My last hike before my European and Central American travel was to Lena Lake on the Olympic Peninsula, on Oct. 12, 2014. I hiked 6 miles, packing 30 pounds, including Wilson. At that time the total accumulated hiking was 67.89 miles and an 18,100-foot elevation gain.Today I did a simple hike, illustrated in the graphic to the right. I wore my 20-pound vest and walked from the condo to the waterfront and back, a distance of 3 miles and a 300-foot elevation descent and gain. My speed averaged 3 mph. Ironically, I took less time going uphill--I hit fewer traffic lights. The graphic below shows the pace and elevation descent and gain.
My November 9 hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica covered a 3.6 miles and included a 300-foot elevation gain to get to the top of the waterfall and another 300-foot elevation gain to climb up from the base of the waterfall, for a 600-foot total gain that day.
Add those stats to my accumulated total of Oct. 12, and I come up with
Total distance: 74.49 ,miles
Total elevation gain: 19,000 feet.
Only 51,000 feet more to climb to reach my goal of 70,000 feet by July 26, 1915.
Love,
Robert
and Wilson
Nov. 22, 2014
Objective: Pioneer Square, Seattle
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 330 feet, including dips
Accumulation:
19,330 feet total elevation gain to date
Total accumulated distance: 77.29 miles
Nov. 23, 2014
Objective: Alaskan Way Viaduct
Distance: 5.65 miles (two laps)
Elevation gain: 705 feet
Accumulation:
20,080 feet total elevation gained to date
Total accumulated distance: 82.94 miles
Nov. 26, 2014
Objective: Alaskan Way Viaduct
Distance: 3.48 miles
Elevation gain: 372 feet
Accumulation:
20,452 total elevation gained to date
Total acumulated distance: 86.42 miles
Nov. 30, 2014
Objective: Madison Street Terminum at Lake Washington dock
Distance (round trip): 5.39 miles
Time: 1:38
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: 790 feet
Accumulation:
21,242 feet climbed to date
Total accumulated distance: 92.80 miles
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From Condo to Madison's eastern terminus: ups and downs = 790 foot gain overall. |
Objective: Waterfront
Distance: 3.48 miles
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: 385 feet
Accumulation:
21,627 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 96.28
Dec 3, 2014
Objective: Bell Harbor Conference Center
Distance: 4.24 miles
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: 413 feet
Accumulation:
22,040 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 100.52 miles
Objective: Condo to Lake Washington; on return, side trip for length of Arboretum
Distance: 8.47 miles
Weight: 30 pounds, including 20-pound vest, backpack with Platypus, and Coat.
Elevation gain: 765 feet
Accumulation:
22,805 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 108.99 miles
Seen along the way:
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Russian Consulate next to Madison Street |
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Fungi on Living Tree in Arboretum |
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Small grove of bare trees along Arboretum path |
Dec 7, 2014
Objective: Queen Ann and Mercer Street Intersection
Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: 2:08
Weight: 20-pound weight vest.
Elevation gain: 454 feet
Accumulation:
23,259 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 115.49 miles
Dec 12, 2014
Objective: Byrnie Utz Hats, downtown Seattle
Distance: 3.58 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 235 feet
Accumulation:
23,040 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 112.57 miles
Dec 14, 2014
Two Hikes--Half Marathon
Morning Objective: Madison crest to Alaska Way twice
Distance: 8.23 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 955 feet
Matinee Objective: Condo to Madison Terminus at Lake Washington Dock
Distance: 5.9 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 594 feet
Half Marathon stats:
14.13 miles; 1,549 feet elevation gain
Speed: > 3 mph
Accumulation to date:
24,589 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 126.7 miles
Seen along the way:
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Dec. 14: A swimmer takes a refreshing dip, apparently oblivious to Lake Washington's chill. |
Dec 17, 2014
Objective: Test new training regimen
Distance: 1.35 miles
Weight: 60 pound pack with water jug
Elevation gain: 195 feet
Accumulation:
24,784 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 113.92 miles
Effects: Tight at hip-quad connection, backpack needs adjusting,shoulders compensate by being drawn foward when pack discarded.
Dec 18, 2014
Objective: Alaska Way via Bottega Italiana and Pike Place Market
Distance: 4.72 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 542 feet
Accumulation:
25,326 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 118.64 miles
Next milestone: 28,820 feet (2 Rainiers); 3,494 feet to go.
