This is Another Story

It was a beautiful day Sunday, the most beautiful weather last week, I think. In perfect timing, my hiking Meetup group announced a Sunday hike up Frary Peak which is the highest point on Antelope Island. If you follow my posts, you’d know I’ve been to Antelope Island multiple times. This island is always the first spot my mom would bring our guests. So when I learned of this hiking expedition, I was like, “there are hiking trails on Antelope Island?”

I got up early on Sunday morning, excited to go hiking. It’s my first hike since returning from China, so of course I’m excited and it gets me out of the house. It was also the first time to test the strength in my legs because they had felt different lately like stronger.

At around 10 am, I met up with the group and started toward the trail head. When I got out of the car and looked up at the path, I looked up at the steep path and thought, “What the heck have I gotten myself into?” However, I began muttering beneath my breath, “You can do this, you can do this.” Next thing I knew, I was almost at the top of this path.

When I turned the corner and saw this sign, I was in shock. 23% grade? I just hiked up a 23% grade path? Wow! The steepest I’ve ever walked was 10% on my treadmill. I know now I can do it.

However, as we ascended and the path became slightly rocky, it became more difficult. My need for rest grew and on some parts of the trail, I ended up resting more than ten minutes before continuing.

The trail was windy at times, so windy I felt like I was going to be blown away. However, after about four hours of hiking and resting, we finally made it to the radio tower which about 0.2 miles from the peak. I was so happy to see this trail marker, signifying we’ve hiked three miles along the Frary Peak trail. At that moment, I wanted to stop and go home and make myself something sweet. I simply couldn’t walk anymore ascending paths. The radio tower is a good place to stop. Until next time.

Cee’s Which Way Photo Challenge