My new 2012 “friends”: Si(gh), Rainier and Golden Gardens stairs
Yes folks, 2012 is the year that I finally get off my arse and climb Mount Rainier before I turn a certain unmentionable age! I’ve rounded up seven other Seattleites who allegedly need to climb it……. because it’s there (when you can actually see it).
Thanks for the encouragement and obligatory lost glove!
So in pursuit of that fine objective I did my first hike of the year up Mount Si this morning. Definitely felt odd doing a hike in the first week of January. I should be snowboarding or hibernating at this time of year. I arrived at the parking lot at 8am and there were only two other cars. Usually, the triple sized parking lot is bustling since Mt. Si has the most hikers of any trail in Washington State (between 35,000 and 50,000 each year). After the first mile, I didn’t see anyone else all the way to the top. On the way down, I did get some strange looks and comments on the fact that I was only wearing a t-shirt. I have been know to cross country ski in a t-shirt in below freezing temperatures.
This was the first of potentially many trips up and down Mt. Si with increasing weight on my back. Will also be yoyoing up and down the stairs to Golden Gardens in Ballard, a quick stroll from my house. Today, I just had a so-called “fanny pack”. Important note to American tourists who go to Ireland and bring a fanny pack. Please note that it might be best to refrain from calling it a fanny pack until back in the US. Phrase has a whole other meaning over there.
Anyway, lots of training and mild to moderate pain ahead of me. Alternatively, I might just hire a helicopter, jump out at the top of Rainier, have my picture taken and then head back to the The Lodge for a pint of Mannys!
View from the top of Mt. Si
