Now that Mt St Helens is behind me, I have been struggling with the question "What's next? Where do I go from here?" I have enjoyed the challenges of the past few months, facing my weaknesses and overcoming my struggles. My answer was found in my unfinished bucket list of hikes. On that list, the pinnacle, so to speak, is the Pacific Crest Trail. Just uttering the letters PCT scares me - I know that the physical, mental and emotional demands would far outweigh those of Mt St Helens, should I endeavor to attempt the 2,663 mile expedition. One thing for sure, if I ever hope to attempt the PCT, I need to continue conditioning.
Thus, on a beautiful autumn Saturday in October, my boots hit the dust on the Jennifer Dunn Trail, which winds its way through a tranquil forest to the summit of Beckler Peak. This is a rebuilt trail that was opened a few years ago and hasn't made it into many of the trail guidebooks yet, therefore it isn't packed like so many close-in trails. The work that went in to the trail was evident at every turn, from the wide footpath to the granite boulder steps. The trail slowly and steadily climbs up the side of the mountain, never ridiculously intense, with well-placed stairs in the areas that are a bit steeper. From time to time you catch a teasing glimpse of the scenic treat that awaits you at the top.
As seems to have become commonplace, the gap between me and the faster hikers of our group became great enough that there were just two of us hiking together - myself and Stan. As we climbed, I found myself laboring more than I felt I should have been with a trail of this level. The effects of the four week hiatus were evident. Nevertheless, we continued upwards until we reached the false summit, where the remainder of our group awaited our arrival. The view from here was amazing. We could see Glacier Peak and, faintly off in the distance, Mount Baker. It was beautiful.
But we hadn't reached the summit yet, so we pushed on another few hundred yards. Let me tell you, if the view from the false summit was amazing, what was awaiting us at the summit was breathtakingly spectacular. The Cascade range surrounded us on all sides and every direction we turned offered another astounding scene. We could see Mt Baring, Mt Index, and the Monte Cristo range. Glacier Peak loomed in the distance, watching over us with stoic indifference. As we sat on the white granite boulders eating lunch, we were soon joined by a few other hikers. We finished eating, packed up and relinquished the summit to them so that they, too, could fully embrace the dramatic views.
 |
| Atop the summit |
On the way down I found myself struggling ... again. What the heck? My hips and knees weren't cooperating and my quads felt weak. I started to get discouraged but reminded myself that I was just three weeks post-surgery. I did my best to pick up my pace when I felt it slowing, and drove myself on until our return to the trailhead.
Once back home, I got back on my stair climber and pounded out roughly six flights. Take that, you fickle quads!
Will I ever scratch the PCT off my bucket list? Only time will tell. I have set a goal date and will keep on hiking and climbing in pursuit of attaining that goal, crossing trails and peaks off the list as I go. I will continue journaling about my adventures here, in the event any of you readers choose to follow my exploits.
Distance hiked: 7.4 miles
Elevation gained: 2,263'
Highest point: 5,063'
