We continue to learn new things in this place that we love. Rick has claimed today’s hike as the most strenuous hike he has ever done here, and perhaps anywhere. We loved it but are definitely tired out this evening!
Let’s just say that we should have known from the names of the trails that it was going to be challenging. As I mentioned the other day, Rick had quite a few picked out on AllTrails for us to consider. I nixed those with a lot of exposure, rungs and/or ladders because it just scares me. Bubbles was plenty, and I know that I still have Beehive ahead of me… so we looked at the descriptions for decent elevation without direct exposure, and great views. And so, without further adieu, here they are…
Perpendicular – this means a 90 degree angle, and the description was accurate! Built by the CCC in the 1930’s, this was straight up with 900 feet of elevation. It was brutal but beautiful. We made plenty of rest stops along the way, looking at our heart monitors to guide us when it was safe to start again. Rick’s blood pressure meds and previous heart surgery make his heart levels lower than mine on a day to day basis, but we both feel it on that elevation and are smart about when to take a break. Although today, he sometimes needed to rest longer than I did (a first!).
But the rewards were significant as we climbed
OK so the trail down is called Razorback. Why, you ask?
And of course, the day started with some fun as well. We enjoyed another beautiful kayaking opportunity this morning and we FINALLY saw some seals (on our seventh try)! One was really close to us, just checking us out while we were checking him out. It is one of our favorite things to see here, especially in their natural habitat.
It was work to get there, as we paddled out against the tide and fought some wind. But the sun was shining, and it was a cool breeze. So we were patient in our waiting and it finally paid off.
And then… I had yet another ungraceful moment. As a reminder, I’m two months out from my sprained ankle. Thankfully it is holding up well and I only have myself to blame for these kind of mishaps. I have never been coordinated, and I still am not.
So, my only experience kayaking is here on the cove. Rick is always so kind to help me both in the water and out of it, keeping my kayak steady and making sure that I don’t fall. But today… I wanted to do it myself. So after over an hour on the water, I just decided to attempt to get out. Attempt is the key word.
Rick was so surprised to see me heading toward shore after we were leisurely were meandering around the cove. But I decided today was the day, and I wanted to do it on my own. When I decide I want to do something, there is no stopping me. Needless to say, big mistake.
There is no video footage (thank God), but I stumbled straight out of the kayak into the water! By the time I was making my attempt, Rick was close by, so I actually braced my fall on the edge of his kayak. Gratefully, I didn’t take him with me or hit my head. But I was really soaked, found out the waterproof phone case works, and have a couple of lovely lumps/bruises on my shin as a memento.
Ahhh, when will I ever learn? I think that I will continue to let him help me in and out of the kayak the rest of the trip. I don’t want to miss a minute of the fun.
Tonight, we relax and enjoy the cove some more, prepping for tomorrow’s fun. Low tide is always something interesting to watch
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