http://www.trailsage.com/#/boulder-co-mt-sanitas-trail/4534884924

I climbed this rock with my daughter while visiting her in Boulder, CO. Have never, ever attempted anything like this before. If she had told me what I was in for I probably would have found a nice coffee shop and waited for her return with pictures. She was sneaky. 'Let's go for a final hike before you head home tomorrow, mommy.' Mommy. How could I resist? Hiked a variety of trails the entire time I was there. Loved every one of them. But this one . . . .

1200 feet up. UP. No gentle up and down. UP. Rock steps. Huffing and puffing. Then down. DOWN. In sneakers. During a thunderstorm. The back end of my shorts were pretty dirty. Sitting and holding on was the best way down for me in a couple of spots.

Now, mind you, while I was ready to strangle my dauther, a jogger passed gracefully by. Oblivious to the UP or DOWN. Sure footed, nice strong lungs, tipped his hat. For heaven's sake! Really?! I felt like such a dope.

Actually, once we completed the journey I was quite, quite proud of myself. Next year I'll wear hiking boots when we climb this trail. Again.

Splendor In The Grass

What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.

William Wordsworth

Loss is never easy.