[tigermn]

[Highwalker's Daughter]

Yes, the exercise component is great, but I live for the views along the way. If you are just racing to beat a prior time, it's just not as much fun. That is what my dad always did - checked his watch before setting out with the aim of beating his best time. To me, that just wasn't fun. I want to enjoy the fresh air, views, and the company I'm with - or just enjoy the solitude if I'm out alone. In the winter, it's nice to go to those closer destinations as they still have views and a workout to offer. Even the places along I-90 with the nasty clearcuts have some element of beauty to them - especially in the winter.

[tigermn]

[Josh Journey]

[Highwalker's Daughter]

Yeah, I have to admit to just doing exercise for the exercise. During the work week, I can't really go anywhere so I walk the neighborhood. While there are some nice views here and there, it is a bit boring now, but it does stretch out the muscles and maintain the fitness level somewhat. Even after all these years, though, the kayaking on the lake - especially on starry nights never gets old as an enjoyable form of exercise along with soaking in beauty to refresh my soul. If I'm driving to a place, however, I prefer to choose one for the views rather than slogging through trees most or all of the way. I am not a big fan of hikes like Si and Dickerman for that reason - no payoff until almost the top. They are my ideas of "conditioning" rather than done more for the real pleasure of being surrounded by endless meadows and peaks. I do want to get up Mailbox and Teneriffe, etc. at least once even though they don't sound much different than Si. I like views most of the way - guess I was spoiled by mainly doing North Cascades and Olympic hikes as a child as well as places like the Yosemite Circuit and the area near Jackson Hole.

[Paulie59]

Last year, started off with Si...then a 'Mailbox'..(looked for the whiskey, scotch, or whatever was supposed to be in there - but could not find it.. ) But then, always end up going up Camp Muir every week loaded with jugs of water-weight for 'training'. ( Pass it out to climbers who are boiling their water...they will love you...You will be "The Water God") Each time, on the Muir climb, when I start wondering, " WHY am I doing this!!?", I just turn around and see the surroundings...."Yes! This is why!"

[puzzlr]

[Josh Journey]

You know, I thought about this a lot, and this trip was a huge turning point in my life! Because I got kicked out of OSAT climbing coarse, I became even more ambicious than ever, and wanted to hike as many mountains even if I was exausted before the trip (hint hint Jolly Mountain). Infact there's a certain irony, I was more tired going up Jolly and not summiting than climbing Mount Baker! BUT..... the time before I did Jolly it wasn't too bad because I did not tire my self out before the trip. And then after I lost some rep with the EastKing, then I was even more hungry for hikes because I was not able to get out much, so which was why the Camp Muir White out turned out the way it did, I was crazy for mountains then. And then after that I went for a 140 mile bike ride because again I was not able to hike for a long time, I figured no one would know, but the opposite happend. And then I attempted Rainier which could have worked out.... but I well kinda messed up in ways. But Mount Baker was a success, and I now feel a turning point coming! So I sure as well hope that this is the end of the constance of stuggle!

[Josh Journey]

It was a random rememberance so I explained the importance of the trip. You know, a solution is to not reply to threads and leave it to go down. Unless secretly you find entertainment out of it. Well I guess I could always not reply to my posts...

[mossy mom]

[Josh Journey]

As for the trip report.... should I type up the 20 page version, or should I try to summerize it as best as possible?

[EastKing]

Where is your TR????

[Nisquaww]

baaaaahahahah. oh man thats a cute baby.

[KayJEph]