Mountains to Climb

Last weekend was beautiful...it had started to feel spring like out, and we were anxious to get out on a hike. Erik decided on Bear Peak, a peak just outside of Boulder behind the Flatirons. On the approach to the trail head, you can very clearly see the peak.  It doesn't look too intimidating; not too far, not too steep. We had looked up the information about Bear Peak before heading up, but must have missed something in the description about it being 8 miles long, and gaining 3000 feet in elevation in 2 miles.  Although it would be nice to boast that this would be an easy and most enjoyable hike for me, I found it to be rather difficult.  I really had to fight to make it to the top.  But, in the end, I made it. And I am so glad that I did. It was beautiful! To the east you could see all of Boulder and Denver, and to the west was endless miles of snowcapped mountains.  I am so grateful to live in a place where I can drive 20 minutes and be in the mountains. It's truly sweet relief that I so often take for granted. Erik and I are hoping to make it a weekly routine to get ourselves in shape...I'm not sure 8 miles is needed every week, but for now I stand gratified that I was able to finish this first hike of many to come this season!
p.s. In the picture below, Bear Peak is the middle, more pointy peak