Tough hike enough to make anyone feel older

By Brad Lendon
Advertiser Staff Writer

"No problem."

"It's fun."

"Shouldn't be a big deal for you," my co-workers said.

Seven knee-straining hours and nine mud-slicked miles later, I could say they were right on one count: it was fun.

Though I had once been a moderately tested recreational hiker, that was two kids and a decade ago. The Manana Trail was probably not the best choice to get back on my game.

Of course, things started out fine. I was determined not to show the past 20 of my 42 years as we ascended, even leading our pack of four up some of the most difficult stretches between miles two and four of the trail. I tried to keep my breathing even and keep a positive face even though my knees were hinting that whenever this ended, it wouldn't be a pleasant evening.

And there was a distraction on the way up that played into my fantasties fueled by too many Tom Clancy novels — the segments of the climb where ropes are supplied to help hikers make their way up steep inclines. Accomplishing the hand-over-hand, feet-braced-against-slope ascent in no way qualified me for Navy SEAL training but made for a personal badge of pride for someone who has trouble lifting garbage cans.

Those accomplishments aside, the climb was taking its toll as we passed the four-mile mark. The mud that coated much of the upper portion of the hike was now well inside my boots and soaking my socks. My feet were heavier, my breathing more labored, my determination showing at least hairline cracks.

So, just past the 4.5 mile mark, when one of our party said she had to head back because of work, I didn't put up much protest when she asked me to team up for the hike down.

This was the rough part. Of course, I was disappointed I didn't make the summit, but as I braked, stumbled and slipped down the muddy trail, I was thankful I saved the little concentration and determination I had left to help me get past the pounding my knees were now taking.

I'm sure all that got me that last two miles to the car was the vision of the best Big Gulp ever that would be my reward at the end.

That and the thought that my comeback trail showed I wasn't over the hill.

Brad Lendon, the Advertiser's news editor, has been a hiker for 20 years.