My Hiking Update

On Friday I took on my biggest challenge and tried to do the entire Chicago Lakes hike (the one I didn't finish last week) The great thing is... I MADE IT! It was one of the hardest hikes I have ever been on but I was so excited by the time I made it to the parking lot I was practically skipping to my car! The trail is 9 miles, and is a 2100 elevation gain. The trail ends at a heady 12,100 feet and I could really feel it when I was climbing. It was some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen - it is a glacier valley with waterfalls, lakes, gorgeous fields of aspens and MASSIVE boulder fields. I just kept taking pictures, there was always something new to see! Last week I mentioned that the first part of the trail wasn't a trail, but rock climbing. Yeah, I didn't know what I was talking about - those rocks were tiny little 'stones' compared to what I saw later on the trail! The second half of the trail WAS rock climbing, literally. I had to climb massive boulders and the entire last mile was rock after rock. Thank goodness I have good knees because it was hard on the body. I did meet some backpackers on the way in. Actually, I passed some backpackers on the way in . I've got to say, that made me feel good. I was keeping a nice, steady pace but those guys had to keep stopping. One of them ended up hiking with me for a while, a really nice guy who was nice enough to take my pic when we made it to the lake. We did have a scary moment when we made it to the lakes - we heard this loud screeching sound, it sounded like a cat, a large cat. Then we saw tracks and realized it was a mountain lion. It sounded like it was having a fight with something and was not happy. We just stood there, looking at each other, not really sure what to do. Luckily his buddies caught up at that point and they decided they would go drop of their packs and walk me back about half a mile so I wasn't alone. It was very sweet of them and made me feel much better! Ok, this is enough of my rambling. But I've got to say, I am still shocked I made it. And, I'm not even sore! I think the weights are making a difference. I think I am ready to conquer my 14'er! Hope you all have been having a great weekend - no more hikes for me until next week, this is my last week of school and I have to quit my procrastination and actually do some work

The pictures are amazing and you are amazing too. WOW. I am sooooooooooooooo impressed with what you were able to do. How inspirering. Jo

Absolutely gorgeous! You made my husband and I want to move to CO.  Congratulations on your accomplishment, that rocks! 

Congrats to you on making the entire Chicago Lakes hike!  What a great accomplishment, and that you're not even sore???  Amazing.  Your pictures are great - what a beautiful place.  Makes me wish I still lived in Colorado! Kellie

Looks like I missed a fun hike, although I think the mud might have been a problem for me if it was so muddy that it made walking difficult.  I'm not sure I'd have called it an "easy" hike, but then, I'm a wuss!    Major props to the new post-op who went hiking -- at 12 days out, I didn't have enough pep to do more than walk around the living room. I think I've been to Pine -- is that the place where they have the cabins and teepees or yurts for rent? Kix

Don't all mountain towns have cabins and teepees and yurts for rent? So, I guess my answer is yes. It's a beautiful place! We did miss you though, although the muddy part I suspected you might not like. I have "mud pebbles" in my shoes all day! And just wait, I'll get that sherpa for ya - I need some company!