Challenge Accepted

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." ~ Neale Donald Walsch

by: Mala

Mom and Dad told us that we’re in training. They’ve made all the arrangements for us to hike between Apen and Crested Butte (and back) during the first week of August. The hike is twelve miles each way, or longer if we choose a different route. The hike involves significant elevation gain and starts at about 10,000 feet. We’re all pretty used to altitude since we live at 8,000 feet above sea level, but the hike will still be challenging.

When Tessie and I went to the vet last week, Dr. Jeff said I might have some arthritis in my hips, so he recommended I take a prescription anti-inflammatory before any big hikes. We tested it last weekend when we did a nearly eight-mile hike at Staunton State Park. I felt good and was leading the pack on our way back to the trailhead, so I guess that means the pill helped.

We hike frequently, usually a couple of times per week, but the trails we walk are typically in the three- to six-mile range. Two twelve-mile hikes within three days will be a challenge for all of us. Mom is a little nervous about her knees holding up, but feels like she can do it using her hiking poles and with a full day of rest in between. We’re staying at a nice hotel in Crested Butte for two nights before the trek back to Aspen.

Mom has wanted to do this hike ever since she learned about it shortly after she moved to Colorado 20 years ago! Mom thinks this might be the last year she and I are up for such an adventure, so she was determined to make it happen. Doing this hike requires a lot of planning.

Driving between the two towns is over 100 miles, so if you don’t hike both ways, you need a shuttle to take you back. To park on the Aspen side, you must buy a parking pass in advance before they sell out. Mom got one right when they went on sale, even though she was sitting on a plane in Frankfurt, Germany, waiting to take off to Dubrovnik. Luckily, the flight was slightly delayed, so she could complete the purchase before she had to turn her phone off. Then, they had to book hotels in both towns and reserve seats on the shuttle from and back to the trailhead on the Crested Butte side. Tessie and I need seats, too. Now, we all have to cross our fingers and toes that the weather will be good on those dates.

The round-trip hike will be challenging but worth it for the views – the area is especially scenic even by Colorado standards, which is saying a lot. No matter where you’re from, you’ve probably seen photos of the Maroon Bells. While stepping out of your comfort zone can be tough, it’s important to push your limits. You’re capable of more than you realize. Tessie, only three years old and a strong rock climber, is confident she can complete the hike. In my younger years, it would have been a walk in the park for me, too. I’m excited to take on this challenge. Our nearly 11-mile hike planned for this weekend will give us a good idea of how prepared we all are for our adventure. We’ll keep you updated on how it all goes!