Blue Mountain Hike Day 1

I'm not sure why I loved this so much, but I did.
And there wasn't enough internet to post it at the time, so you get to see it now :)

Today's Stats:

Distance: 22.18km
Elevation Gain: 665m
Weather: Overcast and cool with a tiny bit of drizzle in the early am but never actually raining
Duration: 5'14"

Thoughts from after 

Right so today - first of all, I bought rain gear specifically for this adventure (realizing my last not-so-waterproof gear was cerca Myrddin days - think early 2000s for those for whom that reference means nothing ;). There are human adults younger than that rain gear.  I still can’t wrap my head around that.   Anyways - since I bought new rain gear, I’m to be thanked by all participants for the fact that we did not get rained on ;)

This was my favourite hike yet.  Some of the crevices and rocky footing that I enjoy so much, some easy ups and downs but no crazy hills.  Very little road walking at all.  Some views, some farms, a variety of forest types, some river walk, all the wins :).  And SO green.  Everywhere so green.

Overall it wasn’t a challenge fitness-wise.  Even with some very slow mud-induced splits and a knee that screamed at me 3/4 of the way, I still averaged 14’24” pace.  I like to be below 10 in normal walks although that does require making an effort ;).  Anything below 15 makes me happy in proper hiking.  And below 15 average with some very slow (20ish min) splits, I’m comfortable with.   

Footing was more interesting than the last hike and the hills far less dramatic.   My knee started protesting less than 5k in so I was pretty disheartened at that, but by about 10 it had chilled itself out a bit?!?!   Or maybe just gave up.  Or maybe the vitamin I (aka ibuprofen) kicked in ;).   So for most of it I was noticeably limping but not actually in much pain.  

Exchange of the day with random stranger:

“Oh, you look like you’re limping; are you okay”

“Yeah, just a sore knee”

“But you’re still passing me?!?!?”

😂 oops.

I also liked:

“I can’t believe you’re doing this without poles” - in my head responses varied from “I think poles would actually make this harder” to “could I trade poles for functioning knees?!?!”

This one was, however, the first one I’ve done where I felt hiking boots were truly required.  The last time I’ve been in mud that deep involved a stuck tractor, a round bale, some hungry horses, and my friend Kerri asking if I had time to “help her w something” 😂. The mud also didn’t end….  There are no photos of this cause I zipped my phone into a waterproof pocket just in case.  Every time you thought you were through it, there was another stretch…. I did manage to navigate a few fallen tree bridges which frankly surprised me 😂. But at that point I was so muddy and so tired of slogging through it, I figured if I fell off it wouldn’t make much difference.

I did discover my attempt to waterproof the boots that were already supposed to be waterproof and weren’t, didn’t really work.  They are, however, highly water resistant.  So I was damp not wet.  And it’s not cold enough or long enough that damp was anything beyond a minor annoyance.   The new rain pants are completely mud proof ;). Pants were clean and dry under.   Win.

I was not nearly as tired after today - I did have a nap, but more cause I could than cause I was desperate ;).  

Atm I genuinely don’t know if I’ll be going tomorrow.  Alternating heat and cold on the knees in hopes that’ll help.  If I’m gimpy walking from the car to the bus, I may just sign out and go home :(.    It’s not as though the trail won’t be here later in the summer or even next year.  I suspect I could even convince Jen to let me crash at her place again ;).  BUT - I am really enjoying it and I would v much like to continue.

We shall see….

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Live Posts:

19:27: 
Today’s adventure

Bruce Trail, Southern End of Blue Mountains section, May 24

18:44:

Weather forecast was not lovely but actual weather ended up reasonably ideal for hiking. Slightly fewer photos this time because very muddy sections I kept phone in zipped pocket in case I landed in the mud (again - well planned questionable life choices

Storm damage was significant - the amount of work done to clear the trail was impressive.

Really loved this one. Good combo of easy footing and challenging, no killer hills, and a variety of scenic experiences.

13:30 This was a mean tease right at the end! But I made it. Not sure if tomorrow is feasible or not, but I really hope so. Going to ice and see.

12:42 Current state of my boots. And so far have been successful and log walking where it’s an option

12:35 I feel like this used to be a bridge

12:22 Can’t get over how pretty it is. Very muddy (not shocking) but stunning

12:15: Entering the last section for today

12:05: I always love tree tunnels

11:22: Love this! About 15k in

11:19 Daydreaming…

Unrelated - def just added time and distance to my trek by missing a turn

10:38 A - soooo pretty and relaxing

B - where I discovered my waterproofing didn’t work. Booo

10:25 Just after first checkpoint

10:23 At the first rest stop. Loving this one. Knee has stopped yelling at me so continuing. Not sure about tomorrow but loving this one so let’s see how it goes

10:08 As far as road walks go this is the prettiest yet

10:05 Loving the fog

9:21 So Pretty

8:57 About 5k in and pausing cause knee is already getting twitchy. Booo. Otherwise this is definitely my favourite one yet

7:59 Let the Blue Mountain adventure begin

7:28 Bus leaving half an hour late. Hopefully that's the end of the ridiculousness and the hike itself is good.

7:12 For the next 3 days I’m #30

6:55 Today’s adventure begins. Pre trip these guys were way more organized than the last ones. Day of they’re definitely not. Super confused and inefficient. Interesting contrast for sure.

6:47 In a very Canadiana moment, stopped on teh drive to let a beaver cross the road! And occurs to me that might be the first time ever - wish I'd taken a pic. And nobody behind me even honked. (edited days later to add: coming home on day 3 I stopped for a deer as well. While that certainly is more common than beaver, I still haven't seen any in ages. I miss rural life!)

5:58 A cheery weather forecast for today’s hike! Realizing my rain gear was purchased in Myrddin days, I have acquired new gear that might actually be waterproof and also knee braces in hopes that this wknd (3 days this time!) is more successful than last. I have little to no internet so not sure if live updates will be a thing, but I’ll certainly post later if not

It is stunningly gorgeous up here even with the rain so hopefully a fun adventure!