This view of Mt. Baldy is from the Old Glenn Highway in Eagle River.
We drove to the access road, little dog in tow, and proceeded up the VERY STEEP trail.
Did I mention that the trail to the summit climbs over 1600 vertical feet in approx. one mile? It's been years since we did this hike. I truly had forgotten how tiring going uphill was!
We picked blueberries and crowberries along the way. Sweet and juicy. How kind of nature to provide us a nutritious energy snack.
We took a break about halfway up. Sat, drank water, enjoyed the views.
We watched small aircraft buzz along below us, and a parasailor, also enjoying the fabulous weather!
Spirit (aka 'little dog') encouraged MaryKay to proceed onwards to the top!
We were surrounded with amazing views of Eagle River, Ft. Richardson Army Base, The Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) and the Alaska Range across the water.
There were definately times we had to stop, breathe hard, rest. We essentially just ran out of the pep. But, middle-age wilderness wonderwomen that we are, we slogged through. We persevered.
We were embraced by the beauty of Alaska! How could we not keep going?
An hour and a half or so of hiking/climbing, and yes sometimes even scrambling on all fours (my hands, knees and butt were covered in mud!)we reached the summit!
Spirit really wanted off-leash, but there were too many "accidents waiting to happen" for me to feel comfortable with that. He had to settle for his picture at the summit!
We hiked along the ridge for a bit,
until a cloud covered the sun. The temp immediately plummeted to below freezing! Going down was somewhat easier than going up, however, the seat of my pants will likely never be the same LOL!
We had a most excellent time and were very proud of ourselves!
Do you see our happy grins!
I must admit, that little 3-4 hour hike totally kicked our butts for the day. I picked up a pizza to bake at home afterwards. The man, the grannymeister and I enjoyed pizza, salad and beer (root beer for Grandma Clara) and after a nice long hot shower, I was in asleep by 9:30! Strangely, I'm not THAT sore today, just a few twinges in my ankles, thighs and buttocks here and there, but overall, I feel great! It was a fantastic time with one of my best friends. Today looks like another glorious day. Thinking about heading out to another little hike. Mebbe. It's just too pretty to stay inside. Hope it's beautiful wherever you are. Have a great day and KNIT ON with your bad selves!
10 comments:
Oh, man, that is making me *really* 'homesick' for Colorado or Wyoming! All those GORGEOUS pictures - screaming blue sky, puffiest of white clouds, icy-sharp mountain tops in the distance. Smiling faces. Thanks.
What a day! What a hike! I felt every bit of my 46 years and the extra lbs the whole way. Funny, I drank wine ate pizza and was asleep at 918pm! GREAT pics. I'll get mine downloaded soon. We are wrangling leaves. They are golden and the day is blue, which makes it a little less of a chore. 22 deciduous trees dump a few trees. Spirit was a charming dog and I'm so glad we slogged to the top. love ya mk
I'm exhausted just reading this! I'm so impressed with your efforts and I really appreciate your sharing the gorgeous photos - I feel like I was there.
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Okay, don't worry about the soreness; I'll hurt for you! Just reading that made me sore. Does look like a beautiful day and views were had by all. Cute Little Dog. :-)
I am totally impressed by your hike! The scenery, the ruggedness, the physical ability. You go girl!
Yeah, we're still in the 80's here. Is it fall yet or what?!
Oh what a way to spend the afternoon! I am glad you were off to enjoy our glorious fall weather. Good times. :)
Love the mountains, and love that beautiful little Spirit! That is the perfect name for an Eskie!
I had all the enjoyment and none of the work! Thanks - looked like a great hike!
That was quite a hike! You must feel great being able to make it all the way up there. (It's been a while since I last went hiking, I don't think I'm in shape for it) Thanks for sharing photos of your hike, what breathtaking views from up there!
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