Table Mountain, Bill, Susan, Jim and me the night before our hike |
Now that I have stood on top of Table Mountain I can scratch another item off my bucket list. Last year, when we camped (for the first time) at Beaver Mines Lake right beneath the striking mountain, I knew I would not only paint it but I would have to stand on that peak one day.
I know that you've seen it before, but once again ... Table Mountain oil 30" x 40" |
With my last journey of such epic proportions undertaken three years ago and given my level of unfitness you might say it was foolish of me to take on such a vertical hike, and you'd be right! The elevation gain is 2510 feet; 765 metres for you converts. Could we have had a clearer day? I don't think so. The forecast high for July 18th at nearby Pincher Creek, Alberta, was 31C. It seemed even hotter on the trail.
Going up I was on a natural high spurting aloud about how much I miss trekking in the mountains. "I can take on Mt. Robson!" I exclaimed (yeah, right). The stunning views at the top not only met my expectations they exceeded them.
The sheer face of the west peak |
With the utmost caution I just had to crawl out to the edge and peer down. So far down to the lake and campground below.
Going down was grueling, exhausting and oh how I wanted to be carried! Days later my muscles still ache. Would I do it again? Oh yes!
To view the entire photo essay please click here:
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Wow, so beautiful! Every step is worth it, and I will not stop aiming for those peaks until the day I die. Nearer my God to thee, Oh Lord.
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