I’ve been anxious to cross this one off the bucket list. “I’m not in shape” “it will be a long one” “it’s intimidating” “only avid hikers climb mailbox” -All these thoughts have been circling my brain for years. Until one day, I just said fuck it, it’s time.

I took it slow and started up the old trail, for the ultimate challenge. Yes it was hard, but no, not impossible. I saw one other guy who passed me with ease and then I was left alone. I realized I veered off the trail and got nervous. I finally ran into two other women and proceeded to follow them. That was a mistake. They veered off the trail as well 😂

I decided to go back to the last silver Diamond marker I had seen, backtracking a second time. From there I was able to pay attention and follow the marked trees. I had to really pay attention to the markers as the trail wasn’t so obvious to me. I finally got up the side of the mountain and discovered where the old and the new trail merge. I felt it was more symbolic than anything to see the old trail merge with the new.

I got very sentimental on this hike. Some deep thoughts were had.

Embarking on the rock scramble, I thought the mailbox was right on top- ha silly me, still had a bit of a climb.  Passing all the pretty flowers and all the fog behind me, I finally see an opening and then the infamous, glorious mailbox showed itself.

It was freezing up top and very foggy. Not a great day for views but thankfully I’m familiar with the North Bend views and felt I wasn’t missing much.

I brought two scratch off tickets to leave in the box. I hope whoever found them won some $$!

The journey down was a lot easier, taking new down. Towards the middle of the descent, I started to run. It was a fun decline and the ground was nice and flat, no roots, very Little Rock to trip me up.

Getting to the car was pure victory. I now do consider myself and avid hiker and more than a moderate one. Taking on the 6 peak challenge, I’m excited to embark on hard and beautiful hikes. I may be slower than others, but I still get the job done. So happy I did this one!