go: hike Dirty Harry

Growing up I would tell my mom that I was going for a bike ride. We lived on dirt roads in farming country back in Michigan. I never told her exactly where I was going and I didn't carry a cell phone.I  would return several hours later completely thrilled with how far I had gone and just the freedom that the bike provided. I biked mostly alone because that was what I preferred.

I don't ride bikes anymore. Well, I did when I was doing triatholons. Truly, I don't like to bike on trails with lots of people and most definitely not on the roads. So, I hike and sometimes I go on long hikes...alone.

My orginial intention of this hike was 5 miles. I left fairly early but not at the crack of dawn. I made it to
the look out point around 9am. I was not satisfied with the look out nor the fact that I would be home before noon. So, I set out for the next point which really was straight up and quite rocky. I had yet to see another hiker which I found quite strange on a beautiful Sunday morning. It isn't a really popular trail. I ended up hiking to an elevation of 4680 feet  to get the views I was wishing for.

I did pick up a stick for the way down. I knew I was going to need it and even with it I took a stumble.  I also ended up with a blister. No big deal. It's hard to really write about the experience of accomplishing these things. The hike was labeled strenous and that it was. I expected to be sore the next day and I was quite pleased that I wasn't. In thinking about it, I hiked almost a half-marathon distance. I could have used more water and should have had more food. I was glad for having to pass through the streams so Brooklyn could get a drink.

Not sure when the next hike will be. I'm just taking them as they come this year. It could just be that I will be hiking next in the Olympic National Forest.