Sleeping on Rocks

We arrived determined to conquer. Our minds were made up, we were unstoppable, and we would not fail. The Denny Creek hike has plagued my husband and I since last winter when we made multiple attempts to complete the trail but were thwarted by snow packed trails and washed out bridges. This time around things would be different. The snow had melted, the bridges were repaired, and the weather was perfectly in sync for a beautiful nine mile hike.

We started out bright and early. We woke at six and arrived at the Denny Creek trail head at Snoqualmie Pass by eight. Having just spent the week bustling around Seattle with my sister, I was utterly exhausted but still determined. For the first half of the hike we briskly walked on fairly level, well maintained trails. By the second half we were scrambling over rocks, climbing dozens of switchbacks into the hillside. Our reward at the top was well worth every tiresome step as we approached the most glorious, crystal clear lake pushed up against towering mountains. It was perfect. So perfect that after eating my lunch I lounged back on a large smooth rock and proceeded to fall asleep. Suddenly I was dreaming and Dan was shaking me telling me we better get back home. Who falls asleep on rocks? Apparently I do.

And for the grand finale...

My husband and I have conquered many amazing and beautifully scenic hikes together. We have hiked through the Swiss Alps and climbed to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. We have traversed many of the National Parks, hiking the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Rocky Mountains. On his own, Dan has gained many more vertical feet than I have, climbing many mountains throughout Southern British Columbia. His next goal is to summit Mt. Rainier and when he does so, I will gladly cheer him on from sea level. I love hiking and spending time outdoors, but at the same time I love knowing that I can return home at the end of the day to a warm bed. Or perhaps, as today’s hike proved, any old rock will do!