Take a Hike

You have likely heard the expression, “take a hike”, and ordinarily it is not used cordially. Typically, it is used to tell someone off, particularly if you are unhappy with them. However, there are occasions when it’s meant as something quite desirable and can in fact, be a remarkably “elevating” experience.

Each year during the family trip to Rangeley, there is usually a hike involved as one of the many activities. However, there have been some years when the “walk in the woods” didn’t happen for one reason of another. In past years there was the “death march”, the hike up Mount Blue, after a previously aborted attempt, the trip up Bald Mountain, the incomparable Tumbledown, and the old stand by, Saddleback’s ski trails to the top of Saddleback on the AT (Appalachian Trail).

For 2010, the committee announced that a hike up Saddleback was on tap for those interested in this rite of passage. The weather oftentimes dictates which day is best, but the earlier in the week we do it, the more apt we are to check it off the to do, list for the week. With the Canadian high pressure building in, we were given the “go code” for departure at 9:00am. Organizing 20+ hikers of all ages and levels of conditioning is no easy task, but the enthusiasm to go generally off sets any reservations against making the trek up the hill.

In typical fashion, the launch hour came and went, but there was ample enough movement afoot that we were under foot before the noon hour which was our real goal of setting the start time at 9:00am anyway. After taking a head count at base camp we began our assault of Saddleback for the umteenth time, but it remains one of the glorious walks, as the views from the summit are magnificent indeed. While on the trail, one of my brothers made the comment that he was tickled to see so many of us “out there”, regardless of our respective ages. The youngsters usually lead the way, and there were no exceptions this year. There are the usual stops for water and to catch your breath, but looking back offered panoramic views of the western mountains.

Once on top, the view was worth the effort. Although most of us have made this hike more than once, this little parcel of the AT is heaven on Earth. We rehydrated and enjoyed the sweet snacks that some kind souls hauled up the hill in their backpacks. We took lots of photos, and some will become the family Christmas card or just keepsakes; but the satisfaction of climbing to the top of Saddleback is truly priceless. Today, some will continue on to the Horn, while others will start the thigh burning descent to base camp, but for the moment, those of us who climbed were on top of the world, at least on this little piece of real estate anyway. And if you don’t believe me, then you can take a hike too!