Saturday I hiked with the Schlesinger brothers to the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Check out one of my pics from 6684 feet atop Mt. Mitchell.
Some things I pondered…
Experienced hikers are fun to be around (thanks Garrett)
Long hikes with higher altitudes require thoughtful preparation (food, hydration, clothing)
Nauseating obstacles are there to be overcome
Leading required thinking about others (pace, staying on the trail, rest)
Followers have the pleasure of watching how the leader climbs the trail (roots, rocks, branches)
Ascending the steep terrain was demanding on my mind, heart, and lungs. This made it challenging to enjoy the landscape.
Difficult hikes require some breaks in order to restore energy supplies
How does a person who hiked up 3500′ feet for three hours appreciate the summit view any more than the person who rode a motorcycle, car, or bus to the summit?
Balance was needed ascending and descending (roots, rocks, branches, trees)
Some spots are always slippery.
While descending was more demanding on my leg muscles and joints, my mind, lungs, and heart got a break. The landscape was much easier to enjoy.
Aches and pains today remind me of the enjoyable hike with spectacular views
Very anxious to hike another mountain
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