GLORIFIED WALKING

When my husband first asked if I wanted to go on hike I thought he was joking. Or talking to someone else. I was confused...had he met me? Did he understand the kind of woman he’d married?

Let me be crystal clear. I. Am. Not. A. Hiker! Honestly, I’m barely even a walker.

And then he started talking about the views, and spending time with the kids, and what great exercise it was. That last part fell on deaf ears, but the rest…it sounded, well, okay. I like views. And I like my kids. So whatever the reason, I decided we should do it.

So I made a list because although I’m not a hiker, I’m a list maker. We packed up: lunch, water, toilet paper (just in case), bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, etc. Next, we mapped the trail we would take and even let our two older kids bail on us. Fine, whatever, we were left with the one kid who’s still young enough to admit that she loves us.

And you know what, I have to admit, it was spectacular! We hiked four miles on one of the trails at the base of Mount Rainier National Park, and because I am who I am, even our pictorial was seldom serious. But the views were…well, you can see:









The funniest thing we heard all day (from our daughter, of course): I think I wanna get some Nun-chucks. (Umm, I don’t think so.)

The funniest thing we saw all day (on the way home, on the side of the highway): One of those afro-rainbow clown wigs. Just lying there. Hmm, I can’t help but wonder what happened to the clown? If we stopped, would we have found his nose, maybe some floppy shoes, a clown corpse?

The most valuable lesson I learned (after leaving the mountain and calling my son to check in.) He didn’t answer so I left him a voicemail, and this was the text I got in return: I’m at home. And btw I’m a 17 yr old boy, I don’t check voicemail. (Good to know. Good to know. I’ll just chalk that one up to more YA research.)

I think that was one of those views he was talking about!


Overall, I left the mountain with no fewer than a dozen bug bites, calf muscles that scream with every step I take, and a really cool sock-tan just in time for my trip to the SCBWI conference in LA (awesome!).

So would I do it again??? In a heartbeat!

Comments

Brittany said…
Those views are beautiful. I need to start hiking again. Thanks for sharing with us. Loved the (serious?) pictures *winks*
DJ D. said…
Wow! It looks so beautiful! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing the photos!
Hannah S. said…
WOW. *jaw drops*
I hate bug bites, but they would so be worth that!
Love, Hannah

P.s. Haha, true. I've checked my voicemail maybe once in my life? :)
Sandy said…
Wow great pictures ^_^ I love spending time in nature as long as its during the day time and I have all my high maintenance necessities.

There is no where nearly as spectacular as that to hike around here but we do have the beach xD.
Annastasia said…
Haha, I like what your son txted back! :)
Lori said…
Hiking is one of my top five favorite things to do in the world! We try to go as much as possible. We haven't got to do any since May, because it's been 95 to 100 degrees everyday! And we would rather not die....
It looks like you had a great time and the pictures are beautiful!
Your son sounds like great YA inspirations. LOL. And I loved the pictures. The views were seriously worth the hike!
Candace said…
I've always wanted to do some hiking around Mt. Rainier. It looks beautiful! Western WA in general is beautiful and we are so lucky to live here! (Was reminded of that on our recent trip to SD).
Nicole Settle said…
Wow that's beautiful! I live close to Yosemite National Park and you're making me want to take a trip. Ah the great outdoors (minus the bugs please)!
Little Ms J said…
My husband is climbing Ranier in November. Something about ice axes and crampons to not interest me. I asked him if there is a spa at the base where I can wait for him. Spa day, Kim?

The pics are beautiful and don't pick at the bites, young lady!

XOXO
Hannah and Stasi - I actually didn't learn to text until my kids stopped answering my phone calls. I didn't realize voicemail was obsolete though! ;)

Sandy - The beach would be great too...especially if your name is "Sandy". (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

Lori- "And we would rather not die...." LMAO!!!

LMJ - Spa day? Hell yeah, sister!!!
Tara Maya said…
"Has he met me?" Hahahaha.

Totally empathize.
Tam and John said…
Told ya you'd love it!! Those views are phenomenal. Great pictures too - I love the last one of the three of you :)