Hi Gram,
Happy Friday! I got up and did my morning routine of brain exercises and breakfast, then Mark and I loaded up the truck and headed to grab sandwiches and go for a hike. Feeling guilty that we were out enjoying nature and leaving Milo home in the house, we brought Milo the dog so he could share in our joy. Let me tell ya, the difference in his demeanor was night and day!

We drove to the Oh Be Joyful campground and trailhead and as soon as we hit got out of town and a little closer to the mountains and water, Milo started perking up and getting excited. Mark said that it was busier than usual, probably out of town visitors coming up to the mountains to find a little relief from the heat wave. We found a spot, one of the last in the lot, and started towards the bridge. There were quite a few people there, getting their dose of vitamin D, but everyone was spread out and it didn’t feel overwhelming. Our first stop was by the river where the water was flowing slow and shallow where Milo trotted in to wet his lower body and cool off. Once he was ready, we started hiking up the path.

The rocks, uneven terrain, and winding nature told me that this was a natural path, not constructed and built out. This was where water had found its away down after a heavy rain, where animals had trod their path looking for food or a mate. Maybe it was groomed or maintained, but it sure felt natural. Shortly, however, we got off this main path and followed a narrower route that led down by the river. This was not a gradual incline, however. So far on this trip, the paths have been relatively level or a gradual incline or decline, maybe a few steps carved into the trail with rocks or timber. It felt like Mark had decided to move me up a few grades between the last hike and this one without telling me. We gained altitude quickly with many stepping stones and a little climbing, followed by downhill jaunts of equal grade.

We could hear the water rushing off to the left and down below, but out of view which kept Milo excited and trying to find his way to cool relief. Mark found a route where we could climb down to a side pool, isolated from the rushing waters, where Milo could dip his toes. We each gingerly made our way down the ten or so foot climb. Of course, once he’d cooled off we had to climb back up, which Milo made look easy as pie.

Now, it’s worth noting here that Mark and Milo live at this altitude, so their lungs are used to it. They’re also both more fit than I, used to skiing and hiking year round. Well, I suppose Milo probably doesn’t ski much, but he’d still probably be less tired than I would even if he was just learning. We continued to walk uphill, navigating the rocks and terrain, following a path that was fun but certainly not ADA compatible. After climbing one last rock staircase and reaching a plateau, I had no choice but to stop. My legs were burning, my lungs were pleading with me, and my brain was starting to wave the white flag of surrender. Mark circled back with a laugh and admitted that he forgets that flat-landers aren’t used to the thin air. After I rested and got some more oxygen in my lungs and muscles, we continued on with a promise that we were back at the regular path and wouldn’t have any more of the steep climbing.

Mark pointed out a few waterfalls in the distance, commenting that they’re usually a trickle this time of year. There was a heavier snowfall than usual this past winter and the river was raging as all of the snow melted and followed gravity’s draw. We followed a spur off the main trail to a spot next to the river with a pool where Milo could play and cool off and a log where we could sit and eat our sandwiches. I love the idea of grabbing sandwiches, throwing them in the backpack, and walking up into the mountains to enjoy them with a view in nature. Once our bellies were full and Milo had enough time splashing about, we worked our way back down the path. Downhill was easier than up, and the main path was smoother and easier to navigate than the offshoot that we followed up. I told Mark that I was glad that he led the way, because he chose a more challenging route than I wouldn’t have thought of but was glad that I did it.

We stopped back at the first pool for Milo to play some more, Chase sticks, and cool off before loading up into the truck and heading back to the house. My muscles told me that I’d had a good day while my lungs recovered and Mark and I chatted about the changes he’s seen to these trails over the years. We got back to the house, and Milo took the rest of the day off, just lying around and – I swear – smiling as he thought about his day.