Yesterday I really did have the desire to get moving. So I woke up early before church, packed Jon's camelback, and headed for a hike in Manitou Springs. Now, I'm not stupid enough to actually venture out on the trails all by myself (I'm totally scared of bears and mountain lions and basically any kind of little critter). But there is one trail in Manitou that ALWAYS has tons of people on it. A long time ago, there used to be a railroad that took people up to Pike's Peak. Since, then, a newer, more advanced railroad -- "The Cog" -- has been built. However, the railroad ties from the old route are still in place, and it is a favorite place for Coloradans (and visitors who are willing to brave the altitude) to test their character and endurance. It is known as the Manitou Incline (aka -- The Stair-Stepper from Hell).
The "Incline" doesn't reach all the way up to Pikes Peak anymore. It does go up about a mile, though. And although the hike up is TORTUROUS, the way down is heavenly -- a 4 mile hike down a series of switchbacks with unbelievable scenery. Anyway -- back to the actual incline. Yesterday I decided it was time for my first hike up the incline this year. I have to say -- I have been avoiding it for a few weeks now. I actually got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach as I was driving there. But 47 minutes after I took my first step, I was so proud of myself for reaching the top, and felt such a sense of accomplishment -- it was all worth it. After that, I listened to praise music the whole way down and just enjoyed all of the beauty that God surrounded us with here in the Springs. I can't wait to go again next weekend.
Here is a picture that Jon took a few summers ago. I am the blond girl who looks like she's about to die. The picture only shows about the last 1/4 of the incline. It is a LONG way up!
3 comments:
Rachel...I've totally been thinking about the incline this past week and how much I want to commit to doing it once/week when I get back to The Springs! 47 minutes is AWESOME!!! You go! Can't wait to see you soon!
Sounds like the Grouse Grind in Vancouver, British Columbia. If you ever get up here you HAVE to do it! It's amazing! They call it Mother Nature's Stairmaster up here. It is a 1.8 mile hike that gains 2,800 feet of altitude by the time you get to the top! Whew! I did it for the first time last summer. This year I am definitely in better shape and I can't wait to tackle it this summer and see how much better I can do!
Rachel,
Let's do the Incline soon together. Great job! I love those kinds of mornings too.
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