Shaw Mountain / Lucky Peak

Brian and I went for our second hike in as many weekends. As we approached the parking area for Shaw Mountain, Brian says “That one over there is the one we are climbing.” In my desperate and frantic scan of the horizon I try to point out the smaller, less intimidating mountains as the ones he was talking about. But, no, it was the monster in front of me. After I confirmed which mountain I would be climbing, the only words that came to mind were “Holy Shit, I can’t do that.” However, before I knew it I had my loaded pack on and we were beginning the climb up to the peak.

Brian had researched the climb and sources said it was approximately 8 miles round trip – WRONG. The hike was approximately 12 miles and we climbed about 2100 feet in elevation. It was exhausting. It was painful. It was long. But, it was well worth it even though I came home with a bug bite on my tongue (don’t ask; that sucked), bruised hips (from my pack), achy leg muscles, a swollen left hand, and two bloody toes.

I think Willie Benegas says it best “I love reaching a summit; it’s that feeling of accomplishment I can’t find anywhere else.” I agree, the feeling of thinking I couldn’t make it and then the feeling of 'oh my goodness I did it' is an awesome feeling. We had some incredible views and saw some cool stuff. We even heard a bird’s wings in the wind for the first time. Think about, when do you hear their wings? Never. It was pretty loud and interesting.

Overall, well worth it and I can’t wait for the next one!

Becky