Hiking is the last thing I’d ever think I loved, because it’s a totally miserable affair. Being outside in the sun (yuck), getting sunburned (double yuck), the sweat, the sore muscles, the bugs, the prickly bushes, the way your underwear becomes absolutely useless, if not counterproductive…oh, and did I mention the heat?

But in the past couple years, and this weekend in Colorado especially, it has become one of my favorite things. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. Or the views. Or, just maybe, the satisfaction of knowing you did something not sitting home on the couch watching Netflix.

I don’t know, I guess I just finally get the appeal.

My new stretch goal: to climb some of the Colorado ‘14er’ mountains. That could be fun?