September 4th
Segment 22 & 23
The wind was vicious last night and we all reported many wake ups from the wind whipping at our tents. We were all up early and broke camp together. Hummer left with Jodie and I and soon passed us. Ruthless finished getting ready.
We watched Hummer far above us climb towards the summit.
Ruthless caught up to us as we were sitting along side the trail she said we looked so cute sitting there together. Really we’re just trying to catch our breath and get our heart rates to calm down so that we can keep climbing.
I asked if we could have a selfie with her before she disappeared over the mountain.
She also wanted to take our pictures because we look so adorable. And she disappeared up the trail and I contemplated the differences in our lives.
She’s in her ’70s and sailing over summits. She had been an endurance athlete for most of her adult life and I have literally spent decades drinking too much and smoking a pack of day living a sedentary lifestyle. Of course I occasionally did outdoor adventures but never with any consistency. I fight for everything I have today. Every summit is difficult. My body burns pushing up every hill and I have to stop frequently and fight for air.
I am so grateful I’m here now
Climbed 4 summits, passes, high points…or whatever they’re called today between 12,680 & 13,080!! The hiking at this elevation is not so bad, but everytime we climb I’m sucking wind!
The wind! It was a persistent bully all day! Threatening to push my off cliff and chilling the air.
We camped down a side trail near water and with a little less wind. We were joined by Hughe and later two others came looking for a protected place to sleep.
Jodie’s blog bikehikerepeat.com
It was an honor to take you, Jodie, and Ruthless back to the trail from Silverton! God bless you as you finish this last part of the trail. Enjoy!
Thank you so much Leah for returning us to the trail bright and early!