My Birthday Hike
The first mountain I climbed was for my 50th birthday and I was hooked. Last year my sister and I climbed Noonmark for my 51st. This year I hiked Mt Colden, the 11th highest peak in New York State. My dream mountain hike always involves stupendous views, sunshine, a gentle climb up and down, good friends and lots of laughter. Well, it was an epic 15+ miles in 14 hours of lousy weather. But I did have an amazing hiking buddy and that alone was awesome.
We left the parking lot at 7:15am and for the next hour, the sun played peak a boo with us, but after that, it was all clouds, mist and rain. Climbing up, I felt great. I was in my comfort zone and pleased with how well my body was responding. There were some tricky spots, namely the floating bridge that Mim took a dive in, but overall I didn't think it was too bad. As we got closer to the top, and turned a corner, we entered a ice forest that was equal parts magical and frightening, as trees and ice crashed down around us.
We came upon a rock that looked like a whale coming out of the ocean. My first thought was, "how the fuck am I going to go through that?" The correct answer was the little tiny space under the massive rock and over some ice covered smaller rocks. My response was to bush whack around it. After hitting the false summit and going down a cul, we finally made it. It was my 21st of 46 high peaks and Mim's 45th.
We decided to descend down to Colden Lake and then along Avalance Pass. The first mile was wet and steep, way out of my comfort zone. It was easily my least favorite part of the hike. I tried to come up with all the things I hate more then the steep, slippery slope I was navigating. My list included my boss, condiments and arguing with my youngest son, but it was a very close race. I then started in on how the descent was giving my rock solid thighs and a tight ass, with Mim egging me on the whole time. Eventually making it to Lake Colden, I figured the rest of the way would be easier. Then came Avalance Pass, a rugged, unforgiving jungle gym of planks, stairs, and boulders, requiring every ounce of agility and stamina I had buried in me. Daylight left as we finished the pass, the rest of the way we would need head lamps.
Finishing a long wet hike in the dark brings a whole new element to hiking. The trees seem smothering, I get very claustrophobic and my fear of getting lost threatens to erupt in loud screams. It was about then that I announced to the wet, muddy wilderness, "Next year for my BIRTHDAY, I am going to be a GIRL! I going to the spa, getting a mani pedi, a massage, buying a new dress and going out for a swanky dinner". But god bless Mim with her generous spirit and loving heart, she started singing "Happy Birthday" and my bitchiness dissipated in the misty air and I found the strength to pull up my super girl undies, trust in my body, boots, headlamp and common sense and continued moving forward until we came upon the intersection back to the main trail.
At the trail head there were a trio of young hikers unsure which way to go. They had passed us earlier in the day and we knew they had four mountains under their belt to our one. After directing them to turn left and follow the path to Marcy Dam and then follow the signs, they assured us they would be fine and sped off. At Marcy Dam, we found them befuddled and lost, they had decided to wait for us. Even the most physical of specimens needs help from two old ladies sometimes. To Mim and I, they were a much needed boost of energy. Sweet and chatty, we hiked an enjoyable two miles with them before they decided to complete the last mile on their own. Arriving at the parking lot, I wanted to drop to my knees and scream with joy but 1. I didn't have that much energy left, 2. I am not sure I could have gotten back up and 3. The flushing toilet 100 yards in front of me beckoned. Mim signed us out and found a note from the kids, thanking us and wishing me a happy birthday.
We left the parking lot at 7:15am and for the next hour, the sun played peak a boo with us, but after that, it was all clouds, mist and rain. Climbing up, I felt great. I was in my comfort zone and pleased with how well my body was responding. There were some tricky spots, namely the floating bridge that Mim took a dive in, but overall I didn't think it was too bad. As we got closer to the top, and turned a corner, we entered a ice forest that was equal parts magical and frightening, as trees and ice crashed down around us.We decided to descend down to Colden Lake and then along Avalance Pass. The first mile was wet and steep, way out of my comfort zone. It was easily my least favorite part of the hike. I tried to come up with all the things I hate more then the steep, slippery slope I was navigating. My list included my boss, condiments and arguing with my youngest son, but it was a very close race. I then started in on how the descent was giving my rock solid thighs and a tight ass, with Mim egging me on the whole time. Eventually making it to Lake Colden, I figured the rest of the way would be easier. Then came Avalance Pass, a rugged, unforgiving jungle gym of planks, stairs, and boulders, requiring every ounce of agility and stamina I had buried in me. Daylight left as we finished the pass, the rest of the way we would need head lamps.Finishing a long wet hike in the dark brings a whole new element to hiking. The trees seem smothering, I get very claustrophobic and my fear of getting lost threatens to erupt in loud screams. It was about then that I announced to the wet, muddy wilderness, "Next year for my BIRTHDAY, I am going to be a GIRL! I going to the spa, getting a mani pedi, a massage, buying a new dress and going out for a swanky dinner". But god bless Mim with her generous spirit and loving heart, she started singing "Happy Birthday" and my bitchiness dissipated in the misty air and I found the strength to pull up my super girl undies, trust in my body, boots, headlamp and common sense and continued moving forward until we came upon the intersection back to the main trail.
At the trail head there were a trio of young hikers unsure which way to go. They had passed us earlier in the day and we knew they had four mountains under their belt to our one. After directing them to turn left and follow the path to Marcy Dam and then follow the signs, they assured us they would be fine and sped off. At Marcy Dam, we found them befuddled and lost, they had decided to wait for us. Even the most physical of specimens needs help from two old ladies sometimes. To Mim and I, they were a much needed boost of energy. Sweet and chatty, we hiked an enjoyable two miles with them before they decided to complete the last mile on their own. Arriving at the parking lot, I wanted to drop to my knees and scream with joy but 1. I didn't have that much energy left, 2. I am not sure I could have gotten back up and 3. The flushing toilet 100 yards in front of me beckoned. Mim signed us out and found a note from the kids, thanking us and wishing me a happy birthday.
It was a long, wet, physically demanding hike, but it didn't make it any less epic or meaningful. 21 high peaks in 18 months, while fighting my inner demons that tell me I can't do it, was something to be proud of. Doing something you think you can't with a partner who doesn't give up on you when you get bitchy is impossibly amazing. Sunday a friend came over and asked me what my next two high peaks were to get to my goal of 23 this year. Letting out an unlady-like spittle filled snort, I couldn't even think of making my goal. Yesterday I asked him to hike with me on Saturday. Watching the weather this morning, I could see it would be another miserable wet hike, but I don't care. It's doable, totally, incredibly doable. Call me crazy, but maybe at 52, crazy is my new norm.
Comments
Post a Comment