“Quite a few people have asked about organizing a hike on Woodson or even Iron Mountain”, our dear editor mentioned.
“Sounds like a good idea,” I replied. “Should we undertake a ‘sixties-type’ outing or a modern-day trip?” I inquired.
“What’s the difference?” Jenni wanted to know.
“Where have you been these last 50 years?” I asked.
“Well, I had a great 2-year period followed by the last 48 with you,” she retorted. I suppose I deserved that.
“Well, you see it goes something like this,” I began an explanation. (continues at the end...)
Tower on peak of Woodson barely visible. The time is late for ending the ongoing 'civil war' in the country.
A divided house is not a home.
Double 'Jeopardy'...Jenni.
Always had a desire to fly above the clouds on my own steam.
We always have Maude in mind with scenes such as this. Lately, the region has been cloudless so we had a treat today.
'Blue waters, white death'...oops, wrong movie.
Back to near the peak.
Wasn't there a mountain here last week?
Returning to the surface.
It's a beautiful Sunday.
Sun rises above the mountain top. (Iron mountain from Woodson.)
“For the modern-day outing, the following steps need to be followed.”
1. Compile an email list of all potential invitees. Thereafter, remind recipients, at least a dozen times, of the venue and time. Deal with issues like ‘can’t we commence later, is there not a closer hike, the forecast calls for hot weather, rain, snow or a high ozone factor. For sixties era-type: call giving time and date and ‘see you there’.
2. Organizers draft a limit of liability contract warning participants of all the perils of the wilds. Of course, the wilds are in the city. Ensure that participants know that reaching mountain peaks requires walking uphill, that one may get hot and tired and even perspire, may trip, may get thirsty, could fall off the mountain etc. Sixties era-type: what liability?
3. Head for doctor’s office for a physical check-up. Ensure you are in good shape. Obtain permission letter from doctor to participate. Begin a course of vitamins and other essentials in preparation. Ensure medical and life insurance policies are current. Sixties era-type: Beer works for me.
4. Head for store, particularly REI, and obtain latest clothing, gadgets and other useful items. Essential to have ‘quick-drying’ clothing, hat, boots, extra thick socks, snake guards, utility belt, water bottle, water reticulation system hydrating the body automatically, GPS, compass, map, I-phone with ‘ear wires’ and music, at least 3 emergency numbers, trail guide, sunscreen with high block-out factor, sunglasses, spare set too, extra-lightweight backpack, hiking poles, emergency rations, snacks, high-calorie food for breakfast, high-powered flashlight, spare batteries, emergency medical kit, snake-bite kit, bags for trash and human waste, for starters. Sixties era-type: brings ‘tackies’ (sneakers.)
5. Select a hike which has adequate parking, not on gravel, off road parking, preferably with security, valet would be nice and a car wash service would make the day. Sixties era-type: Huh!
6. Meet at trailhead at 6am sharp. ‘I forgot to set alarm clock, I forgot to charge my I-phone, I can’t get out of bed before sunrise, I knew the others would be late so I slept a little later, I didn’t know which car to use. My kids hadn’t come home yet so I could not leave. Sixties era-type: Let’s get going.
7. Is there not a shorter route to the top? Is there a less steep trail? Why is the trail so sandy? Are we there yet? Can’t we rest? My I-phone isn’t working out here. I forgot to load my music. I’m sick of moving out the way to let these people pass, have they no patience? I refuse to greet strangers—you never know where it can lead. How much longer? I knew I should have gone to the gym with my personal trainer and an air-conditioning environment. I need a bathroom. “What? Out in the open? Over my dead body. I’m bursting. Keep your wipes. Do you know who I am? I don’t do that in the bush. Anyway, can we stop for lunch? Why doesn’t anyone pickup after the wild animals? Do we have to walk down? Don’t they have cable cars? Heck, I didn’t sign on for this." Sixties era-type: It’s great to be out here.
8. What a great adventure. We should do it again. I really love roughing it like we did. Next time, I’ll be better prepared. Sixties era-type: You kidding me?
(This was probably not the ideal method of cementing relationships. I told Jenni not to write it.)
A Contrast: One of recent Iron Mountain dawn pictures.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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