My 'ideas' are usually just a hair (or two) outside my comfort zone. Long hikes, uphill, have been the thing of late. While we are still 16 months away from trying our darnedest to ascend Kilimanjaro, it's also part of the plan to get into physically and mentally strong shape, slowly and steadily.
The Manitou Incline is something I have done before, twice. But I was younger, lighter, stronger then. And I had doubts about making it to the top... or simply making it with a smile and legs that would carry me the 3 miles downhill after that. I didn't share these dark thoughts with Sue until we reached the top and they had been vanquished! (Because honestly, how can you convince someone else to go on a steep and unrelenting walk with you, if your invitation is anything less than optimistic and full of promise?!)
So... here we were, parked at Hiawatha Gardens in Manitou Springs by 10am. Waiting for the free shuttle to the Incline Trailhead with a dozen other camelback touting, athletic gear wearing ignorant little hopefuls! Today was the day we were climbing 2770 steps for a 2000' altitude gain in about a mile.
How bad could it be? I didn't remember.
Apparently quite bad.... since there were warning signs at the bottom about the intensity and challenge that lay ahead. A wee mention in small print that if you found yourself damaged/ill/pooped and needing emergency evacuation, it could take as long as 8 hours for a rescue. Then they showed a picture of one of those mountain rescue stretchers, being carried overhead by a team of volunteers who would make their way down the stairs with you strapped inside it - so you wouldn't slip right out with the 45 degree downhill angle of course.
Not deterred, we began. So did a couple dozen other people around us. Those other people set off at twice our pace but it wasn't long before we passed them as they sat on the sides, gasping. Wisdom is a beautiful, valuable substitute for youth!
Here's the thing; If you can embrace the journey instead of focusing on the destination, it's possible to see hidden treasures up here. Older couples holding hands and physically demonstrating how they conquer lifes challenges together; the grace and confidence that elite athletes exude as they run by; the wonder and determination of a small child navigating steps that are irregular and high! Mostly, just this magical alternating reality of smiles and suffering that I believe all the humans here had in common.
And a bit of wildlife surprise tucked into the woods!
The view going up was special from every step, although I'm the first to admit that all those times the steps got higher than they were deep and I felt the potential of falling backwards off the incline, I didn't care to do much except look straight ahead at the looming summit.
The summit is where we picnicked with chips and grapes, took a few pics like the following ones and gave our feet some time out of the boots. It was sunny and peaceful but behind the Rocky Mountains there were grey clouds brewing and we knew that gusty winds would follow us down the Barr Trail.
We came for the Incline challenge. Maybe to set a baseline for what it feels like today in order to contrast and compare mental and physical strength on the next visit. But what can't be overlooked is the lovely Barr Trail that, through a series dusty switchbacks, takes you 3 miles back down to the Incline Trailhead. It's lined with perfect flowers, bright green scrub oak leaves, interesting rock formations and native grasses. We shared the Barr Trail with a bunch of weary but happily accomplished Incliners. Dusty and hungry, just like us!
We knew we were near the bottom when we heard the sound of the rushing river and the little cog train came into sight.
Thanks to Sue, we have this record of the hike too!
For some aerial perspective of the trail I found this - an oldie but a goodie!
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