Timberline Trail- Post Script

Wow! What a trail! I mean it was hard and even a bit crowded for my taste, but walking around the mountain was also amazing.

Viewing Mount Hood from all angles really gave me an appreciation for its multiple personalities. The impenetrable crag on the north, the moonscape to the east, and the ski resort on the south. And to see the vegetation change as I moved from the south face to the north face was fascinating. The power of the streams issuing from its glaciers was impressive. The ghost forest of dead trees from a fire 14 years ago stood like bleached bones. The wildflowers were in full bloom adding splashes of color everywhere.

It was also an opportunity for growth on my part. Once again, I tested what my 75-year-old body can do, and it was up to the task, barely. The long climbs and descents took their toll, but I got stronger each day. I learned that I can’t ignore my thirst and my hunger if I want to stay in the game. That was especially true on the first day, but much improved on the following two days. And, although the river crossings were intense, I enjoyed the puzzle of figuring out the safest ways to cross.

It was a good thing that my friends and I did the 3 Sisters Wilderness instead of the Timberline. But I am glad I came back and did the trail by myself. It is a worthy trek.

In other news: Cappuccino and I will be hiking the west Fork of the Gila River in mid October and then be joined by Scatman and Jolly Rancher to do another trek in the Gila with the four of us. I will post a blog of our adventures after we are back in civilization.

Safe Travels and Happy Trails…