I may be hiking a trail in Wyoming’s Sink’s Canyon State Park, but my mind is in the Sierras. Undeniably.
It is, after all, only a few more weeks before I find myself there again. It is only a few more weeks before I return to Northern California’s coniferous forests, to work for Sheila and Vince and Doug once again, to trudge through those steep forests in the dark of the night, hooting for spotted owls. It is only a few more weeks before I realize just how out of shape I really am.
And so it is that I find myself at the front of the group as we hike up the still somewhat snowy trail to Popo Agie Falls for Chris’ birthday. It is where I need to be: where I’ll feel the most pressure to keep going, to stay ahead, to prove to myself that I’m still okay, I can still do this. Some may argue that I should slow down, look around, enjoy the hike and the views a bit more. I figure I’ll have plenty of time to do that on the way down. No. Best to make the most of the uphill. Best to take advantage of the greatest opportunity for exercise.
After all, I know who I have to keep up with this summer. I’d hate to be the one slowing CBIN and TAND down. Even if it’s inevitable, hard-core runners as they are. I must give it my best. And I must start now.
