I don't point my skis down the hill and go. Instead I scope out the hill, put my skis at an angle and a brace my knees to slow myself down. I don't jump off cliffs (except that one time when I got hurt). I don't run. I don't hit balls or catch things that are thrown really hard. I don't own hiking boots. I have never camped when the car was more than a short walk away. I'm not what I would consider adventurous.
But then, I took up rock climbing a few years back. And while I only climbed on a real rock once, I was pretty damn proud of myself for hanging from a rope once a week. Even more, I took up paddling. I paddled hard and fast and developed pronounced muscles for the first time in my life. I paddled between islands. And I met friends who are the definition of adventurous - some even extreme.
So when a friend asked a few weeks back if I wanted to hike the Na Pali Coast with her the aspiring-to-be-extreme Jenni inside me instantly said "yes!" When I sat down and thought about it, I rationalized that I would just do it. I'd just start the journey and not give up. Just like paddling. Get in the boat and there's no option of quiting until you hit the beach.
Last week another friend asked if I wanted to go on an "awesome hike." (Note: she meant awesome like the extreme folks do, not like us Southern Californians.) I went on the hike. I stretched before. I wore my athletic clothes. I took water, sunscreen and snacks. I was ready to hike!
I thought I might die 30 minutes into the hike. I was sweating and wheezing and really, really tired. Plus, I was embarrassed and a bit scared - what was up with my breathing?! Why do I feel so sick?! I made a deal with myself that I would call it a day at the top of the first peak of the hike.
By the end of the day I'd spent 6.5 hours on the trail and climbed almost to the third peak. The hike was insane. But I did it. I'm not extreme but I am persistent.
However, I called my friend today and told her I can't do Na Pali. I have no business hiking 22 miles over three days. The snowplow skier in me finally spoke up and made me realize there's no going back once you start on a 22 mile hike with a water purifier in your backpack.
***
About that "awesome" hike... Olomana trail above Kailua. Three dramatic peaks sometimes called the Matterhorn of Hawaii. Up and then down. Then up again, and then down some ropes. And then up the ropes. Then turn around and go back the way you came. 6 miles total.
This is Olomana's third peak on our "awesome" hike. Awesome to say the least! I made it half way up this peak and then decided I'd be happier to sit and take in the views than drag myself up a cliff using old ropes. Of course, I'd already climbed up and down two equally tall peaks.
This is the easy part of the trail. The ropes were helpful here, an absolute godsend further along.
I made it to the top of peak #1. Not too long after I thought I might die. Proud of myself and feeling invincible, I continued on.
My rewards for my efforts were my pride, a wake-up call about my true abilities, and these gorgeous views!
5 comments:
Child of mine, oh yes sweet darling, so glad you are a child of mine!
Wow that's a pretty awesome climb - how are your feet? When we come out are you willing to "show me the ropes" and do it again?
Dad
My feet are happy as can be. My thighs hate me like never before. But I did run out of water half way through so I don't think my muscles got what they needed.
Yes, I'd happily go again. But only to the top of #2.
I bet you could show Jen a thing or two about endurance! Maybe not about persistance or stubbornness (she knows about that already!)
Love ya,
Mom Nelson
Wow. Impressive... and the awesome view hopefully made up for it :)
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