Yesterday was a truly eventful day, starting in Ashford near the Southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The festival had wrapped up the night before, and I had a fantastic time celebrating with the organizers and some of the filmmakers who were able to join us.
Afterwards, I drove to Bellevue to meet up with A for lunch before heading back to Vancouver. We enjoyed a delicious Mexican meal and took some time to browse through a few movies, savoring the relaxed atmosphere.
My main aim was to return to Vancouver by 5:45, just in time for our Monday Fun Day tradition. This weekly gathering brings together colleagues for various enjoyable activities. Last week, it was touch football, but this time, someone suggested tackling the Grouse Grind. While normally I might have thought they were joking, yesterday it seemed like a daunting yet intriguing challenge.
The Grouse Grind is notorious for its steep incline, boasting 2800 feet of elevation gain in just 1.8 miles. It felt like a decision made after a few too many drinks in a bar. Despite the daunting task ahead, I found myself determined to lead the pack, setting a pace that pushed my limits.
As I ascended the seemingly endless stairs (2830 to be exact), I realized I needed to pace myself. After the first quarter of the climb, I had to pause and catch my breath, watching as the rest of the group passed me with a mix of sympathy and amusement.
Setting a goal for myself, I aimed to reach the summit before T, my boss. While it may have seemed like a modest goal, it provided the motivation I needed to persevere. And I did it—I reached the top before him, even if only by a small margin.
During the climb, memories of past adventures, like Survival Science and snowshoeing trips, came flooding back. I remembered the importance of enjoying the journey, not just focusing on the end goal. With this mindset, the climb became less about racing to the top and more about savoring each step.
Upon reaching the summit, I was rewarded not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with engaging conversations with fellow hikers, including a couple of Germans—one a student and the other visiting a friend. It was a reminder of the universal appeal of nature and shared experiences.
To cap off the day, we indulged in a few well-deserved beers and some nachos. While it may have undone some of the calorie-burning efforts of the climb, the cold beer and decent nachos were a satisfying end to a challenging yet fulfilling day.
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