Sunday Funday

Better than a Monday...

Today's adventure was a hike to Strawberry Peak with a couple friends. It was an opportunity to try out my new day hike kit and put my body through some misery (more on that later). We wanted to get an early start, too early for me so I spent the night. We arrived to the trail head around 0700 PT at Red Box Picnic Area. The parking location does require a permit, but the America the Beautiful pass I picked up in Death Valley in May works, support parks! They said the hike was less than (8) eight miles and it could be completed in a few hours. My friends had done the hike earlier this year so they were familiar with the route and we were on our way.

I knew going into the hike that I would be challenged. You must know that I occasionally do outdoor things, but otherwise I typically live a sedentary life. This is especially true during COVID-19 with online learning and an office job I spent a lot of time sitting in a chair. Enough with my laziness. The start of the trail was relatively easy; however, there was a very light drizzle which fortunately did not escalate into anything else. As we progressed on the trail my friends pointed out mountain bike tread near the edge of the path. Mountain biking while impressive is not something that interests me, at this time. We were passed by a trail runner on one of the more narrow sections, but they were quick.

We approached a section which would have caused more pain due to the slope, but as I stated my friends are familiar with the route. We avoided the steep slope and went the long way around. As we continued and scrambled up the peak we heard voices of other hikers. We were catching up to some groups. We took a few stops every so often as altitude for us sea level folks can be challenging without acclimation. At one stop my friend decided to check a nearby plant and then I heard multiple "Ows!" from multiple attempts to check the plant. Maybe just leave the strong plant alone and hope we do not fall into it at some point. One member of the group needed to rest and suggested we continue the hike. We agreed to continue and would pick them up on the way back down.

As we ascended the path never seemed to end, there was always just a little more to go. We finally saw an American Flag which meant it would be over soon for a bit. As we neared the peak we passed by and saw other hikers. I received quite a few comments regarding my attire of Levi's and Vans, apparently unconventional. Some impressed and others likely thought I was a fool. My friends mentioned a series of hikes, SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge (TM). A fellow hiker mentioned Strawberry Peak was the easiest of the series...I need to get in better shape if we plan to do this next year. While at the peak we took some photographs and rested for a bit before the treacherous journey back.

As we prepared to head back some hikers mentioned the other member of our group was fine and still resting. We did wonder how they knew to let us know. Did they stumble across them and poke them with a stick? Probably nothing like the movies and they simply made conversation on the way. Reaching our missing person did not seem nearly as long as the hike up. They were fine now and we went back up to the peak. Remember what I said about the hike down? Well apparently the ascent seemed like forever again, but it was worth it so everyone in our group could enjoy the view. We took more photos and applied sunscreen before heading back.

The descent was challenging at some parts. At one point I even lost my footing and slipped, fortunately I was not seriously injured. We carried on with my pace varying due to fatigue. I was amazed by the number of hikers we saw still making their way to the peak. It was approaching noon with no coverage from the sun and were at least heading back. At one point someone got a close view of an avian creature and described flyby to us. I eventually ran out of water in my hydration back, but fortunately I packed extra water. Dehydration was the last thing I wanted to experience on this relatively remote section of the hike. My calves felt slight cramps coming on which was not good as there was still a few miles left of the hike. I slowed down my pace and continued as the heat could be another serious problem.

The long way around felt longer this time but it was still better than going straight up the incline. Although we did see some hikers taking the shortcut up and over. We finally made it to the shaded area of the trail and almost near the vehicle. That was when we noticed our fingers were a bit swollen and some had rings on their fingers. No time to panic, just focus on finishing the hike. We made it back to the street and crossed back to the parking lot. The hike was finally over and I could use the outhouse to relieve myself. Well I thought I could, but as I stepped up onto raised dirt near the parking lot my legs gave up. Cramps. Painful cramps. I stood there for a few minutes while my friends waited near the car. Was I stuck?

I could finally move again albeit very slowly and carefully. The parking lot had hikers, motorcyclists, and car enthusiasts. We had heard them on our hike and seen them as specs on the twisty roads below. We finally headed back down the mountain and to a filling lunch from Teddy's Red Tacos.

Hike Stats according to my Garmin Fenix 6 Pro:

• Time: 4:30:27
• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Calories: 2451
• Elevation Gain: 1948 feet
• Avg Heart Rate: 140 bpm
• Max Heart Rate: 178 bpm
• Max Elevation 6018 feet
• Avg/Min/Max Temperature F: 91 / 82 / 102
• ~19k steps
• 158 floor climbed and 154 floors descended

For those interested, it took me about (4) four days to recover from this hike, my body was not prepared. There was a few moments I was afraid of stumbling down the stairs or out of a comfortable chair. At least I was still working from home. I had my concerns about recovery after a couple days but fortunately I recovered. I have a lot of training to do if I want to do this and the other (5) five peaks in 2022. My body is going to hate me and likely miss the sedentary lifestyle.