Hoofing it up the mountain; Valderie, valdera...

While on our camping trip in the North Cascades, we took a trail up into the hills called Thunder Knob. I can walk for miles on level ground, but inclines are tough for me. So even though the internet data on Thunderknob calls it an easy walk, I beg to differ. And how they can say that it is wheelchair accessible is beyond my comprehension! I mean really, before you start to climb you have to forge two running creeks on logs and walk up a rocky dry creekbed! Wheelchair accessible? Really? Well anyhoo, we did the walk hike and even though I was huffing and puffing and sweating profusely, getting to the top was worth it. It's about 4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 635 feet. The elevation at the top is about 1875 feet.

 Pretty scenery. I have to boast here that I've worked at it and pretty much overcome a fear of heights. I won't stand on ledges or anything, but 5 years ago, I never would have gone up this hill. If you're afraid of heights and wondering how I did it; here's my process.
1. I stopped labeling myself as afraid of heights. If you insist on wearing a label; you shall have it.
2. I prayed about it.
3. I bought some good boots that have good traction. They make me feel steadier on my feet.
4. I went where I was afraid to go; resisting that erroneous voice that says, "You're scared. You're gonna fall. Go back!" It's a lie. Just thoughts, nothing more.

 Hmmm, these two don't look that tired...

 I sat on this log for some time when we reached the top. We'd been hiking in the midday sun, about 80 degrees, but here at the top it was much cooler and a stiff, pine scented wind was blowing.

 A nice view of Diablo Lake, the reservoir behind Diablo Dam. FYI, most of our electrical power flows from the 3 dams up here.

Here I am, all red-faced and perspiring; but I made it! Tip, wear a bandanna when you hike...it's great to mop up the sweat. Then when you get to water, you can soak it up and drip it all over your face and neck. Once I got to the top and sat down, I gave some serious thanks to God and to my body for getting me there. I told my body that I would take much better care of it, so that on future outings, things would go easier on it. I must get into better shape if I'm going to do the Camino de Santiago in 5 years! So girls; this will serve as my 'before' picture. I've been eating well, walking, biking, lifting light weights and doing yoga since that day. Keeping my vow to me!

This childhood song kept running through my head as we walked  (I was too winded to actually sing it);

I love to go a-wandering,

Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back.

Chorus:

Val-deri,Val-dera,
Val-deri,
Val-dera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Val-deri,Val-dera.
My knapsack on my back.

I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
"Come! Join my happy song!"

I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev'ry green wood tree.

High overhead, the skylarks wing,
They never rest at home
But just like me, they love to sing,
As o'er the world we roam.

Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
Beneath God's clear blue sky!