Today I headed to the mountains for a quick hike, really my first intense one in 6 weeks.  

Rattlesnake Ledge is one of my favorites because it gives me the opportunity to push my limits.  At just under 4 miles round trip and a moderate grade, you can hike quickly and even run portions of it.  I like to set the goal of getting to the top in under 30 minutes.  Once I set my timer though, I won’t look at it until I hit the top!

Doing this forces me into pushing as hard as I can out of fear of missing my time.  There is something about feeling the lungs burning and legs shaking that warms my heart :).  

This is the beauty of hiking, you can push yourself hard and breathe in the wonderful cascade air.  I find so much clarity in the challenge, the view at the top and the towering trees that surround the trails.  It may still be winter, but this is truly my favorite time of year to hike.  

And what better way to end the weekend then spending time with my dear husband 🙂

Cheers!

-S