It was a tough hike up the Peak Trail this morning. I fought leg fatigue the whole way, and was nauseous 3/4 of the way up. I set goals to reach along the way so I would make it a little farther after each rest. I told myself make it to the pond, then the open field, then just to the spot with the view of the red barn, and when I made it to the “Sub Peak” at the top where the bathrooms, and picnic tables are I stopped climbing. The last 300 feet of a killer steep grade to reach the Pole I left for another day.

The leg fatigue has me rethinking my training strategy. I’m going to climb shorter steep mountains/hills working up to doing reps of those. I believe by doing reps I’ll build my endurance and stamina. Hopefully I won’t suffer from the leg fatigue I’m feeling today. My legs still feel weak, and tired hours after finishing the hike.

When I stopped to rest my legs and settle my  queasy stomach I did take some photos. This view is near the top. The View is Northwest. We had overcast skies with afternoon showers in the forecast. I did get sprinkled on while waiting for my hiking companions.
I saw a variety of wildflowers today. Lupine, California Poppies, buttercups, Phlox, a few Blue Dicks, Chamomile; Fiddlenecks; Miner’s lettuce, Spring Vetch, Clover, and some Foxtail Barley grass. A great hike for wildflower viewing and photographing!

Just about 100 ft to the “Sub Peak”, and picnic tables there were a lot of cows here grazing today. That’s the Peak on the right.

While waiting for my friends to come down from the peak I did have plenty to keep me amused. The ground squirrels were very industrious digging new holes. They’re so cute!

…and a cow walked up the hillside to taste the grass near these rocks covered in beautiful orange Lichen.

I’m already planning my first training hike. If it doesn’t rain on Saturday I’ll be hiking and beginning the new plan. Cloud’s Rest or Bust!

Nikon D300s| Nikkor 18-200mmVR| Induro CF Tripod| B+W Circular Polarizer w/81A warming

All photographs are Copyright © Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.