What's So Great About Hiking Anyway, Paully?

A group pic from the top of Mt. Rose

People look at us like we're crazy more often than they say "Cool" when we describe out hikes and other outdoor adventures. It isn't hard for me to communicate what I like about hiking.

Do you ever feel like you could use a "reset?" That is what an average hike is like. You are out in nature, breathing fresh clean air, without the sounds associated with daily life like cars and sirens and horns.

So if an average hike is a reset than what is a hike that is a bigger challenge? Why go the extra mile - or extra elevation gain - if you can get a reset from an average hike? The more challenging hikes provide you with additional benefits. You can get these from other endeavors as well. When you do the harder thing you get the sense of empowerment that only comes from pushing yourself past your built in comfort zone.

Mt. Rose on the Olympic Peninsula is such a hike. On a Winter - Snow - route to the summit you hike 3.1 miles and gain 3500 feet of elevation. The result is a 6.2 mile hike on a relentless trail that is no bargain in either direction. I always refer to it as relentless, and I think that is a good description.

That was our mission today as Pam, Rhonda, Emily, Lance, Dave and I headed out to meet Terry who brought along his wife Zena her friend Patty and Tom. The trip was uneventful in a good way and we didn't hit snow until the last mile. There was some low clouds which meant we had no views at the top, but it was another great event.

The other thing that is great about hiking is the gathering of like minded people to tackle a tough hike. The quality and content of the conversations are worth all the work you end up doing.

So, another weekend and another 2 days of activities. A 35 mile or so bike ride around Seattle for opening day of boating season and the crew races on the Montlake cut and a great hike by Lake Cushman on Sunday. Here we are a little tired, but certainly better for the effort.

And a few pics from our Opening Day Bike Ride: