Can I share a little joy?`

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Yesterday I went on a hike, a fairly steep hike although only 2 miles each way, with my son. It was georgeous weather and I literally felt on top of the world and so dang ... AWESOME... that I could do this. We weren't as fast as the fit 20s crowd running up the mountain, but we hauled ass compared to most of the 40+ crowd. I just feel wonderful that I am so dang normal... actually, I am better then normal!!!

The photos below are of me and pup pre-hike and then a view from the top... and finally a look from the bottom... we climbed to the top of that big rock!

[kyllfalcon 768]

Wonderful!!!

[No game 14,437]

Wow that's so great to see and hear about. Look at that mountain you climbed on! And look at you!! You are quite a view too cowgirl!

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

That's awesome! Is that Mt Si? .. I'm looking for short hikes and this looks great

Glad you enjoyed our beautiful weather this weekend!

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

We hiked to the top of Rattlesnake Ridge, I am not sure the names of the peaks around us. It was crowded, but just a perfect healthy way to spend Easter!!!

[Geminidrive 389]

I know this is the Vets forum, but congratulations!

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

Oops.. Didn't realize it was the vets forum. My bad!

[danyelleb 386]

Joy indeed! Woot! Woot on showing that mountain who's boss! Seriously though, doesn't it feel wonderful to be "normal"?! One of the best feelings ever.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

You know I love those pictures! Really glad you had a great time out in the wilderness on Rattlesnake! Did you encounter any snow at the top or on the way up?

[Fiddleman 4,376]

That's awesome! Is that Mt Si? .. I'm looking for short hikes and this looks great

Glad you enjoyed our beautiful weather this weekend!

You might like Snow Lake and Gem Lake hike along I 90 starting at Alpental (across from main skiing area at the pass). It is not very long and has a great alpine treat at the top and two crystal clear lakes. I am not sure if you would hit too much snow at this time though. It is closer to the Pass then Rattlesnake Ridge.

Another short day hike is Anette Lake. It is 3 miles each way, sort of a gentle hike. There is a little beautiful lake to admire at lunch time.

Another good day hike to consider is Bandera (sp?) lake. Fairly steep hike, but wonderful views at the top, not very long trail and a lake! At the other end of the Bandera hike trail ( if you were to keep going past the lake) is Denny Creek hike. Three miles of gradual up hill from I 90 and a nice view over the valley from the top. You could do the connected hike between Bandera and Denny Creek but you will need 2 days.

Lots of fun though. If you want more day hikes along I 90, just let me know! It is my old stomping ground from when I was growing up. There are dozens and dozens of short day hikes along the I 90 corridor!

You could also do the beginning of the PCT north towards Gravel Lake (trail starts at the pass heading north towards Stevens pass, 72 miles away). There is a neat part of the trail that goes over a cat walk names Kendall Katwalk of 1000 feet of sheer drop ( you need nerves. lol). I like camping up at Gravel Lake, but I think you could hike there on the PCT and back to the Pass in one ( long) day.

http://www.sunset.com/travel/northwest/fall-trips-northwest-00400000055294/page11.html

[Losin4good 689]

If you ever make it up to Orcas Island, Mt. Constitution was an amazing hike.

I dont think anything back home (eastern washington) will ever compare to this.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I hiked mt constitution many years ago - loved it. My son goes to school in Cowtown...er ...Ellensburg...so meeting along I-90 is great.

Maybe we need to do a sleever gathering dayhike.

My original point was how much joy it gave me to be able cruise up 1100 foot elevation gain over two miles without needing life support. Around here that is rated as an easy hike and I could have done more! Life is good!

[coops 1,790]

Wow! What a great feeling! Great pics too...

I live near a few mountains and in the past they have teased and alluded me.. I tried to conquer one before my sleeve and it laughed in my face! I didn't get anywhere near the top!

So, one of my goals is to go back and kick its ass... Just waiting for the great British weather to behave and up I go!!

Well done to you ...

[M2G 1,836]

Beautiful pictures (super-cute pup too!) I agree, it's amazing to accomplish something like this. Well done, and congrats!