Have I mentioned how much I love to hike? I really, really do. Next to reading its probably my favorite activity. I especially love to hike with the dogs and my husband. Every ski holiday with the girls, while they are shushing DOWN a mountain I am hiking UP one. One of my favorite things about it is the solitude. Another is the feeling of accomplishment when I reach the pinnacle under my own power, and the descent feels so easy and liberating. The last few times I’ve gone I’m reminded how infrequently I get to go because of my demanding work and training schedule. It makes me sad. After discussing this further with Lou we decided mutually that I would refrain from racing in 2014 to focus solely on mountain climbing and hiking. We took our first step today by purchasing the best outer layer on the market, and step two will be taken tomorrow when we stop into Eastern Mountain Sports to make a list of additional layers, packs, and everything else we’ll need to be all-weather hikers. I’m so excited. I can barely contain my enthusiasm.
