Family Hike

Two weekends ago the four of us went to a place called Skamania (resort type destination) for an overnight stay. It was really a work function (golf) for Jamie. I was invited to dinner though, yippie! The boys had a babysitter in the room (daughter and son of Jamie's coworker). I was a bit nervous about this since they do not have many babysitters, but we were 2 minutes away, so I felt a bit calmer - and the window did not open so I knew they could not fall out! Anyway that has nothing to do with the hike.

So the hike, Jamie thought it would be a GREAT idea to stop on the drive home at a place called Beacon Rock for a little hike to the top. I should have known better when we pulled in and it looked straight up and there were rock climbers (the kind with ropes and stuff) coming down the trail. But I felt a bit better when we passed some 50-60 year olds and they said it takes about an hour round trip, not too bad. We were off. I had Colby strapped on my back and Jamie was holding Brady's hand. Not fair right, well we both knew B would only make it a while and want to be carried, Jamie's job. So we followed the path, climbed, climbed and climbed some more. The path itself was okay until we got to the suspended bridges over nothing, straight down. I used to be great with heights, but I have turned into my mother and freeze when it comes to any sort of heights. I crossed the bridges, not looking down but feeling as though I was about to tip over. Under my breath, I was swearing Jamie's name most of the way for thinking this was such a great idea. And for those who don't know Jamie, everything is a competition. So no way was anyone going to pass us going up the trail, he was cruising up, no leisurely hikes for us. Finally we made it to the top, it took us about 35 minutes.

Now I know I am not in great shape, but this hike kicked my butt. I was not sure I was going to recover, let alone ever breath normally again. We are at the top for a total of 5 minutes and Jamie says "let's go". Are you serious??????? Back down we went. The hike was a total of 2.5 miles, an 800 foot elevation gain and we did it in just over an hour, the 50-60 year olds beat us. But we were hiking with a toddler too. Oh yes, and Colby he slept on my back the whole way. Some day I hope to get paid back for all of this!