The trail I ended up picking was the Echo Peak trail, which was within walking distance from my house. I chose this hike because it is a popular trail, with no dangerous stream crossings, or snow/ice that I needed to worry about. It was also a trail that I've done half a dozen times at least, but always with other people. That is one thing that this book emphasizes, that being able to send for help is important, "The downsides of solo hiking are ... you'll have no one to send for help if you get injured..." (Stevenson 18). I had to plan and pick a hike encircled around the main idea that being alone and injured would be my biggest problem. Keeping that in mind, I picked a hike I knew well, carried plenty of snacks, water, and a map/compass.
Before I left, I also needed to make sure that a trusted person knew where I hiking, and how long I'd be gone, because I would have nobody with me on the trail if I got hurt or lost (Stevenson 18). This person was my mom, who I was able to contact throughout the entire hike, as there was cell service all the way up the trail. I left at about noon, and told her that I expected to be home no later than 3:30, and that if I wasn't, she should send someone to go look for me.
Overall, the hike itself was pretty good. It was about 40 degrees, with partly cloudy skies, and most importantly, I didn't get lost or injured! The trail was about 3.5 miles round trip, with a 300 ft elevation gain. About a quarter mile from the top, you can see Seattle peeking through the trees if you stand in just the right spot. At the top, there's also a nice view of Mt. Rainier, and a view of Lake Desire near the trail-head. The whole hike took about two and a half hours total, which was the quickest I have ever done it. That was one other thing the book mentioned, that by yourself, you can set your own pace.
Have you ever gone on a hike by yourself? Where to? Did you enjoy it?
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| If you look, you can see Seattle in the gap between the trees |
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| Mt. Rainier from the top |
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| Me with Mt. Rainier in the background |
I'm proud of you for doing so many hikes! I went on a very long 20 mile hike with some distant family members during the summer, up a mountain in almost 90 degree weather. I found it was very fun, and the view was absolutely amazing. But I think if I did what you've done here, and gone by myself, I might've enjoyed it more because I could take rests whenever I needed and wouldn't have any competition in terms of speed. I think it would be a better experience for me if I let myself lead my own way with only my thoughts. Good job completing your hikes! I'm glad you found a such a great hobby.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Being able to hike at my own pace was one of my favorite parts too. I was able to spend as much time at the top and enjoy the view as long as I wanted.
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DeleteHiking can be such an incredible experience, which of the hikes you have done was your favorite?
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