The immediately local ski season ended just over a week ago. There is still plenty of snow in the backcountry, but it'll take more than a quick, 'after work hike' to get to it. This matters because generally with the end of ski season I get out of shape. Summer before hunting season is the nadir of my yearly fitness routine. Maybe I'll mow the lawn, take the dogs for a walk, go kayaking, weed the garden, but nothing truly cardiovascular.
But this year I am trying to stay on top of things by going for quick climbs up nearby mountains. Today I climbed the North Sister. I went up at a very rapid pace without stopping. My intent was to break 30 minutes from the car to the tippy top, and I did it in just under 29 - whooo hooo. Then I went down very slowly to help the knees and enjoyed the view and wild flowers. Today it took me 45 minutes to climb down.
In years past, by the time I get back to climbing mountains after ski season I am super slow. I can remember being happy with breaking 40 minutes on the climb I just did today. So hopefully this summer I will not lose too much in the way of conditioning. That said, in years past I am also usually still skiing at this time. Let's see where I am at in late July!
Patrick
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| If you look closely you can see my car at the pull out on the left (the black dot). |
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| Kamchatka Rhodies - I never realized they are so hairy |
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