Hiking - and I survived

So since I've been neglecting my poor blog recently I think I will jam a whole bunch of posts in a short period of time!

I went hiking on Saturday morning, to a beautiful location in North Vancouver, BC called Lynn Valley Canyon.  I picked my friend Carol-Ann up just after seven (man too much more of that and I'm going to turn into a morning person, yuck) and we headed to another piece of paradise.

It was a beautiful sunny day and I had escaped from the husband and children for a couple of hours.  How do I spend my freedom?  Hiking for three hours.  What is wrong with me?

I actually really enjoyed it, just walking, through the peaceful landscape, all worries left at the car and like a sponge I soaked up the rays and the peace and the nature.

I call this picture "You want me to climb what?"

If I keep climbing up stairs like this I should have buns of steel in no time flat.  Again, an old man ran past us as we clomped up the stairs out of breath.  I swear it's the same old guy from the last hiking trail, he's following us just to show me how pathetic I truly am.

Luckily I made it up these stairs and a few more sets just like this one.  They look much prettier than they feel though.  my thighs were burning like the fires of Hades.  My lungs may have collapsed.  When I finally got to the top I convinced myself it felt good. 

I loved this rock.  We were walking along a trail when I looked down and saw this rock and the inspirational saying on it.  I took a picture to prove I was indeed there with that rock.  I'm happy to see I'm not the only person in the world with a decidedly warped sense of humour.  So as you can see, I have proof now.

We walked and walked and walked some more and still we didn't get to all the trails that we could have.  AND we didn't get lost, which is a bonus.    It was nice to be in the great outdoors for a change instead of being chained to a desk or a sink or a toddler.  Smelled much better that the toddler too.

This was me looking up to demonstrate how truly tiny we are compared to the world around us,  it was also a good excuse to stop and catch my breath.

This is "The dragon" which is really only a tree root but I prefer to use my vivid imagination to create a world filled with magic.  Needless to say it was a lovely morning of escapism that I would like to repeat again.  I figure it's either this or vodka