Here's the Proof

Somehow I convinced Jake to go on a hike with me this past weekend (originally if was Mt. Olympus... late Friday night it was changed to Grandeur Peak). Mt. Olympus would have required us up at 6am... I don't even wake up that early during the week, so no thanks to that idea. Also, I wanted this hike to be a "family" affair, meaning, I wanted my little 7.5lb dog to join us. Grandeur Peak is by no means a simple, level hike. We were trucking up some serious hillage, especially the last stretch. Louie kicked our butts on this hike. He hike 3 miles to the top (probably more since he would run back and forth between us the whole time), dodged rattle snakes, jumped streams, climbed rocks, and then ran 3 miles back down to where we started. I now feel somewhat pathetic for walking him around the block everyday and thinking I've worn him out.

By the way, we really did experience a near rattle snake attack on our way down the trail. Jake jumped passed it once he heard the rattle, but I couldn't bring myself to jump... I was certain the snake would clamp on to my leg or something and Jake would have to suck out the poison. So I threw a ginormous rock at the villainous snake (and actually hit it... a rareity for me throwing at a target) and we ran for our lives. When we realized we were on a switchback and would have to pass the same area the snake had been on the previous switchback I nearly peed my pants... but then we made it safely, so all was well. I would have taken a picture, but Jake had the camera and was on the other side of the snake from me, plus, let's be honest... I was terrified.

It was a great Saturday activity and I highly recommend it. Jake and I thought about becoming hard core trail runners after this great morning... but then we faced reality. Hopefully we will at least take advantage of the beautiful mountains that surround us on a more regular basis.

Here's proof that we made it to the top... Louie too.