Blue Mountain

On Saturday, we took an 8 mile 5 hour hike from our apartment up to the top of Blue Mountain and back. We left at 2 pm and returned home at 7. It was 75 Inland Empire degrees - at least! (Yes, Inland Empire degrees are different from where you live. They are hotter.) Guy insisted that it wasn't that hot, however Beau and I disagreed. On our hike we saw a road runner, lizards, one snake eating another snake (pictures of that to follow), baby coyotes (no pictures, sadly), and rabbits. Beau almost died once, I almost twisted my ankle at least 3 times, and Guy had no "almosts." I was sweating buckets, Beau was frothing at the mouth, and all our feet hurt by the time we headed home. I may not ever do that again, but it was so rewarding to say we did it.

This is our hike in a nutshell: Guy with Beau way ahead of me.

The beginning of the trail. Guy waiting - again.

The highest peak is our destination.

Guy soaking up the sun.

This is the coyote den where the babies ran into when they heard us coming!

We see this often.

Still feeling good about the hike. Taken 1.5 hours in.

Yes, Guy used sunscreen.

Thankfully this little oasis is right on the trail with a perfect wet mud hole for Beau to refresh himself in.

Halfway up Blue Mountain. Two thirds of the way to our destination.

According to his obituary, Ralph was "an avid walker of Blue Mountain.

Finally made it to the top. At about 4:40 pm.

A random guy came and told us that if we liked snakes we should come see one snake eating another.

Needless to say, I grabbed my camera to document the disgusting spectacle.

After a few moments, he became nervous and slithered away.

One view from the top.

The Inland Empire

Tired, hot, and thirsty.

We sat at the top of Blue Mountain for awhile and saw two of my occupational therapy classmates! We talked, they shared water (as we were about to run out!), and we finally decided it was time to leave around 5:15 pm. No pictures were taken on the way down on account of our practically running down the mountain.

We got fast-food for dinner, saying we had earned it.

Have you accomplished any personal feats lately?

Side note: I finally have a "real live" blog header. It is very convenient having a husband who is a graphic designer.