Objective: Rattlesnake Ledge, North Bend, WA
Weather: drizzle
Distance: 4 miles
(Using Washington Trails Association figures)
Weight: 20-pound vest, 20 pound pack
Elevation gain: 1160 feet (WTA figures)
Accumulation:
26,486 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 122.64 miles
Next milestone: 28,820 feet (2 Rainiers); 2,334 feet to go.
Below: Photo of Mt. Si, on opposite side of I-90 from Rattlesnake ledge.
all times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone; on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vexed the dim sea.
--Tennyson
Dec 23, 2014
Objective: Meandering to Highway 99 Blues Club and back
Distance: 5.41 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 352 feet
Accumulation:
26,838 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 128.05 miles
Next milestone: 28,820 feet (2 Rainiers); 1,982 feet to go.
Objective: Alaskan Way via the Lost Pelican Restaurant
Distance: 4.76 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest & 30-pound pack, including water bags; total: 50 pounds
Elevation gain: 417 feet
Accumulation:
27,255 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 132.81 miles
Next milestone: 28,820 feet (2 Rainiers); 1,565 feet to go.
Objective: Madison terminus on Lake Washington
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 3.2 hours
Pace: 2.7 mph
Weight: 20-pound vest & 30-pound pack, including water bags; total: 50 pounds
Elevation gain: 709 feet
Accumulation:
27,934 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 139.01 miles
Next milestone: 28,820 feet (2 Rainiers); 886 feet to go.
Seen along the way:
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I took a detour to Mercer Street to see this house that my Daughter-in-law helped build. Nice! |
Objective: Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain, Issaquah, via the Chirico Trail
Distance: 3.89 miles
Time: 4 hours
Pace: 1 mph (approximately)
Weight: 55 pounds, with 20-pound vest & 35-pound pack, including water bags.
Elevation gain: 1760 feet (Washington Trails Association figure)
Accumulation:
29,694 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 142.9 miles
Milestone: Second "Rainier" has been climbed.
Objective:Verizon store on 4th Avenue
Distance:2.46 miles
Weight: 50 pounds, with 20-pound vest & 30-pound pack, including water bags.
Elevation gain: 187 feet
Accumulation:
29,881 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 145.36 miles
Objective:Lake Washington Morning Hike
Distance:5.47 miles
Weight: 60 pounds, with 20-pound vest & 40-pound pack, including water bags.
Elevation gain: 732 feet
Accumulation:
30,613 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 150.83 miles
Jan 10, 2015
Objective: Edgewater Hotel, Seattle Art Museum, Edgewater, return to condo
Distance:6.3 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: at least 450 feet
Accumulation:
31,063 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 157.13 miles
Jan 12, 2015
Objective: REI to purchase backpack dufflebag for air flight
Distance:2.63 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest; 20-pound backpack
Elevation gain:189 feet
Accumulation:
31,252 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 159.73 miles
Objective: Mt. Si
Distance 4.19 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest; 25-pound backpack
Elevation gain:1,506 feet
Accumulation:
32,758 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 163.92 miles
Note: First 1.5 mile included 10 additional pounds of water; hike curtailed at 2 mile mark,summit not achieved.
Jan 17, 2015
Objective: Mt. Si
Hiking companion: Sue Butkus
Distance 4.21 miles
Weight: 35-pound backpack, including water bladder.
Elevation gain:1,535 feet
Accumulation:
34,293 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 168.13 miles
Note: 10# of water dumped at zenith. Hike curtailed at 2 mile mark due to inclement weather. 38% of way to third Rainier.
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Wilson and Robert at the landmark switchback at about the 2-mile point on the hike. |
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The 5-gallon collapsible water jug that adds weight in the backpack. One gallon = 8 pounds. |
Objective:Sliding Sands Trail
Hiking companion: Wilson
Distance 11.2 miles
Weight: 30-pound backpack, including water bladder.
Elevation gain: descend 2,400 feet from Haleakala Visitor Center at 9740 feet and return.
Time: 8 hours
Accumulation:
37,193 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 179.33 miles
Feb 6, 2015
Objective: Mt. Si Haystack Basin
Hiking companion: Wilson
Distance 6.53 miles
Weight: 20-plus pound backpack.
Elevation gain: 2,938 feet, minimum
Time: 6 hours
Accumulation:
40,131 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 185.86 miles
Note: Constant rain, temp in the 50s, water penetrated backpack and wet contents.
Feb 14, 2015
Objective: See's Candies, Alaskan Way, Crest of Capitol Hill
Distance 4.58 miles
Weight: 20-plus pound backpack.
