Due to work and school schedules, we haven't been able to get out for any serious hiking since we returned last September. Talk about withdrawals. Just last weekend we were able to cross a hike off our bucket list by doing South Sister in Bend. Wow. Last summer it probably would have been easy (easier anyway) as needless to say, neither of us are underweight anymore! We struggled our way to the top and agreed that our mental and physical experiences on the PCT greatly helped us tackle this challenge. We never once doubted we could do it or considered quitting. A few years ago, I don't think I would have made it.
People still ask us about our hike, if we've changed. Physically? Yes, many folks don't recognize me as I haven't cut my hair. I've managed to keep most of the weight off and my cholesterol is at an all time low. Jeff is healthy, but there is something missing in life. We've changed mentally. We take things in stride better. I'm not as fearful of the unknown. I am more likely to face a challenge. I am more confident.
Spirituality we're different too. The trail offered a peace and solitude that can't be described. We've learned that there is something bigger than ourselves--and it's beautiful. We respect it. We fear it. We long for it. We look for it. We are more sensitive to our environment and the simpler things of life. We want everyone to know the feeling. We want to introduce it to our grandkids (our newest grandchild we mentioned in our blog was a girl by the way, Elizabeth Grace arrived in March!) We want others to value nature like we do. To...appreciate it and protect it...to be aware that there's something...
awesome...
spectacular...
challenging...
mysterious...
simple...
clean...
refreshing...
enduring...
refreshing...
quiet...
magical...
peaceful...
tremendous...
inspiring...
emotional...
consuming...
glorious...
spiritual...
strengthening...
It's wonderful to be home. To be surrounded by our loved ones, even to the creature comforts...but ultimately?
You got it...we still love hiking!
KOKO & TBG
Here are some highlights of South Sister...
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| We got an early start. Earlier than on the PCT, we left the van at 4am |
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| The stars were still out. Wow. This is what it's like to get up early. |
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| My headlamp made it look like daylight. |
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| Sunrise. Sigh... |
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| Mt. Bachelor in the morning |
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| It might be worth it to get up early! |
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| Looking ahead...a few years ago I would have quit a few miles ago! |
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| self explanatory |
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| My man--- |
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| The crater at the top--betcha didn't know there was one! We didn't! |
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| More of the crater |
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| Survey marker proves we made it! |
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| View from the top--The Sisters with Mt. Adams and Mt. Washington in the back. |
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| More of the views |
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| Same clothes we wore on the PCT. |
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| Looking down on the highest lake in Oregon |
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| Looking back up. We camped in this same location a couple of years ago on our first attempt. |
