I didn't die.

I'm not trying to sound dramatic here. But, I didn't die! After two years of not being able to participate in Pinkham Notch hikes, this year I had no excuse. I wasn't pregnant, I wasn't nursing, I was physically capable, or so other people thought. I had my doubts and subconsciously I was afraid I couldn't do it.

I didn't go into this blind. I started walking on the treadmill every morning, but still, a treadnill does not compare to a mountain!

Here's the view at the top of our Alliteration Alley Hike, on Lila's Ledge:

I have a picture of my hiking group sitting on the rock at Lila's Ledge (before it started to hail like the Gods were angry at us) but I'm afraid to post it because I don't have permission from parents to post their kids pictures here.

Here I am on top of Brad's Bluff (are you seeing the Alliteration Alley theme?)

Yes, I may have been last, but the group was nice and called me the "sweeper". I didn't fall behind too often, but seriously, this hike was straight up. Every time I thought we were done going up, it got steeper. I was so proud of myself for finishing.

But, what goes up...

Must come down. I think going down might have been worse. Sure, I wasn't out of breath or stopping for water as often, but my shins...my god my shins! Down was just as steep, if not steeper (we made a loop, Leibskin's Loop, and didn't return the way we came) and my toes and shins were on FIRE. This is a picture of going down (Notice the kids backs, not their faces!) before it got really hairy. I didn't even have time to take out my camera when we were going down George's Gorge because it was so rocky and so steep. But, we all made it. No worries.

The last day (well, morning really), we took a short hike to Chrystal Cascades. Beautiful!

I have some great pictures of the waterfall, but unfortunately, they have students in them as well. I considered blurring out their faces, but come on, I don't have that kind of time!

I missed my kids. You know, MY kids. Kate and Dougie. When Kate woke up from her nap after I came home, I ran upstairs. Care to guess what the first thing she said to me was?

"Stinky Diaper!"

So, I changed her. Ahhh....Back to reality!