Prizes

There's a popular saying in the Midwest, "If you don't like the weather, just wait an hour." While it is true that it can storm in the morning but be sunny and inviting in the afternoon, the changeable weather in my hometown has nothing on the weather in the Rocky Mountains. In my current locale, I watched yesterday's weather go from sunny and mild to a downpour complete with hail in the space of five minutes. Seriously. Thankfully I was watching the activity from the comfort of our rented home's living room window-- sort of like television-- but other family members experienced it up close and personal while hiking. I chose not to go yesterday because my thighs were still on fire from the "moderate" hike we were on the day before, the one where we ascended 1000' in 1.8 miles, mostly at the very end when I truly thought I was going to throw up. Good times. But the prize at the end-- a pretty little lake-- and the sense of accomplishment of doing something few other Midwesterners can boast of doing was well worth it. But I'm going to try the hiking thing again today, despite the drizzle and fog that awaits outside. I've been told that this trail is much easier plus there will be a beer waiting for me at the completition of the hike. Bring it on!