updated: conquering mount si
today's challenge: climb mount si.
here are the vital statistics to mount si. the trail is roughly 8 miles long roundtrip, the height of 6 space needles; a total elevation of 4128 feet! the trail begins at 500 ft.
the trip to north bend, washington hit a couple snags before our hike began. first, a couple people ran late, which isnt a shock considering how early we started that morning. and secondly, we were a little lost finding the headtrail until we made a quick stop at gas station for directions
so 9 brave and determined souls began the journey to the summit. 6 guys, 3 girls. leading the pack was huy, a hiking guru.
our journey began innocently enough, with smiles and laughter as the group marched upward. as a team, we stopped numerous times to compromise with the pace of others. i on the other hand, in the competitive nature that i be, began to break off from the pact. after a mile in, we split into two teams -- 4 on one, 5 on the other, where the former took the lead. 2 girls in my team of 4 showed signs of weakness and pain, so naturally, they slowed the group down. i decided one mile into the trail to go solo.
little by little, i began to feel the pain in my legs. the aching sensation slowed me down tremendously, and i began to worry that i wouldnt make it to the top. besides, i lost all track of where i was along the trail. i made a phone call asking where the midpoint was. i was told that there would be a boardwalk with signs and benches. goodness, have i not reach that point yet?!
however, more and more people going down the trail gave me hope that i wasnt far from the peak, but that was a false illusion. i eventually made it to boardwalk; physically out of air! i was told by those that made it to the top already that that the real challenge begins. ohh, they weren't kidding!
the terrain was horrendous! for most of the trail leading to the boardwalk, the surface was pretty level with scattered points of inclination. but from here onward, the degrees began to increase and increase and that didnt help my legs! nevertheless, i was still very far ahead of the two teams behind me, though i felt they were inching closer to me. every 5 minutes or so, my legs gave up on me and i had to take a breather or guzzle some water. i never though, had my foot planted still when i rest but at least try to move; even if it were the steps of ants.
my optimism to reaching the top didnt help as a couple hikers that passed me earlier began to descend without reaching the peak. did i have enough strength to make it? i questioned myself.
i had too though. like the straight line etched in my palm represents (among other things), i was determined to conquer mount si. i wasnt going to give up.
so i continued. and higher and higher i reached, i could almost smell the sweet taste of victory (and the sweat drenching my body and clothes). at the 3/4 mark, i ran into the director for the company im working for now. "you're only a half a mile to three-quarters left, you can make it!"
finally, finally .... at 1:06 PM, i made it to the summit! chey yo! chey yo! i called the crew. i called my folks. i text hella friends sharing them all my first thoughts.
the air up there was so fresh & clean! the view overlooking snoquamie valley was breathtaking. i could see the town of north bend. i could see the nearby freeway and cars moving in the speed of snails. i laid in the sun feeling "new" again--my mind, body and soul.
an hour or so after reaching the summit, one member of the crew arrived. i finallly had some companionship after being alone there, even though there were about 20 or so other groups enjoying the view. i was told that 4 members from our crew "gave up" half way! would the three others make it?
i came to climb the highest peak of mount si and i wasnt satisfied yet at this point. bc back in the distance, another peak itched me to the challenge. it was called the haystack, an all rock surface at least 500 feet in height. the level of difficulty was high; as its slope was at least 60-65 in degrees!
after a cold (actually, it was a bit warm at this time) victory beer, i was able to encourage one of the guys to join me for the challenge. when we reached at the point of the start, we realized that this was tougher than initially thought. people around us were moving sooo slow, being extra cautious not to step on loose rocks and finding their perfect grip. honestly, i was a bit discourage but yet, i had to do it!
we made it to the highest peak in 18 minutes!!! going back down was the toughest -- we had to walk like lobsters! i felt completely satisfied!
this hiking trip and conquering mount si reaffirmed my character; one of determination and will power. i persisted despite my physical and mental conditions and came on top (literally).
another day, another new challenge awaits me....
thoughts, reactions, comments are highly encouraged.
