Joys of Hiking Post-75

Last weekend we decided to get our hiking legs back in shape after a lazy month along the shores of Lake Michigan. We headed to one of our favorite trails to the ridge near Meadow Mt. (RMNP). We arrived by 6:30 a.m. to beat the heat, 90 degrees that day. The goal was to take in the beautiful views from the ridge above, about 2500' elevation gain (7 mi. round trip). Successfully we snagged a parking spot and with hiking sticks in hand, we started up into the quiet forest enjoying the peaceful morning. No conversation, just moving at a nice steady pace, watching where our feet were landing so we could return without any new tweaks to the joints. Then somewhere along the rocky, steep part, we were reminded of what we uttered 2 yrs ago, “we're never doing this hike again!” (Main reason is that going down is so hard on the knees.) What were we thinking?  However we kept on, becoming distracted with the last of the wildflowers, especially the deep blue bottled gentian.

About midway as the sun started beating down, we needed some good conversation to keep us going, nothing funny or entertaining came to mind -- we were getting testy. A little later another couple, a bit younger, came by and blurted out, “We're not having any fun!” We heartily agreed. Then, some strapping shirtless young men came by, charging up the trail on their way to summit St. Vrain Mt, coaxing their big furry dog to keep up. Poor thing, all he wanted to do was lie down in the little bit of shade. Smart dog! Later we wondered if the dog survived their enthusiasm or collapsed somewhere with heat stroke.

About 30 min from our destination, I could feel I needed more calories, the rest of my Payday saved the day. This wasn't normal for me: was it the heat, altitude or attitude? Hiking those last steps to the ridge was exhilarating, especially when the chilly wind hit us full blast. Wrapped up in my jacket and sitting on a rock, the panoramic views into Wild Basin and over to Longs Peak made it all worth it. It was glorious, lots of pictures were taken, but we still said, “Beautiful, but this IS our last time!”  Well, maybe.

By: Meliss Anderson