Elevation gain: 417 feet
Accumulation:
40,548 feet climbed to date
Total distance: 190.44 miles
Note:2,679 elevation gain to third Rainier
Feb 15, 2015
Objective: Mount Si.
Hiking companion: Wilson
Distance 7.28 miles
Weight: 35 pounds ( 20-pound weight vest, 15 pound backpack.)
Elevation gain: 2,932 feet claimed (Map My Hike Stats very, so I used the higher starting elevation
Accumulation:
43,480 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 197.72 miles
NOTE: Third Rainier achieved. Figures subject to dispute due to small inaccuracies in GPS data yielded by Map My Hike app. This hike involved 15 more pounds than Feb 6 Mount Si hike. Knees not hurting. Quads showed less stress. But left shoulder has a very tight muscle due to fit of day pack that is smaller than my customary backpack. Hike started at 8:45 a.m. Three hours to destination (First main vista point at Haystack Basin.) Back to parking lot at 3:15. Allowing for one-hour at peak for lunch and exploration, hike was 5.5 hours. Speed up: 1.3 mph; speed down: 2.6 mph. Alternate hiking speed limit seems to be 244 heartbeats per minute (bpm). Need to purchase garments that breath better. Wet with sweat.
Feb 17, 2015
Objective: Alaska Way via Capitol Hill Post Office, Westlake Mall, Pike Place Market and back via Madison street.
Distance at least 3 miles
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: at least 300 feet
43,780 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 200.72 miles
This is a "no measure" hike which understates elevation and distance and clearly exceeds the claim of the hike. Purpose of the hike is to maintain tone and stamina and guarantee integrity of statistics by understating distance and elevations.
Feb 18, 2015
Objective: Western Avenue below Pike Place Market; back up to market, then down to ferry.
Distance at least 3 miles round trip ending at condo.
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: at least 400 feet.
44,180 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 203.72 miles
Objective: Volunteer Park Water Tower
Distance: 2.67 miles
Weight: 35 pounds. 20-pound weight vest & 15 pounds of pack and garments
Elevation gain: 124 feet.
44,304 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 206.39 miles
Note: This was "toning" hike. Field tested different small pack for comfort and capacity.
Feb 21, 2015
Objective: Little Si
Distance: 4 miles
Weight: 35 pounds. 20-pound weight vest & 15 pounds of backpack
Elevation gain:1,300 feet.
45,604 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 210.39 miles
Note: I'm going with Washington Trails Association altitude gain stats here, because my MapMyHike software is giving some unreliable figures. It also lists distance hiked at 4 miles, while WTA says the actual distance is 4.7. I'll go with the more conservative distance figures. MapMyHike is a nice program, but it has its shortcomings. I'll try to claim figures that are conservative and reliable as I continue this quest.
Feb 24, 2015
Objective:Lake 22, Granite Falls WA
Distance: 5.4 miles
Weight: 45 pounds. 20-pound weight vest & 25 pounds of backpack
Elevation gain:1,500 feet.
47,104 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 215.79 miles
Note: Statistics for this hike based on official data on kiosk at trail head.
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Wilson rests in the hollow of an old tree along the Lake 22 trail. |
Feb 27, 2015
Objective:Rattlesnake Ledge @ North Bend
Distance: 4 miles including parking lot trek
Weight: 45 pounds. 20-pound weight vest & 25 pounds of backpack
Elevation gain:1,160 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
48,264 climbed to date. (3 Rainiers = 43,227.)
Total distance: 219.79 miles
Note: MapMyHike data for length seemed accurate, but elevations were well off the mark.
Note: Height of Mt. Everest is 29,029 feet. When I have done five Rainiers, I will have done more than two Everests.
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Wilson and Robert at Rattlesnake Ledge, North Bend WA on this date. Photo by Arlene Levy. |
Feb 28, 2015: Half Marathon+
Objective Half marathon via four urban hikes1. Madison Street: Radio towers to Alaska Way twice.
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation gain: 994 feet
2. Fedex station to retrieve 10 futbols
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: 123 feet
3. Madison Street: Radio towers to Alaska Way
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 463 feet
Packing: 20-pound weight vest
4. Dinner invitation
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation gain: 311 feet
Packing: 10-pound back pack
Accumulations for the day: 1,891 feet elevation gain; 15 miles
Total accumulation to date:
50,155feet altitude gain
234.79 miles hiked
March 2, 2015: Half Marathon +
Objective: Marathon route five times: Loop from Capitol Hill radio towers to Alaskan Way.
