June 25th, 2011 Poo poo point

Enjoyed an early morning hike with Shaili who was visiting and Connie.  Carried about 25 lbs with ease.  We started early so avoided the crowds who we saw in the parking lot on the way down.

July 9th, 2011 Mount Si

Distance 8 miles
Elevation gain 3700 feet
Highest elevation 4167 feet

We were rewarded with a spectacular view of our beloved mountain

Resh and I started early this Saturday, which was a blessing.  Hike start at 630 am, we reached the summit  by 850 which was quite an improvement for me.  I carried 30 lbs again.  The summit was spectacular with a great view of Rainier on one side, and the Snoqualmie valley on the other.  We headed down at 930 and happily smiled and bid good morning the hoards of hikers climbing up.  Our work was done!  We reached the bottom by eleven thanks to Reshma's quick pace.  I felt great, except I need to switch to water as weight so I can save my joints on the way down...

July 6th, 2011 West Tiger Mountain, partial Team Bonda Reunion

Distance 6.2 miles
Elevation gain 2100 feet
Highest point 2525 feet

Hot day with heavier weight makes for sweaty proof of our labor

We hiked Tiger Mountain on this hot (by Seattle standards, a balmy 75 degrees) Wednesday late afternoon.  It was so great to see Reshma and Sandra after more than a month!  Resh was glowing from her wonderful trip to India and Thailand.  Sandra was kicking up a notch joining us after just having hiked Mount Si right before!!
Anyways, I carried 30 lbs and we hiked up in 90 minutes, and down in about an hour.  I felt pretty good considering the weight and the hike occurred post work...

July 3rd, 2011 The Infamous Mail Box Peak

Roundtrip	6.0 miles
Elevation Gain	4100 ft
Highest Point	4926 ft

hikers beware!

Ajay and I took on Mailbox peak on this grey morning.  It was everything it was said to be.  Since the half mile is flat, the last 2.5 miles are steep to say the least!  A grueling uphill with hardly any switchbacks, elevation gains of 1500 feet per mile, and at times resembling an obstacle course through a jungle of roots, loose rock, etc.  What a workout on the ascent!  I thought my heart was going to pound right out of my chest at times.  The top was in cloud cover, so no amazing view.  We were very glad to see the mailbox however. 
The way down was hell continued.  I forgot hiking poles which was a mistake.  Basically, I had to brace my knees and lower body to try not to fall and be constantly alert with each step to not trip or slip (which I did several times, all minor falls, thankfully) on the roots, rocks or mud.  Whew, what a doozy!  I definitely however will be back, hopefully with better weather!  It took us 2 hrs and 45 minutes to summit, and just over 2 hours to come down.

Photo with my camera phone

Ajay signing our names in the mailbox notebook

June 20th, 2011 West Tiger Mountain Summit

Distance 6.2 miles
Elevation gain 2100 feet
Highest point 2525 feet

I hiked solo with 32 lbs, my max so far.  It is amazing how much harder 32 versus 25 lbs is!  Brought my I Pod shuffle which helped a lot.   Was achy and tired from the weight by the end!

June 18th, 2011 Poo poo point, shoe drauma continued

Hiked up Poo poo point with Archana.  We had originally planned on Mailbox Peak, but a combination of my serious boot issues and Archana having a bad cold made us wisely downgrade.  Alas, my metatarsals ached even sooner on this hike.  Luckily, I had my running shoes in my pack.  I chained into these on the way up and my feet were glad for it!  No more hikes with the La Sportiva five hundred dollar boots!

yay, for comfy feet!

Archana powered through despite being sick!

June 16th , 2011 Boot Drauma at West Tiger

I went on a solo hike with Maya and Chayya on this lovely Thursday.  My boots started causing me trauma on the way up this time.  When I summited, I sat on a rock and took off my boots and got instant relief.  The way down only got worse.  First a grumpy man berated me for not having the dogs on the leash.  I warned every other hiker I passed (all whose dogs were off leash) about this guy.  Anyways, my metatarsal pain got so severe I was almost in tears.  I could barely walk.  I finally sat on a log and took off the boots again.  I contemplated walking shoeless the rest of the way but realized that would not be wise.  Many a helpful hiker on the way down, one offered to carry my pack for me.  It took me 90 minutes to get down, incidentally the same amount of time it had taken me to get up!  After the hike, I immediately went to REI to get   "superfeet" and cushioned socks...