[Magellan]

Have you ever started something only to become convinced that quitting was the best option? I have too, and I hate quitting. I don’t have a problem admitting I’m wrong; I have a problem with the settle-for, easier, softer path of least resistance. “I don’t want to change, it’s too painful!” Danger is real, but excuses are just lies wrapped up real pretty. I need to change. Day ten of my master cleanse. I haven’t eaten solid food in ten days. All my nutrition comes from a crazy lemonade. Day one: total fog. Day two: debilitating headache. Day five: the crankiness is fading. Day nine: I am feeling pretty neutral about solid food. I decide to hike after work. How will my energy be?

Jumpoff for old Mason Lake trail

Bear Grass

Needs a cherry

The trail is gentle; and old road turned footpath. It breaks out of the trees and local views commence. In the open areas, of which there are many, bear grass is plentiful. I reach the junction; left for Mason Lake, up for Bandera. It would be so easy to quit. ‘I’m injured, I’m out of shape, I haven’t eaten any food, and it doesn’t matter.’ Why do I need five excuses? Just pick one, and hold onto it!

The junction

Paintbrush

Putrid Petes Peak and Mt Defiance

I continue up, very steep now. Within a few minutes, all the feelings of doubt have left. My energy is renewed, and I know I am doing the right thing. I have broken through, and remember how strong I really am.

Heather

Mason Lake, pollen and flare

Summit ridge

The summit is always my goal. Today’s rewards for reaching it were a renewing of the body and mind. I will not give up. I won’t quit on my health, I won’t quit on my family, and I absolutely will not give up on my dreams.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Big Tahoma

Eric, Hally and Stella descending

It was very nice to spend time with Eric, Hally, and Stella

[ADrewzki]

Haha. Excuses? We don't need no stinkin' excuses! Nice TR and pictures.

[Mark Griffith]

Glad to see the bear grass is out. I am curious about the 10 day master cleanse....?

[boot up]

You got a MUCH nicer picture looking up the ridge than I got from a couple of days before! Maybe the weather had something to do with it?

Bandera Mountain. Looking up the ridge line at the peak....honest.....

What a difference a day or two can make! Great pics!

[Magellan]

Thanks for the kind words and the pm's guys.

[fettster]

Ok catching up a bit finally. Nice job pushing through Magellan. Whereabouts is this one? I like that Putrid Petes Peak pic, quite an impressive ridge line.