Why Do It Again?

Yes, I climbed LeConte, again. I like to, and do it all the time. Some times once a year. Last year it was three times.

I am getting old and I prefer the devil I know to the miracle I don't, but the daughter makes me hike somewhere new with her once a year, this year it's the 100-mile wilderness in Maine.

To LeConte, I usually go with a big group. Some of us race to the top (4 1/4 hours via Rainbow), and drink hot toddies while waiting for dinner. The next day we race down (3 hours via Bullhead), then drink beer until the rest of the group get down, usually hours, then we carpool home.

I do enjoy the challenge, and the racing is the excuse to hike at my own pace and by myself. The slowpokes jabber about flowers, birds, scat, bear, and who knows what else.

So, does this solo character flaw make me special? Hell if I know, but I do become the spider web clearer and maybe the bear bait, and, lordy, I saw a lot of evidence of bear this time, although not the actual bear. Last year, a mama bear came straight for me, looking for a handout. I whistled till my ears hurt, and had my walking stick ready to poke her in the nose, but she disengaged the pursuit.

I do get a thrill... a smug sense of accomplishment... on these regular hikes, and revel in the mountain views and wildflowers. Even the wildlife.



-© 2010 by Willy