From Atop A Mountain...

I could not have picked a more beautiful day to hike on Mt. Rainier, crystal-blue skies, lots of sunshine, no wind, and absolutely perfect temperature. I also could not have lucked upon a better time to climb up than I did, as I ran into two great gals, Julie and Carrie, on the trail. We passed each other on the trail several times before we chanced to talk and then ended up talking as we hiked and before I knew it, we were climbing together. We are all of the same generation and enjoyed chatting as we climbed, so much so in fact that we ended up climbing most of the way to Camp Muir before time dictated that we end the day. We then spent a while up around 8,700 foot elevation, resting, chatting, and eating. We then climbed down and parted ways at the parking lot, after noting that all three of us drove the same SUV, Chevy Blazers! They really did make the day for me as it gave me someone to share the experience with and I would enjoy hiking climbing with them again sometime. They also kept my pace down to where I had one of the best days I have ever had hiking and managed not to over-exert my recovering hamstring! Unfortunately I did not get any contact info for them before they left! Well, I do love a challenge, so I will have to figure out some way to contact them. Julie was conditioning for the American Lung Assoc. of Washington's annual Mt. Rainier summit climb next weekend. What a great cause and a great excuse to climb the mountain; you can bet that I shall be there for this event next year. Anyway, time for bed, gotta work tomorrow. Cya...bCool

[Listening to: Thousand Miles from Nowhere - Dwight Yoakam - Dwight Live (04:29)]