I was hoping to run across three friends who I thought would be hiking Badger Mountain today. They all have quite an inspirational story which I thought would help encourage others who haven’t been through such trials to realize they too can conquer Badger Mountain.
I headed for the Skyline Trail and started up through the sagebrush switchbacks. It was a beautiful day for a hike, moderate temperature, sunshine, clear skies and air. I continued up the north side of the trail, still no friends. I did get a good view of a new black spot on the landscape of the Columbia Basin. A patch of brush that burned last night up Weber Canyon near Benton City. Likely a result of the careless use of fireworks, I’m sure the fire crews were busy last night.
New Black Eye on the Mid-Columbia. Brush Fire From Overnight, Likely Caused by Careless Use of Fireworks (click to enlarge)
I continued up the Skyline Trail, across the ridgeline road and over to the south side of the mountain. There were several people on the Skyline Trail this morning, hikers and trail runners.
As I neared the top of the mountain, I saw my friends!
Me With My Inspirational Friends: Me, Teresa, Zee, and Keith
They were moving along very well on their hike. This is quite an accomplishment since they all have bad knees! Two of them have had recent knee surgery. But, they aren’t letting that stop them. They aren’t making excuses and sitting at home on the couch. They are pushing through the discomfort and building muscle, endurance and character. Teresa, Zee and Keith serve as an example of how we are in control of our recovery from challenges or difficulties. Maybe climbing Badger Mountain is too ambitious a goal. START SOMEWHERE! Maybe it’s a trip to the new Badger Flats trail with no elevation gain. Maybe it’s a walk around the block. Whatever your difficulty or challenge, reach within yourself and pull out some of that hope. Hope that you can have a better life, lose weight, be healthier. It is so much more gratifying than living in a vegetative state. Maybe you’re doing pretty well, find someone who needs a friend to help them get going. Invite them to hike with you.
Follow the example of Zee, Keith and Teresa, they can be your inspiration! Go Get ’em!
Thanks for the write up. I don’t believe in sitting around when there are so many beautiful places to hike, walk, ride and swim. The Tri-cities have so much to offer.
thanks for the picture, it looks like you’re getting around pretty well!
Paul… I agree with you, if we all three can do it so cal everyone that will try… specially for me was a big challenge between long time without hike and one really bad knee and the other running out… but if Teresa and Keith can do it then I can too… 🙂