Finally, I made it back to my mountain. This mountain (okay, hill) is singlehanded responsible for my sanity.
Yes, I know. Mountains don’t have hands. But you know what I mean.
I used be on that trail every day. It is short enough to fit the quick hike into the day yet long and intense enough to make you sweat and get to the place of being one. Just breathing and stepping one foot in front of the other.
No thinking. Just walking and breathing. And sweating 😅
When life is crazy- going up a mountain is the best strategy to keep sane.
I started first thing in the morning with about 200 activity points. My goal is somewhat visible behind me - the main summit is hiding behind this one.
I usually walk up the fire road on the back of Cowles mountain. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of about 1000 feet.
After the first rather steep part, I got to the activity shown above and to this view.
The houses show how close this trail is to civilization, but for the most part, one feels like being in nature - far from civilization. A bit one, looking back, it looks like this.
I like going up the fire road because not so many people are hiking on this side. It is steeper and not as pretty as the front of the mountain. But much quieter. The front is sometimes like a superhighway. A string of people walking up and another walking down.
Another view. Now you can see that it feels like being away from the city.
Just before the summit is a small trail that leads to the front. I decided to take it since I am a bit out of shape and the last part in the back is very steep. Also, it is a beautiful view toward Lake Murray on the front side.
Finally, I made it to the top.
A 360-degree viewpoint. One can see the ocean on one side, the mountains, the city. Always a great reward.
The very first picture is the monument on the highest point that many hikers will make sure to touch before turning back. If you don't touch, it doesn't count 😄
Here you can read for yourself what is up. You are welcome. Just touch your screen and it is like you were there! It counts! LOL
Down I went. I actually prefer going up. Downhill seems to be harder on my knees. The hiking sticks help!
That was my count on the bottom.
The rest was shopping at Costco (huge store), and doing the usual stuff. Chickens, dog, garden, house stuff. I slacked on my computer work today. That, I will do tomorrow...
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