Distance: 15 miles
Weight: Nominal
Elevation gain: 2,045 feet
Accumulations to date:
52,200 feet gained
219.79 miles hiked
Time: Roughly 5-5.5 hours, starting at 3 p.m. and ending about 8:45 p.m.
March 3, 2015
Objective: Light shopping hike to Westlake Center and Seattle Library
Distance: 3.4 miles
Weight: 20-pound vest
Elevation gain: 188 feet
Accumulations to date:
52,399 feet gained
223.19 miles hiked
March 9, 2015
Objective: Rattlesnake Ledge marathon shakedown with 9 balls
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Accumulations to date:
53,399 feet gained
227.19 miles hiked
Objective: Mount Washington overlooking Seattle watershed.
Distance: 8.25 miles
Weight: 45 pounds--20-pound weight vest and 25-pound backpack.
Highest point: 4,450 feet
Elevation gain: 3,250 feet (Washington Trails Assn)
Accumulations to date:
56,649 feet gained
235.44 miles hiked
Photos follow:
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Hiking companions: Arlene Levy & Tassi |
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Arboreal receiving line near summit. |
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Seattle watershed |
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Robert & Wilson at small stream |
Objective: Madison Street Marathon, a 27-mile hike and 9 ascents of Capitol Hill
Distance: 27 miles
Weight: A small backpack with water bag and nine One World Futbols, about 5-6 pounds.
Elevation gain: About 2,430 feet
Accumulations to date:
59,079 feet gained
262.44 miles hiked
Rainier is 14,409 feet above sea level. We have climbed our fourth Rainier
Everest is 29,029 feet. We have climbed our second Everest.
May 10, 2015
Objective: Shopping on 3rd Avenue for a computer mouse to replace one worn out in Mexico.
This was the first city hike after travel to Ecuador and Mexico, and the beginning of the final training regimen in preparation of climbing Mount Adams.
Statistics: Not available due to program malfunction. Distance estimated at 1.5-2 miles.
Weight: 20-pound weight vest.
May 12, 2015
Objective: Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,160 feet (Washington Trails Association
Weight: 25 pound back pack
Notes: Leisurely hike; little stress, but right knee feels like a tendon is being tested.
Accumulations to date:
60,231 feet
266.44 miles hiked
Less than 9,000 feet to fifth Rainier.
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There was a heavy overcast at the top. |
May 14, 2015
Objective: Mt. Si Summit Ridge
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation gain: at least 3,000 feet (varies by source)
Weight: 30 pound back pack and wraps
Notes: Slow, but not overly strenuous hike. 7-hours plus
Accumulation to date:
63,231 feet
274.44 miles hiked
Less than 6,000 feet to fifth Rainier.
May 16, 2015
Objective: Library by way of Alaskan Way and Madison crest of Capitol Hill
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet (conservative figure)
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Notes: Leisurely hike; little stress, but right knee feels like a tendon is being tested.
Accumulations to date:
63,631 feet
270.44 miles hiked
Less than 8,600 feet to fifth Rainier.
May 17, 2015
Objective:Target by way of Alaskan Way and Madison crest of Capitol Hill
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet (conservative figure)
Weight: 45 pounds, counting back pack and weight vest; Traveling weight: 250
Notes: Legs felt better, short of breath coming up Seneca, but heartrate only 120!
Accumulations to date:
64,031 feet
274.94 miles hiked
Less than 8,200 feet to fifth Rainier.
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Wilson rests on backpack at Little Si overlook, with Rattlesnake Ledge in the distance. |
Objective: Little Si
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 25 pounds in back pack.
Note: Day is warm. Had to take off garments during ascent.
Accumulations to date:
65,531 feet elevation gain
278.94 miles hiked
Less than 6,600 feet elevation gain for fifth Rainier.
Objective: Rattlesnake Ridge
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,160 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 25 pounds in back pack.
Note: Misty day got warmer and clearer as the day went on
Accumulations to date:
66,691 feet elevation gain
282.94 miles hiked
Less than 4,00 feet elevation gain for fifth Rainier.
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Arlene Levy, Wilson, Robert and Jara Popelkova at the terminus of the Mount Si ascent trail. |
Objective: Mt. Si
Distance: 8 miles
Round Trip Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Elevation gain: 3,150 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 25 pounds in back pack.
