I almost feel like the sun is taunting me now: "Good morning. I'm out again. What are you going to do today?" And I have to pull my sore legs and blistered toes out of bed and squint at its gorgeous light: "I can't waste it. I guess I have to do something."
Today was Heinzelman Ridge. It's perhaps the most prominent ridge of Juneau's skyline, with jagged cliffs that loom over Lemon Creek and the Mendenhall Valley. The views up there are striking.
I am so enamored with these vistas.
Fall colors are already erupting on the tundra.
On a Wednesday morning I have to adhere to my strict work timeline, so I turned around at an arbitrary point on the ridge rather than working my way to a peak. I ended with, according to GPS: 3,740 feet of climbing, 7.5 miles, about four hours.
I thought of a poetic way to describe my stroll over Heinzelman, but I don't have much time for this blog post. Still scheming ... still planning ... still sore.
Meanwhile, back in the rainforest ...
I almost feel like the sun is taunting me now: "Good morning. I'm out again. What are you going to do today?" And I have to pull my sore legs and blistered toes out of bed and squint at its gorgeous light: "I can't waste it. I guess I have to do something."
Today was Heinzelman Ridge. It's perhaps the most prominent ridge of Juneau's skyline, with jagged cliffs that loom over Lemon Creek and the Mendenhall Valley. The views up there are striking.
I am so enamored with these vistas.
Fall colors are already erupting on the tundra.
On a Wednesday morning I have to adhere to my strict work timeline, so I turned around at an arbitrary point on the ridge rather than working my way to a peak. I ended with, according to GPS: 3,740 feet of climbing, 7.5 miles, about four hours.
I thought of a poetic way to describe my stroll over Heinzelman, but I don't have much time for this blog post. Still scheming ... still planning ... still sore.
Meanwhile, back in the rainforest ...
It is difficult to express in words how helpful your blog is,in inspiring all of us 9-5 er's to find a way to get outside and enjoy this amazing planet.
ReplyDeleteYou are perfoming an amazingly kind deed, by taking the time to write and photograph your adventures, and by honestly describing your own personal struggles in getting yourself outside everyday. All I can say is thank-you.
What I would give to see through my eyes for one day the beauty you see every day.
ReplyDeleteJust curious, do you ever get nervous hiking alone? Maybe you were but your just used to it and more confidnet now?
ReplyDeleteI ask because I was biking around in one of the larger state parks in my area earlier this week, and I got creeped out after just a short while of being so alone. Do you have any suggestions of how to get over that fear? (I think some of it is from my mothers paranoia that I'm going to happen upon some crazy guy hiding out in the forest).
Another great day in Alaska, you take care of those toes.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to see proof that Juneau does have splitter weather that includes sun! Keep exploring- your next adventure will find you... meanwhile, send some of that sun toward Fairbanks, eh? :)
ReplyDeleteI go to Juneau every summer to visit family. I usually fish and hike at lower elevations, but now I'm fired up to do Heinzelman next July.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. Keep those photos coming! Thanks for the effort that goes into the blog. I'm sure it's a drag at times.
This is in reference to the exchange we started in your Cairn Peak comment section. I googled "Discover Southeast Alaska with Pack and Paddle" by Margaret Piggott and found many copies available. I highly recommend it, although I'm sure you could add some good descriptions to her Juneau trail section. I just love this book, and have found it to be remarkably accurate.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics. Hoping to someday get up to Alaska. Also, this has just been a wonderful blog to read. A cycling friend recommended it while the Tour Divide was being blogged about. That got me hooked.
ReplyDeletebeautiful self-portrait - Alaska is so fine...
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of the views in this post are among the best in your blog. And that is saying something.
ReplyDeleteMille grazie (thanks!).
So as long as you're on a bender, you should unlink the guy from your website. His fumblings aren't that interesting, and I bet it would do you good. The high road's great and all that, but maybe you've spent enough time there.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing views! I love riding my bike but my best views have been when I've been out hiking.
ReplyDelete