I spent a few minutes on Google Earth plotting our hike to the summit, then Smooch and I hopped in the truck and drove to the trailhead. Now I happen to define hiking as "any walk on an unpaved surface." Since Smooch and I go "hiking" every day, we are very experienced hikers. Why, some days, we hike 3 or 4 miles without blinking an eye. How hard could it be to hike 3 or 4 miles up the side of a mountain?
Really hard.Are we there yet, mom?
Up and up we went, hiking for 45 minutes, resting for 15, hiking for another 45, resting again. I'm not sure how many times we repeated that cycle – delirium may have taken over.
One of my favorite things about hiking is snacking on trail mix, so we did alot of that. And we made quite a fashion statement, hiking in our matching backpacks.
We walked through acres and acres of trees that had been scorched by the wildfires that I had watched from my bedroom window when they were burning.
We stopped for lunch at what I thought was the summit, but now I'm not so sure - next time I think I'll take a map. At any rate, I was able to look far off into the distance and spot the shiny metal roof of my house. Now I know what the view looks like from 10 Miles North of Nowhere and that, afterall, was the whole point of the trip.
Wow, that was quite an adventure and how cool is that that you actually looked down and saw 7MSN!
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how these 'adventures' can wear a person down ... I always feel I'm in somewhat good shape from working out almost every morning and doing the physical things I do around here, but put me on a mountain path and I'm mush in no time!
By the way ... love your June header!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I would be doing the same thing. But a vertical mile is a lot harder than a flat one. Now the worrier in me hopes you let someone knew where you were. Things can happen so quick and unless Smooch is like Lassie no one would come.
ReplyDeleteNow a question that I hope doesn't rub salt in the wound--Don't you miss being able to do that with a horse? I guess I crave riding and enjoy it so much that I would really miss it. I understand your reasons and maybe that was a selfish question. I enjoyed your riding adventures.(that can be a Friday question or none at all. I was being nosy!)
What a view!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou and Smooch must have been tired! Did you roll back down?
I would have called it the summit after the first forty-five minutes.
Thanks for taking me along on your climb, 7MSN! It was a piece of cake for me...and I was barefoot and in my nightgown! LOL What a view! And that Smooch is a sweetie!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much for making the trek. I love all the pictures you took for us. (Yes, it is all about us.)
ReplyDeleteSince I first dropped by, I've wondered what 7 MSN meant, now I think I've figured it out. Is it 7 Miles South of Nowhere?
Hope you got a nice long soak in the tub after that hike.
Next time take George and Alan also.
ReplyDeleteYogi has a good idea.
ReplyDeleteTake George and Alan.
And tow ropes.
Did you actually follow a trail? Which one? Sounds like a fun but tough day.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I'm glad you at least drove to the trail head. At first I thought you were going to hike the entire way and we'd all be reading about your fun helicopter ride to the ER.
ReplyDeleteOkay, give it up - what's your trail snack combo?
Thanks Carson for another great blog.... what a view - beautiful... I'm w/June on this one... after the 1st or 2nd 45 min. trek I would have called it the summit! I miss hiking - can't do it now so thanks for taking me along...
ReplyDeleteI would have taken a horse. I took up horses to get out of walking--at least that's what I tell people. I'll drive my little tractor out to work on fence (with the justification that I need the bucket to carry my tools and supplies). You just have to get one of the donkeys broke!
ReplyDeleteI get a kick out of being able to spot our place from across the valley.
It was nice that Smooch carried her own supplies. Like the matching packs, too.
How ambitious! And the view was worth it.
ReplyDeleteWhat software do you use to label your pictures?
Wow, that's quite a hike!
ReplyDeleteA great way to spend a Sunday. Nice photos starring Smooch, and love the one of the burned trees. But most of all I loooooove your new header! Deets has arrived.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I've been wanting to climb the little mountain to the east of our house and take pics of our place. It is nowhere near as high or far away as the 10MNN, but now I'm motivated to take it on. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha, that was fun! I laughed when you said that next time you'd take a map. Yeah, I'm kind of that way, too.
ReplyDeleteLooks, though, like you and Smooch had a great time. Any day that calls for trail mix and biscuits, combined with sitting and staring off into the distance, is a good one in my book. :-)
I have the exact same definition of hiking. My ex was more of the "let's see how rugged this trail can get. And, hey, I know! Let's do it in the snow!" A major reason why we are no longer together. Seriously. No, really.
ReplyDeleteYou are a looooong way from anything there. That is a very tiny dot. Love that you have such a faithful hiking companion who doesn't mind carrying her own supplies.
Well done.
I give you and Smooch a lot of credit for taking that hike. Looks like a lot of work, you must be in great shape to get to the summit. It's a beautiful view of things from up there. How was the trip down? Easier I hope.
ReplyDeleteYep...that's it. If I squint hard and turn the lights down I can see Deets waving back.
ReplyDeleteDang girl! That's a super big hike. You are so ambitious!! I bet Smooch loved it too. Love the view!!! You go girl!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Hiking companion Smooch is---She is a very 'game' dog, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteThat is a very very impressive sight, my dear....Your view of it, and IT'S view of you....!
What a great idea to climb the mountain that you look out at on a daily basis! Somehow I'd be willing to bet Smooch wasn't as tired as you were. Ha haa! But I'll bet you both slept well that night.
ReplyDeleteThe new header photo is great! Deets is loving life. He looks like a Panther up there on Georges back.
Well, I am exhausted after that climb. Hope you and Smooch had a nice soothing bath and a glass of somethin' somethin' when you got back home.
ReplyDeleteTotally call us next time! We want to go! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your sense of adventure and the fact that you are undaunted by the enornmity of the challenge! Love that you have a faithful companion to go with you. Hate that it is not my life but love that I can experience it through your wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteLove the new header, too; but I must admit I was a little sad not to see that precious shot of George and Alan nose to nose: expressing true friendship and companionship.
TEN MILES!? Good Grief! I am deliriously happy if I manage three :P
ReplyDeleteI think taking George and Alan next time is a good idea :)