After the 2025 I had high hopes for 2026. And it started well with a snowshoe up Kendall Knob. Cold and lovely sugary snow. And we didn't need to pay for a Sno-Park pass, either! Clara was volunteering as a trailhead ambassador for Mountains to Sound Greenway and that came with a day pass. In fact, we had several days at Sno-Parks near the Pass thanks to Clara's volunteering.
Those days were all relatively mellow adventures so I figured I'd push hard with a Saturday up Mailbox. Yeah, that Mailbox. It was cold and icy on the summit, but decent views. I was a little tight that evening so Mr. HOS and I opted for a "recovery hike" the next day up the Middle Fork. It's in quotes because it wound up being 1,700 feet in just over a mile. A wee bit on the stiff side for a recovery hike. I tried to push through with our usual on Monday, but then I was wrecked.
My back was tied in knots. I couldn't stand for more than a few moments. I couldn't sleep and definitely couldn't hike. I was shut down except for a couple of walks up the driveway and a third the way of our normal morning walkiepoos. I even went to the doctor. Twice.
With a trip coming up in February, I opted to play it safe. Lots of lying the heating pad, watching TV, and playing video games. But if it means the trip will go well, it's worth it. Besides, I can get back on track, right?
📍On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.
