This was at the start of our hike when it was still all fun and games.
Last week Wade and I started the month of October off the grid in Big Sur, CA… one of the most magical places on earth. We usually do an annual “glamping” trip there but this year we decided to take 24 hrs, leave the comforts of the car camping area and go on a backpacking excursion through the Ventana Wilderness to the Sykes hot springs. We had just got our iPhone 5′s and decided to use them for photos on our hike since they are super lightweight. We also thought it would be a good test of the the new iphones camera capabilities.
Yep, that’s where we were all right, the Ventana Wilderness.
Normally, when I plan a vacation it involves relaxing activities and food or wine. Wade must of caught me at just the right moment when he asked me if it was something I would be interested in. I think I was at work, up to my elbows in hair color, when the text came through. I remember thinking about how far 10 miles was on flat land, then thinking about walking it with 15lbs strapped to my back and thinking it would be challenging but hey, I’m always up for an adventure!
The views were spectacular. There is nothing like breathing the clean, crisp mountain air and getting completely away from the sounds of the highway!
I never in my wildest dreams, imagined it would be the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done in my life. The trail was super intense. It took us 6 hours to do 10 miles each day and they were 2 of the hottest days of the year. We were alone out in the middle of the wilderness. It was a great, life changing experience but I’m not in any hurry to do it again anytime soon!
This was one of the more leisurely sections of the trail.
That red line was 10 miles! We hiked 10 miles in to Sykes hot springs on Monday and then hiked the same 10 miles back out on Tuesday. It was intense!
This little stream was like an oasis at the halfway point. Soaking your feet in cold water after hiking 5 miles feels AH-MAZING!
We are back on the trail. 5 more miles to go!
Ahhhh…we made it to Sykes! There is nothing like soaking your tired body in a natural hot spring (with a glass of wine) after a 10 mile hike!
Our 1 night mini camp at Sykes.
Back on the trail…we had to cross many obstacles, thank god for the hiking pole!
More leisurely hiking, my favorite kind!
I knew I FELT like a tiny ant hiking through the giant redwood trees but it wasn’t until I saw this picture that it really put things into perspective. I WAS a tiny ant among the redwoods.
A lot of the trail was uphill and extremely intense.
The finish…I did it!
Yay, Champagne (thanks Ronnie of The Wine Country) and a cold river to soak our feet in!
Cheers to our 2 day, 20 mile adventure into (and out of) the Ventana Wilderness!
As intense as it was, our butts look amazing, so it was all worth it in the end, and I feel like a stronger person for having had the experience. What life changing adventures have you had?