On the trail - August 14, 2011

Proposed Title: Fifty-One and Having Fun

“Rocks, trees, wind on our cheeks! the solid earth! the actual world!”

Henry David Thoreau, The Maine Woods

The idea was to spend my birthday hiking and taking pictures of wildflowers in the Wild Basin Area of Rocky Mountain National Park, but after arriving at the park, my plans changed. The Ranger at the entrance station suggested I head away from the crowds of the easy trails and maybe head up to Finch Lake in search of adventure. He mentioned that a bull moose had been spotted in that area and to be on the lookout so that I would live to see another year. He also sang “Happy Birthday” to me, so I figured this guy was good karma and I heeded his advice and headed for the trailhead.

The signpost at the trailhead read “Finch Lake – 5.0 miles”. This fact led me to pause. I was prepared for rain, bugs, and crowds, but I had no food and only a half filled water bottle to tide me over. I looked into the forest where the trail led up and I thought maybe I’ll just go a little ways and see what’s in there. It is then that an elderly couple came down from the trail and mentioned that the trail was too steep for their liking. They had gone maybe a quarter of a mile before turning back. It was almost a challenge. After all, this was my birthday and I wasn’t exactly in an “I’m getting too old to do this” mood. The gauntlet had been thrown down and without a second thought; I began my hike up to Finch Lake.

The uphill hike was strenuous over a rocky trail. The rain held off and the clouds helped to minimize the sweat from the effort. On a warm sunny day, this hike would require a whole lot more water than I was carrying. I was curious to see Finch Lake, but didn’t know if it was a good idea to extend myself with no supplies. I continued up the trail. At the 1.8 mile signpost, I felt pretty good. Only 3.2 miles to go, but what did those miles consist of?

Rock, trees, and no wind on my cheeks was what I saw and felt as I continued up into the forested landscape. I passed through a barren landscape that had burned in 1978. With 2.2 miles to go, I thought I was at the top of somewhere, but it was a false summit and on I continued up into the unknown. I had come this far and was now committed to see Finch Lake.

In the back of my mind was the fact that I had no food and very little water left. I rationalized that I would not need water on the way down. This was doable, just keep going. The trail began to descend and I passed an actual rushing stream of water that lifted my spirits. I was getting closer to the lake.

I then heard a familiar bird call, the shrill of a bald eagle, and suddenly, Finch Lake appeared. I rested a while and soaked up the gorgeous scenery. The wind cooled me off as it blew over the lake. I was content. I had made it. Then, my mind started to play tricks on me with thoughts like hunger, thirst, and 5 miles to go to make it back down.

It wasn’t exactly the Bataan Death March, but I did shuffle my feet a little in a minor delirium state as I made my way down the hill. It had been worth it though. “Rocks, trees, wind on our cheeks!” It was indeed a great day to celebrate life.