Well, it finally happened. Day 7. First day I said multiple times, "What the hell am I thinking?! What the hell am I getting myself into?!" After sleeping late, taking another shower (who knows when another is coming), and having a deliciously healthy breakfast I set out to Jenny Lake for my first official hike of the trip. The weather was going to be an issue so I chose this hike because it was not too difficult but it was ranked very highly on the REI national park app as one of the most gorgeous hikes in the park. At 6.6 miles the trail map said it would take 4 hours to complete. I still needed to find camping for the night and set up camp so that seemed like a good distance, especially with thunderstorms in the forecast. I finished it in 3, which I found pretty surprising because I stopped a lot to take pictures.
Yet again, I felt as though I was pretty unprepared. I drove into the park with nearly an empty gas tank, never a good idea. The trail I was taking around the lake was open but most of the other shorter trails that are big hits with tourists were closed. No one was going all the way around the lake but me. Signs everywhere read, "Beware of bears. Don't hike alone. Carry bear spray." Here I am alone, no bear spray. And then it happens...not the bear, the rain! Thunder and lightening it's pouring. Do you think I wore my rain coat? No, I wore my NorthFace with no hood because it was cold. So here I am on the clear other side of the lake in the pouring rain all alone scared of bears soaking wet thinking, "What the hell am I doing this for?!" Thank god the hail that was in forecast didn't happen! After an hour of hiking in pouring, freezing rain the clouds broke, the sun came out and it was my most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I remembered why I am doing this. I remembered what this is all about. Seeing these beautiful natural wonders. I mean all around this entire lake you couldn't take a bad picture every one better than the last. I did get a pretty scared again towards the end and had to play music loudly because I saw bear droppings on the trail but thankfully no run ins. Side note I just would like to comment that I really think it's sexist how often people ask what I am doing alone. I have see many men alone on trips/hikes/the road and no one questions them whatsoever. I mentioned I was sat at dinner the other night immediately because I was alone, which was awesome. What I didn't mention was that these three women kept questioning why I there alone? "Where were my friends? But why would I come to eat by myself?" It was like they couldn't even fathom someone could be hungry without company...
I will be staying at the campgrounds at the national park tonight and probably tomorrow too, weather permitting. Tomorrow is suppose to be worse than today, heavy rain most of the day. I know my tent will hold up...the question is, will I?
Song of the day "Beautiful Day" Joshua Radin feat. Sheryl Crow. The lyrics in this song really speak to me. "Gonna climb the hill behind my house. See what this place is all about. Cause up above it, you can't help but say. It's gonna be a beautiful day." That was just today's hike. "Let's not forget we're alive." Enjoy every day and make it a beautiful one, even if you hike in the pouring rain and end up soaking wet and freezing cold.
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