You may be right, I may be crazy...

But it just may be a lunatic you're lookin' for.

It's cold, wet and rainy, so of course that means it's time to take up cycling! After having about 27 opportunities this summer to go with Robb and gang, instead I decided to kick the season off with a wet and lonely ride in December.

Basics: 1 hour, to Newcastle and back. No companions, although I noticed that all the other crazy people either riding or running seemed to be strangely happy. Hmmm. Reward was seeing my baby at the turnaround point.

Two Cougars Spotted on Cougar Mountain

Two well known local Cougars went hiking on Cougar Mountain today on the Licorice Fern Trail. There were no reported injuries or attacks on wildlife or young men. Both Cougars were disappointed.

The trail was beautiful, just as the guidebook promised. The entrance to the trail was in a residential neighborhood, with access through a driveway. Lots and lots of ferns, moss, a creek, a small waterfall, and we (oops, I mean "they") got a nice workout with all the ups and downs.

Basics: Dem, Pam & Dewey, 2 hours, lots of fun. Let's do it again!

A Peek at Anti-Aircraft Peak

Does this count as a hike? What is a hike by definition? Does there have to be a lot of up? I am confused by this. Please give me your input.

Today I explored a new area with companions Eva and Dewey. I have heard a lot about the trails on Cougar Mountain, but had never done any hiking there myself. My guide books listed several variations of hikes (with "variation" being the key word here) since at this point I would say it's all the same to me. Round and round we went, using the trail map, discovering that point A and point B are never really very far apart, and if you want to get a workout, you better plan on going to point Z. Okay, so what my REAL point is, if you are going to hike Cougar Mountain, take a trail map, wander around as long and far as you want in any direction that strikes your fancy, THEN get out your map and figure out how to get back to your starting point. It will make your adventure all the better, and trust me, you won't get lost unless you are my sister, Teresa.

Upon our wanderings we came across a mountaintop clearing and I discovered that I had indeed been to Anti-Aircraft Peak before with Mr. Fox, many many years ago, but by car. Better to make the trip by foot, although I do remember an exciting ride on a twisty road in the MR2 at high speeds...

Basics: Cougar Mtn, starting at Sky Country Trailhead, hiked to AA Peak, approx 2 hours.

Take a Little Sigh...

I have been hiking about once a week lately, but I will start my record with yesterday's hike to Little Si, which is in North Bend. I was introduced to Little Si earlier this year by my wonderful buddy Nancy, with Pam in tow, and I've hiked it since then with Sonja and Frank, and a partial ascent with Cinderella.

This day's team consisted of me, Dewey, and my friend Dave. I was expecting an overcast hike, with possibly no view at the top, but once we broke through Issaquah, we were delighted with a beautiful clear sky and warm hiking conditions. Pretty amazing for the last day in November. I had overdressed and had to peel down to my tank top. Dewey found his usual mud puddle to wallow in, and I think Dave really enjoyed the view from the top. Everyone was happy.

Post hike was a reward at the Snoqualmie Brewery with a very delicious sandwich, a beer, and a fine companion, after a backroad gypsy episode. Those are the best.

Let the FUN begin!

Last night I decided it would be fun to create a blog to keep track of my physical adventures. At this point, they probably wouldn't be classified as "physical feats" of strength or endurance, but nonetheless, I enjoy seeing where I've been, what I've done, and who I've done it with. I have plans to begin new adventures (snowboarding, kiteboarding, maybe running) and continue with favorite activities (snowskiing, waterskiing, walking) and explore a few deeper than I have in the past (kayaking, hiking). Wow! That's a lot of Phyzz!!!