You've probably heard about the prep and how much fun that is so I won't bore/disgust you by talking about that. I suffered through that (some would say the family suffered more) and attended my appointment. They had suggested the rest of my day and even the next would be a haze so I'd taken both off work.

By the next morning I was feeling fine, but had already cleared my calendar. I decided rather than work through a scheduled sick day, I'd take it as a mental health day. Where else? The mountains.

Tink and I were the first ones at the trailhead and made good time to the lake at the end of the trail. It's a deceptive trip. Although there are no mountains or steep slopes, there are some avalanche chutes to cross (all safe) and we somehow gained almost 2,000 feet!

The sun was out so we hung out at the lake for a while before heading back. There were only a very few other people on the trail. I suppose it wasn't surprising since it was a Thursday.

Not everyone has the privilege of good healthcare or the ability to take time off from work. Everyone should, but that problem won't be solved on a site like this one. (Regardless of whether you agree or not, VOTE!) As for my butt, everything turned out ok and I'm in the clear for another 10 years. It definitely won't be that long before I return to this location.

📍On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.