After 12 hikes with different groups, the first of which was in March, Mark and I finally decided to venture out on our own and do a mountain hike. This past Thursday we hiked Twin Sisters. There are two peaks almost the same height (11,248') with a saddle in between. We went up the one and ate lunch at the summit of the first.
It took us 3 hours to hike the fairly steep 3.7 mile rocky trail with a 2,500' elevation gain. Once we broke out of the trees and got out on the tundra, it became even rockier but was manageable. We came across several big horn sheep and the big guy was staring straight at us. I was glad he didn't think we were a threat because we would be no match for those horns!
We spent about 20 minutes eating our lunch and I was contemplating doing the saddle and going up the other peak but it looked even rockier than the one we just hiked. Also, there was an ominous cloud forming right overhead so we decided to get our backpacks on and head back down the mountain. Within a few minutes, we heard the first rumble of thunder and I started going as quickly as possible to get off the tundra and to the tree line. I had no intention of becoming a lightning rod!
It took us 2 hours to get down the mountain which is the fastest I've ever done a descent! As a matter of fact, Mark could barely keep up with me! There was lightning near by and I was not enjoying that part of the hike!
I can tell I've gotten so much stronger with each hike and my recovery time following a hike is quicker, too. As a matter of fact, I did over an hour power walk this morning and my legs and knees weren't bothered a bit! I have my trainer, Mark Warburton to thank for helping me get physically ready to be able to do the long hikes, particularly the mountain hikes. He works with me on leg, core, and arm strength twice a week and it's working!
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