my lovely Saturday…the only day I can sleep in.

Ahhh, it’ll be great…unless I’m eaten by a bear.

Ethan starts kindergarten tomorrow and this has implications. I can’t really remember too much before kindergarten…it almost seems like thats when my life started. I remember having a neat new lunch box and the smell of the portable and the little coat room where you hung up your coat. Making new friends, meeting new people, the fear of the teacher. Now it’s Ethan’s turn.