Thursday Thoughts

Today I got to repeat another hike from last week—Camelback. I have to say that I was not exactly excited about doing Camelback again. I mean, who knows if/when I'll be back in this area? I was hoping to do as many different hikes as I could. Camelback was the hike I did on Tuesday of last week, and I just remember it being a lot of uphill, climbing up endless rocks. And then I remembered that I have had a week and a half of other training/exercise, so I might surprise myself. So, up we went!

Starting our Camelback hike

This is a little pool of water in the rock formations, and it is full of these tadpoles! 

We saw a few of these pools along the way.

The group stopping for a silly picture. You can see the two camel's humps at the top of the picture. We made it to this point in record time! I was very happy!

An "optional" part of the hike (you can see the shadows above). 

Climbing out 

Climbing up one of the humps. THIS was a "go for it" climb! 

(It's the hump on the right in the above picture.)

I made it! And it is barely 8:00 am!

Trista and Tina made it, too! Yippee!

We finished the camel's back so fast we had time to do this extra loop called Dragon's Back. 

If you look closely you can see the rocks jutting straight up resembling the back of a dragon. 

The best thing about this loop? The shade! OK, and the scenery wasn't too bad, either.

There were some spots where we really had to hoist ourselves up. 

These spots are where I feel my strongest. And I know I can mount a horse, now.*

 

The view from behind Dragon's Back. Stunning.

We made our way back to the trailhead, and this is a picture of the last climb out before we reach the van. See the dead tree just left of center? There are a few people making their way up the hill near that. 

Quite a big hill to climb at the END of a rigorous hike. Whew!

And we're back! 

Eggs never tasted so good! And there is turkey bacon in there, as well! 

Not your grandma's potato broccoli soup. Very tasty, though!

The strangest thing happened today. I was too full to finish my sandwich! It was delicious, but I was feeling very stuffed, so I left half of the sandwich on the plate. Very strange to think I did all that working out today

 and consumed less than 1200 calories! 

The chef used purple potatoes in this yummy potato salad! Overall a delicious meal!

This was very tasty. Needs a little work on the texture, though. (Some of the oats were dry.)

Today for Open Gym one of the instructors held a "Gym Class" like we used to have in elementary school. So, we walked over to the park and played a quick game of kickball. (Keep in mind it was 104 today.) It was actually very fun. Afterwards we went to the other end of the park where they have a "splash pad"—a little area where they have water spraying from some play equipment for kids. The looks on the kids faces when they saw 10 adults come through the splash pad were priceless! 

I had Ball Works today, and when it was done I had a hard time lifting my arms up to scratch my head! OY! In Treading I walked at the highest incline I've done to date, and I felt very strong! My last class today was a pool class, which is the best schedule to have! Right into the hot tub immediately after pool class. (I am going to miss that hot tub, for sure! I wonder what it would take to get a hot tub at Bear Creek?!) 

Since I am a "departing guest" this week, I get to go to a few lectures about just that: departing the resort. It is one of the aspects of this place which I find really helpful. Sure, they focus on exercise and eating healthy meals, but there is a strong emphasis on education. We have learned so much about nutrition, and calorie counting (calories in vs. calories out), and, best of all, planning for success. The entire program is really top notch! If you haven't gotten it from me yet, I highly recommend the FRidge!! I can't wait to see you all soon, and share many more stories with you! 

Our van learned that tomorrow we are going to Saddle again. And our whole van decided that we will ALL go up Saddle! I get to climb the mountain TWICE! Then tomorrow is my last full day. (And my friend Trista is leaving tomorrow night before dinner.)  :(  Saturday's schedule is only for 1/2 day. 

Sweet dreams, everyone. I will be up and on that mountain before most of you wake up!

Goodnight

*For Spring Break Patsy, Aidan and I visited my Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy in Mesa, AZ. Mike took us horseback-riding, and I had a very rough time getting myself into the saddle of the horse. I had no strength in my arms or legs (not to mention the extra weight I am carrying), and it took me three attempts, and finally some assistance from our trail guide to get me up into the saddle. Definitely a low point for me. Embarrassing! Today, and over the last couple of weeks, I have hoisted myself up several hills and rocks/rock formations. So, I am literally ready to get back in the saddle again! Yay, me!