South Sister had a lot less snow this year and the experience was a bit different than it had been three years ago. I have included the post on the previous climb for reflection as this year was much harder than before!
We started the evening before with a view of the sunsetting on Broken Top with our friends Rob and Julie! It wouldn't be until the next morning that I knew things would be different!
My training this year was nonexistant but I still thought I could tackle this climb since I'm very active. About halfway up I knew it was going to be difficult, but my team of supporters were there to cheer me on; my honey of course and Rob and Julie!
I continued to encourage Rob and Julie to head to the summit without me, since this was their first trip. They insisted on staying together as they were sure I would make it. With the final 1/4 way to the summit I insisted they head on up as I was feeling like a failure and sure I wasn't making it. As they headed up without us I cried, so disappointed I didn't have the strength I did before. My honey reminded me I hadn't trained and this was like trying to run a marathon without training. He also stated that I was good at so many other things: I can put together an impromptu dinner party really well and as he reminded me I can talk to anyone, and talk and talk : )! It didn't matter that I couldn't make it to the summit. But then, step by step, we did!
Once at the top I broke down, exhausted and exhilerated! With lots of love, support and enouragement had made it!
This was by far the most difficult physical challenge I've put myself through and I can say with all honesty I don't need to climb anymore mountains. I do want to be strong physically, but there are so many other things I can do well and enjoy them when I do!
The Previous Climb - AUGUST 2011:
There are those athletic, adventuresome types that wouldn't think hiking South Sister was a big deal. But for someone like myself who was always the last to be chosen for the team in grade shool, rides a comfy girls bike and still swims with sunglasses; Hiking South Sister was quite an accomplishment! It was a hike we actually trained for.
My honey and I hiked into Moraine Lake the day before so we could get an early start the next morning! And yes I had my own backpack!
He takes great care to make sure our needs are met, bringing comfortable chairs to sit and sip wine as well as a warm place to sleep. I was in charge of dinner and made an excellent curry with freshly dried kale (Thanks for the CSA box Amber) and sun-dried tomatoes.
After a fabulous night sleeping in a tent with wind howling and blowing against the tent giving me a soft massage all night, we woke up early and were on the trail by 6:30. It would be a long strenuous day!
The views along the trail in the early morning were spectacular. I carried my little Canon elph and took a few photos when we stopped to rest. The trip was more about hiking and less about photography. The really great photos in this post were taken by my personal photographer; one who is in great physical shape and has plenty of time to take photos while I'm trying to make my way up the mountain.
We were not the only ones heading up, there would be a steady stream all day. It was wonderful to see so many enjoying the beautiful outdoors!
As we made the last push to the top our friends would catch up and we would make it to the top together to enjoy a spectacular view.
We spent about an hour and half on top. Bill making a cup of hot coffee for us to enjoy, Katie trying to text her sister, friends enjoying each others company, while a young girl rested after the grueling hike!
I love hiking with this guy...
Fun times...
I made it to the top!
