It's been a cool rainy week. I'm not going to complain about the rain because we really need it, but it means that the trails will be too muddy to hike this weekend. It will give me a chance to do some major house cleaning before things get busy again. My knees have been a bit achy this week too. I'm not sure if it is the weather or that I forgot to wear my knee brace on Sunday's hike. I did the usual 2.25 miles at Mother Neff State Park. It was a cold hike (38f) but enjoyable. I have yet to grow tired of the hikes there as each season brings new things to see and it really changes the landscape. Back in the Spring there were so many wildflowers that painted the park a a vast array of color. Even on overcast days it was cheerful. Needless to say I did not go there over the summer ( I might attempt a few this year) but the Autumn brought a new palette of color. The bare trees and gray landscape of winter brings a quiet eeriness to the park. The outline of bare tree branches, dried seed heads from the thistles that were purple back in the Autumn. the dried leaves blowing on the ground and the dried grasses rustling in the breeze has it's own unique beauty. Winter has it's own attraction even in our snowless landscape. Spring only seems just around the corner here now. The first Spring flowers are usually blooming before the month of March has ended.
I have spent my downtime at work this week exploring trails (online) in New Mexico and Colorado for my vacations this year. Cloudcroft is super easy as there are so many trails in the Lincoln Forest. Since I have also hiked in the area before I am somewhat familiar with the ones I would like to tackle. I have about decided that my Autumn trip will be focused on the Colorado Springs area for 3- 4 days of hiking. I am interested in some trails that will push me to higher altitudes but not require additional skills other than trekking. I do not want to be climbing over rocks or steep drop-offs. I will think I have found the perfect trail, but when I read the reviews I discover faults with them that make me nervous when hiking solo. The area seems to be lacking in reliable trail markings. I don't get too worried when I wonder off trail in a State Park, but in the wilderness..... I just feel it could be a bit risky. I am considering the Manitou Incline, but over 2000 stair steps??? What will that do to my knees? But I feel like it would be good to attempt it before I go and book a tour to Machu Picchu. They estimate the four day Machu Picchu trek has over 10,000 steps (not all going up, but the downs can be just as bad). I know to use hiking poles and from experience they really do help a lot. The steps at the Manitou Incline are only supposed to be hiked going up and then you hike back down a trail. I have heard though that some people do come back down the steps. I can guarantee I will not be one of them. Just thinking of it makes my head spin. It is a nice trail for the return down and it can be accessed at several points on the way up if one feels the need to discontinue the climb upwards. I probably won't make a decision to do it until I am there and see how I feel.
The Manitou Incline
So the weekend ahead will be Yoga and Stair stepper. I'll miss my hike on Sunday.
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