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!

Just Call Me Imelda

Who runs through airports or train stations in heels? 

I admit I used to be a shoe junkie. Couldn't come out of a shoe store empty-handed. I had every imaginable kind. Even a few stilettos and some platforms.

I see women in ridiculous (nevermind EX-PEN-SIVE) shoes all in the name of fashion - the kind that should come with a podiatrist's card in the box! Who designed those shoes anyway? Probably some man who hates women. There. I said it. 

Nowadays I’m into “sensible” shoes. Maybe my age showing? Or maybe I’m finally living the life I've always wanted?! 

Fashion will never take me where I really want to go.

This post is linked up to Mrs. Jenny's Saturday Centus. This week's prompt was a photo of a woman in strappy sandals on her way to somewhere.  Maybe to the podiatrist's office? Find out what the other Centusians had to say about it by clicking HERE!