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Sandi

Devil's Lake Bluff Hike

A Mustang Emergency Day--We hit the road for a sunny summer break in our red convertible. Our Focaccia sandwich picnic at Devil’s Lake State Park tasted great! Next time we’ll remember to bring a tablecloth… We walked the flat Grotto’s Trail together until Bob noticed that we hadn’t encountered any bugs. Yep, they heard him, and appeared out of nowhere. He headed back to a breezy park bench. Underestimating the heat and humidity, I hit the stone stair hiking trail up to East Bluff. Sharply chiseled Quartzite boulders of burgundy, brown and gray became steppingstones on the steep, challenging climb. The rocks ranged from narrow slabs to the size of laundry baskets. One young girl was amazed at one step that she thought was particularly high. Another hiker commented, “Get ready for about 900 more just like that!” Couples speaking many languages, a large group of Vietnam students from Carroll University, and entire families made the climb.  Each time I stepped aside to let others pass—coming from both directions-- it was much more an excuse than simple courtesy. My knees were screaming, and I was gasping for air.  Lots of photo ops, and my water bottle was well worth its weight. A great workout for the legs, heart and lungs!My well worn hiking shoes paid for themselves as I carefully planted each step on the sometimes slippery rocks. Others wore sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, and one woman was rock climbing in a string bikini—and she survived smiling. One man had a walking stick—great idea! A headband would have saved me from way too much sweat dripping into my eyes, especially on the way up. Next time I’ll remember that too. Crossing East Bluff Woods Trail above the climb I was able to look up to appreciate the clear blue sky and cool breezes during long, slow drinks from my water bottle. The welcome flat asphalt path offered relief, a breeze, and a chance to breathe normally again before heading back down the rocks. Families and couples stopped for photos near Devil’s Doorway. One group took what looked to me like the perfect Christmas card shot. When I commented, they said “The boys are on loan for the photo.” They belonged to the couple behind, not in front of, the camera. I asked if I could borrow them for mine as well. Laughing with the families (from Madison and Baltimore) restored my energy for the descent. We shared the path with “bluff kickers”. One young woman’s t-shirt proclaimed an ominous disclaimer. Dances with Dirt 2010-Baraboo: I realize that my participation in this event entails the risk of injury and even death. That group had organized a 50 mile ultra-marathon which included the steep rock hiking trails along with some flatter terrain. I couldn’t imagine racing on those boulders! All I hoped for was to get back down without an injury. Staying on the path was tricky-- I often stood puzzled, with no idea which way to turn. I learned to look straight up or down rather than to the right or left. “Even when it looks like there’s no way out, there’s always another path.” I said. They added, “Just like life!”Eavesdropping on a mother-son conversation, I learned to look for look for the concrete patches that held the rocks together. Very helpful! The daughter wearing the Dances with Dirt shirt and her mom were following a man from Sauk City who knew the path and markers. He had lost 65 pounds hiking the trails every day the past 2 months! I was grateful to tag along to find my way back down to the park. The camaraderie of the trail made it easier and safer for everyone—especially for me. A woman from Schaumburg joined us as we neared spotted the railroad tracks—the end was in sight. We three moms talked about planning family vacations, and how quickly the picnic food disappears.  Walking back toward the park, we spotted Bob off in the distance reading his book on the bench. Coming closer, his butter pecan ice cream looked awesome—and tasted the same.  Maybe that would help settle my shaky knees?  I was glad he enjoyed his 2 hour wait—it was great fun for me!  © Copyright Sandra Sunquist Stanton NCC, LPC, Connections of the Heart LLC. More blog entries linked to www.ourbrainbuddies.com  
Published Jul 12 2010, 03:04 PM by cheart@charter.net
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