Had a Blast

A few weeks ago, I saw an ad on craigslist events for a hiking group through www.Meetup.com. I joined. Today I took my first hike with the group out in Mac Forest. I warned them I was out of shape and parts of the trail were so steep I was soon out of breath and way behind. I was so far behind, I told the group to go on without me, that likely I would go back. I didn't want to hold them up.

These were impressive people, in shape and I was in awe when I heard the things they do. Like one man bikes to work, from Corvallis to Albany, every day, and bikes back home each night. He says it takes him an hour and a half one way, sometimes three hours, if he goes the long way. Can you imagine? This impressed me immensely. I also felt inspired by these folks, to try to get in shape. One woman hiked up Mary's Peak on Christmas day. The only thing that finally stopped her was knee deep snow. These are like Survivor people---unbelievable people.

But, after a short rest, and a decision to cut my jeans off above the knee, I continued and finally caught up with them. My jeans, which don't fit, impeded every step, making it far more difficult to hike uphill than it was after I cut them off, using a pocket knife. Without that extra strain, my legs freed to move, it wasn't difficult anymore to climb. I am out of shape, but wearing the right clothes can certainly make it far easier.

The forest was BEAUTIFUL! The people in the group are pleasant and interesting and fun. I enjoyed myself greatly, I have to say. I had a blast!