Note: Misty day got warmer and clearer as the day went on
Accumulations to date:
69,841 feet elevation gain
290.94 miles hiked
Less than 160 feet elevation gain for 70,000-foot mark.
May 28, 2015
Objective: Teneriffe Falls
Distance: 6 miles
Round Trip Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Elevation gain: 1,420 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 20 pounds in back pack.
Note: Hot day, steep trail, some danger of twisting ankle. One hiker dislodged a rock that almost struck my hiking companion, Nancy Zwicker. Nancy's dog caught and killed a young rabbit. At the falls the banks was steep and dangerous, with loose rocks in the soil.
Accumulations to date:
71,261 feet elevation gain
296.94 miles hiked
Less than 800 feet to the Fifth Rainier.
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Ratthesnake Ledge on a sunnier day. |
Objective: Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance: 4 miles
Round Trip Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 1,160 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 40 pounds in back pack.
Note: Roughly 65 minutes to top--very good time, considering the pack; overcast with itnermittent light rain. Reached the top with only a smoothy for breakfast. Hiked solo.
Accumulations to date:
72,421 feet elevation gain
300.94 miles hiked
376 feet past fifth Rainier!
June 7, 2015
Objective: Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance: 4.95 miles
Time: 90 minutes to the top
Elevation gain: 1,160 feet (Washington Trails Assn.)
Weight: 20 pounds in back pack.
Note: Hiked with Ann Anagnost, who kept a steady pace. Sunny day. Lots of hikers and we had to park on the road about a quarter mile from the nearest parking lot. Reached the top with only a smoothy for breakfast.
Accumulations to date:
73,581 feet elevation gain
305.89 miles hiked
1,536 feet past fifth Rainier!
June 11-12, 2015
Objectives: Little Si, June 11; Rattlesnake Ledge June 12
Little Si: 4 miles, 1,100 feet. (Washington Trails Assn. figures seem too great)
Rattlesnake Ledge: 4 miles, 1,100 feet.
Weight: 30 pounds in back pack and weight vest.
Note: Hiked with Ann Anagnost; her daughter, Catherine; and Roger Matthews
Accumulations to date:
75,781 feet elevation gain
313.89 miles hiked
June 16, 2015
Objective: Wallace Falls near Gold Bar, WA
Distance: At least 5 miles in 5 hours and 40 minutes, and 1,200 feet
Weight: 47 pounds in back pack and weight vest.
Note: Hiked with Mary Jane Gibson; made GoPro Movies; took time for photography and enjoying the forest. Ate salmon berries.
Accumulations to date:
76,981 feet elevation gain
318.89 miles hiked
une 12, 2015
Objective: Mount Si
Distance: At least 7 miles, 3,100-foot gain
Weight: 35 pounds in back pack and weight vest.
Note: Hiked with Valerie Vessey; made GoPro Movies. Left knee got sore on descent
Accumulations to date:
80,081 feet elevation gain
325.89 miles hiked
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Screen Capture from GoPro movie taken at Mount Si view ridge |
August 13, 2015
Objective: Lake Washington
Distance: About 5 miles
Weight: 25 pounds in shoes, gear and weight vest.
Note: Just a reconditioning hike, since I haven't done much since Mount Adams.
Objective: Heather Lake Trail near Granite Falls
Distance: About 5+ miles, including trip around the lake
Weight: Backpack, shoes, water, food; light load.
Elevation gain: 1,034 feet to elevation of 2,430 feet
Note: Gentle, five-hour hike with Mary Jane Gibson, with lots of photos; mild toning hike.
August 27, 2015
Objective: Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Serene, near Index WA
Distance: About 5+ miles; hiked to falls, backtracked and hiked for 30 minutes toward Lake Serene
Weight: 20-pound weight vest, 23-pound backpack for total 33 pounds
Elevation gain: Probably 1,000 feet
September 16, 2015
Objective: Target store on 2nd Avenue, Seattle
Distance: About 2.8 round triP
Weight: 20-pound weight vest
Elevation gain: 300+ feet
Note: Gentle hike just to pick up a video at library and buy some sweat bands.
September 22, 2015
Objective: Poo Poo Point
Distance: About 3.92 miles
Weight: 20-pound weight vest; 10-pound backpack
Elevation gain: at least 1,620 feet feet
Note: With Mary Jane; hike was done to get back into shape. Watched hang gliders. Felt familiar twinge in left calf muscle when hiking. Had to take several rests due to fatigue.
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