Just a Short Hike

A good friend suggested we get an early morning start and hike up nearby Ben Lomond peak. For sure we'd be home by 11:00...we left at 0-dark-30, after all.

The mountain towers some 4700 feet above our beautiful valley (its elevation is 9700'). With the fall colors in their full but short glory, I couldn't resist. And I was excited to learn that a couple other friends would be coming along too.

So, with headlamps on and cheery optimism we headed up the trail in the dark. The sun began to peek over the mountains - a fiery red ball - as we emerged from the scrub oak at the start of the trail.

Up up up we went. The colors were spectacular even though we only got half the view due to the lingering smoke from the fires in Idaho.

As we hiked along the narrow trail where it drops off steeply to the valleys below, we spotted Rocky Mountain goats perched on the rocky cliffs above us. What a grand sight that was.

We were thrilled to reach the summit where we rested briefly before beginning the long descent back down. It was a great day with an awesome group of women who are real troopers.

Was the hike short? No. 16.02 miles by the time we finished.

Were we back by 11:00? No. Eight and one half hours later we arrived at our waiting car.

Was it worth it? Every single step.

Would I do it again? Not any time soon, but I'm so glad we went today. Thanks, ladies. Hope you all get a chance to soak your feet tonight!