First Group Hike Done & Done

Wendy and I spent Sunday morning hiking the Cataract Trail on Mt. Tam. We were asked to bring 20lbs packs and snacks.

After picking Wendy up at 7:45, choking down a pb&j sandwich, and making the windy trip up to the trail head, we arrived at a sign. The road was closed to cars, bikes and hikers. As we turned around, tried to dig up Connie's (the wonderful Breast Cancer Fund liaison, from meeting her once and interacting with her via email she is really a fantastic woman) contact number, and get cell reception out in the boonies, we passed a few other women driving up to the trail head. Turns out the trail head was a few feet after the road closer and we were the first to arrive (who would have guessed).


Hiking poles gathered, and names exchanged, we started off on the hike with 6 other members of our Shasta team. We climbed stair after stair, up ridges, chatting with our new comrades and getting used to navigating the paths and the poles, which were a gift during the downhills. This time of year the trail normally has gorgeous falls, but due to the current CA weather and lack of rain, the falls weren't as strong as normal. The total hike was about 9 miles and we finished it a little before 2.

Snacks were a welcome break to the fast pace that we carried on during the day. While training at sea level, Cat (the hike leader), has told us we need to keep up the pace and our heart rates, in order to prepare for the altitudes we will be at in June.

I am still trying to figure out what will work in my stomach and give me the most energy. (Luna Moons and Shot Bloks were a welcome addition to some nuts and fruit). It really is amazing to observe how well my body responded to the calories I gave it. After each water/food break, both Wendy and I had more energy and were able to get through the next patch.

After the first hike, Wendy and I learned we were in pretty good shape, from the lack of soreness the next day and being able to keep up with our leader for a good portion of the hike. I am excited to get to know our team a little better, and I am already inspired by the women and men in our group. But there is nothing better after a strenuous hike, then a cool drink of water, chips & salsa, and two gianormous burritos. Thanks to a quick call to our friend Sharkey, we were directed to Casa Manana in Fairfax, where we refueled, happy and full for our drive home. - A