go: Granite Mountain

I hiked again last Saturday. I flew solo as particular hike would have been too much for Tori. It was a good choice to have her stay home. I woke up with butterflies in my belly. Granite Mountain is the farthest away from home I have hiked. There was also a death there earlier this year - avalanche.  The conditions had  since changed so that part didn't really bother me, I think it was just the fact that I was heading out alone but of course, I took Brooklyn.  The previous day I bought my forest pass, trekking poles and a new pack. I was going - butterflies and all.



I took LOTS of pictures but again too many to copy and past over here. Click on any of these pictures to go to my flickr page for the rest. Mount Granite is 8 miles round trip. Difficulty level is a 5 which happens to be the highest. Maybe I missed reading that small detail before I left. The parking lot was about 1/3rd full when I got there. That in itself calmed those butterflies. I had to fill out a hiking permit. Suddenly I felt just like Cheryl Stand hiking the PCT.


about 1/3 way up


Brooklyn is just fabulous on the trail. After a mishap with several dogs on a previous hike, I am VERY cautious with her. She is so sweet too. She runs ahead but not too far and waits for me. She is so polite to other hikers. She slept most of Sunday.

Mt. Rainier 

Here's the thing. I didn't make it to the very top. That is really not like me. When I set my mind to something - I do it. I hiked to the point of snow. Seeing how I was wearing shorts and ankle socks when other hikers had on gators, I wasn't prepared. It wasn't just that though - I knew I wasn't ready for hiking the final 45 minutes in snow because I have had zero training.  And, wouldn't you know it but I saw someone I knew from the fitness center I used to work at. The member that teaches mountaineering classes. Then I got embarrassed.  Brooklyn started whining and acting weird. I swear she was picking up on my anxiety.  I got what I came for - an incredible hike with amazing views. I swallowed my pride and headed back down the mountain feeling quite proud actually of my accomplishment.

I'm hiking again this Saturday - Big Si which is another 8 miler with impressive gains. I am hiking with a co-worker. I'm not against hiking alone again. For almost 5 hours I could not have been more *in the moment*.  The times my mind did wander off is when I tripped on something small and silly.  These mountains - they calm me even when my heart is beating through my chest. They strengthen me too mentally and physically. And spiritually, oh yes. I'm hooked for sure.