Ladies Hiking

My hips are aching; my knees are weakening and the arches of my feet swollen from hiking uphill for 6 hours with a 45-pound pack on my back. Yet, the pain will never stop me or my desire to explore every inch of these mountains.

On the way to our camp, which we set up at 12,000-feet, I ask myself, “Why do I endure such physical pain?” The answer came three days later.

The Colorado 14er's

For five days my husband Erik, our friends, Brian and Chris, and I hiked the 14er’s of Colorado. Starting out of Durango we took a wonderful steam train ride to the base of the Chicago Basin. After being let off, we hiked our way to 12,000 feet where we set up camp and called it home for the next four days.

Our second day was quite an adventure. Hiking Columbine Pass (13,000 feet), the wildflowers were amazing. I felt like I was in a fantasy land. The flowers came in every color; all I had to do was turn in a different direction and I could see reds, yellows, purples and oranges all around me. It was breath-taking. 

Thunder, Rain, and a Treacherous Cat Walk

The third day we hiked Mt Eolus, one of the scariest mountains up there. It was a weird day, too – a little overcast and thundering, yet warm. The rocks where humming with energy and the mountain goats that were once everywhere I looked, were slowly disappearing.

We knew that if we were going to peak we needed to do it quick. Once we reach a certain point there was a part of the hike that required hikers to walk the Cat Walk. An appalling stretch! With hundreds of feet dropping on each side of a three-foot-wide walkway.

Chris, Brian and I decided that we would climb South Eolus (another 14er) and be just fine not crossing the Cat Walk. My Husband, on the other hand, chose the Cat Walk. I wasn't overly excited about him doing it but glad he made it back alive, which he did, showing up on the rock-face – just before the thunder and rain arrived. 

Finally, I Know Why I Endure Such Physical Strain

Our last day peaking the 14er’s we hiked Windom Peak, which was my favorite day. The mountain had big boulders that we had to climb over and there were dropoffs everywhere you turned. But when I reached the top I felt so empowered and on top of the world.

It was the feeling that answered my question of “why I hike and endure such physical pain”. 

Euphoric, bold, and strong is how it makes me feel. I forget all the little things that could upset me.

For those 20 minutes on top of that peak, I felt like – I, as a woman, can conquer anything I put my mind to. And that’s a feeling that cannot be taken away.  

For me, the beauty and power of the mountains bring peace to my soul. It’s when I feel the most alive, and most comfortable with who I am.

Each day we hiked over 6 miles and ended up with 40 miles under our belts when it came time to catch the train back to Durango.  Sometimes now, when I am sitting at my desk at work I can see the vibrant greens of the grass and the sharp silver of the rocks and a sense of tranquility overcomes my emotions. A trip I will never forget!

Comments

tracy@karebelles.com

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that is so amazing!!!

Monday 31 August 2009, 23:08

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Jenna

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What a great idea for a blog! I know here in Newfoundland, hiking is popular with just about anyone who can get their hands on a pair of proper shoes...especially the ladies!

Keep up the wonderful work!

Wednesday 23 September 2009, 07:26

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