serafaery

Josh and I decided to go hike on Sunday. It was gloriously sunny and chilled, it seemed like a good chance to go do a small-ish mountain, even though I was only 9 days out from surgery.

We chose Saddle Mt because the coast range tends to be more mild weather-wise and it's "only" a 1800' hike, compared to the 3000' of Dog Mt which is in a colder climate.

Boy were we surprised to see snow on it, when we rounded the bend. OOPS. We did not think to bring our yak trax - since when does Saddle Mountain ever get snow?? Josh almost left the house without pants, electing to hike in tights until I made him go back. Oooooops.

Fortunately I did over-dress as usual, and I had hand-warmers for us which we needed, and we had our trekking poles, so we made it work.

Part way up I slowed to a crawl and contemplated bailing, I was so scared to fall on my newly sliced breast. But I kept going and slid a few times but did not go down - I just picked my way through carefully. Honestly it wasn't much harder than it ever is, it's a very steep climb and rocks shift and roll underfoot anyway, there was little difference.

The BEAUTY, though. In all my years of hiking this beloved mountain, I've never seen it like this.

I was ELATED. To the point that Josh was brainstorming ways to prolong and repeat this effect. He is so desperate to see me happy.