Saturday was my first climb of 2008. Brother-in-law Paul and I met up with John B. and family and headed east into the Gorge to climb Dog Mountain. The elevation gain at Dog Mountain is about 2800 feet in just over two miles, though based on the condition of my muscles yesterday and today I would have pegged it at about 7500 feet! I’m very sore, and my legs don’t seem to obey my commands as quickly as they did Friday before the hike.

But despite the soreness, the climb was more than worth it. Being in the woods and breathing that fresh, clean air was invigorating, and wondering at the incredible beauty of even a fallen creation was awe-inspiring. The flowers were not yet in bloom, but I expect that in the next three or four weeks the mountainside will be completely covered with the balsam root flowers, which make this great hike even more compelling.

Tags: hiking