Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Lookout Tower - 2008

Last weekend, Ken and I headed to the mountains for our annual trek to Clear Lake Butte lookout tower. It's situated at the tip of a peak just south of Mt. Hood; about 10 miles from Government Camp. The snowshoe hike is about 4 miles, which depending on the quantity of snow, can take anywhere from 2-6 hours to hike in. This year the snow was not very deep, so we opted to pack heavy so that we would be comfortable for the entire weekend. Some of the more frivolous items: 6 pack of Jubelale and Black Butte Porter, bottle of red wine, pint of Rumplemintz (to accompany the hot cocoa of course), pint of vodka (to go with the full Nalgene of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice), some bourbon, lots of water, and enough food to feed about 8 people for a week. I don't know what Ken's pack weighed, but mine was probably between 50-60 pounds. Not terrible, but not exactly comfortable while trying to navigate on clunky snowshoes.

As we headed up the first hill, I kept thinking "dang, this hurts more than it should." I audibly complained hoping that Ken might take pity and unload a few of my water bottles. I know, I'm totally shameless. As we stopped for a short breather, I pondered why I was huffing and puffing, despite being 50 pounds lighter than I was four years ago. And four years ago I think I had an easier time getting to the tower. I mean, I just finished a marathon for crying out loud! And then it dawned one me. This year, yes, I am 50 pounds lighter. But I was also carrying a 50-pound pack. Oh. My. God. I used to carry ALL OF THIS around with me ALL OF THE TIME. How horrible for my joints, my bones, and my heart. I had no idea until the weight was gone and then I had to carry it around again.
I still have quite a ways to go with my weight loss. And unfortunately I've put a few back on since my peak of events this summer. But now I can quantify what I need to lose in a way that means something to me.