Today, so far so good

It was still dark when I pulled into the parking lot. I sat for several minutes waiting to hear the end of an NPR story and hoping the rain would quit. A second car pulling up to the trailhead broke my solitude. I knew if I didn’t step out into the cold, I would turn the ignition and head home. Slowly I gather the essentials; water bottle, banana, camera, second lens, hat, gloves, and organize my rucksack for the short hike.

It was still well before light when I started down the hill. Meadowdale Beach is somewhat of an anomaly, park high, hike low. The first half mile drops nearly 400 vertical feet in serious business. The next half mile lumbers lower and the final quarter mile to the beach is nearly flat. Holding back as much as I could to protect my knees and prevent a fall, it still only took 21 minutes to arrive at saltwater.

I spent half an hour at the beach; watching the sun come up; taking pictures; eating my banana. Within ten minutes, the first of several other hikers arrived. Soon it was fully light and the sky was no longer interesting, just shades of grey. I stuffed everything back into my rucksack and with a final look around, started up the trail. I made sure I hit the timer on my watch as I passed from the beach and into the woods.

Moving upward this time, I no longer had to worry about controlling my momentum. The morning light filtered through the trees and I was surprised by the number of people on the trail. I may have arrived first, but I wasn’t alone. The first three quarters of a mile go by quickly and easily. As soon as I passed two huge old-growth stumps I’d noticed on the way down (and a trail marker a few feet further) I knew the fun was over. From this point the trail gets serious and doesn’t let up until you can see cars in the parking lot. In spite of the grade, I reach the parking lot in 28 minutes; breathing like a pack mule and dripping sweat.

Back at my desk and dealing with life, I’m pleased with my effort and ready to do it again. For me, every day is a choice. Do I use food or abuse food? Do I get up and walk or do I sit? I’ve wrestled with this too long to assume I got it under control, but today, so far, so good.