Oh, Mount Baldy, you’ll always be remembered as the “Do whatever you want” wise words from my dear friend. A little backstory, this was my first time starting and completing the hike with my wolf pack. Unfortunately, Storm (my dog) had to sit this hike down, so I left her home to rest. On our first hike, Mount Wilson, my team members thought I was walking fast because my dog is a fast, energetic walker. The funny thing is, so am I. However, my teammates thought it was just my dog. So naturally, I start walking pretty fast, making good strides up the mountain. I start slightly leaving my teammates behind only to hear, from one of my teammates, “I thought you were walking fast at mount Wilson because of Storm, only to find out it was you too that walks fast too!” Ah, yes, the realization that she is the big foot of the group came down on me. I start laughing and reply, “yes, I walk fast and take long strides.” However, because I was so energetic and on a good mountain high, I asked my teammates, is the pace good, or should I slow down? Out came a reply from a team member, “I don’t care, do whatever you want.” My internal monologue was laughing, saying, “dang, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I’ll slow down a bit”. Shortly after, we went to the ice house to take a break and replenish ourselves. My teammates were refreshed with snacks and water, and we were back on the trail. 10-15 min of walking took place before my team member gained wings and started making her way toward the front with me. We all laughed and joked, saying she needed Red Bull to gain wings. Whatever it was, it worked; she was now the leader, taking us to the top. We made it to the top with great laughs and a great clear view of the mountains. The air was crisp, but it felt nice because of the sun. We ate our snacks and conversed with other hikers at the top before making it down the mountain again.