May 8th, 2011 Mother's Day Madness

Trail: Mount Si
Distance 8 miles
Elevation gain 3700 feet
Highest elevation 4167 feet

Mount Si on a lovely day we were unfortunate to miss.

"Neither snow nor rain nor hail nor gloom of night stays these hikers from the (not so) swift completion of their appointed mountain ascents!"
-borrowed and adapted to our needs from the postman's creed. 

We tackled or rather got tackled by Mount Si.  While getting rained and hailed on the first three miles which in retrospect, went quite well, we were left unprepared and soundly whooped by the last mile of packed snow.  I, for one, thank my teammates, and the song "99 bottles of beer on the wall" which I sang in my head so my feet would keep trudging forward.  I had no gloves, hat, or hiking poles.  I made it to the top, however, with teammates Archana and Sandra and of course the loyal Chayya, who herself seem disoriented towards the summit.  Poor Reshma endured a spill, but remained upbeat, and friend, Sonia, survived despite lack of hiking boots!  Team Bonda, we may have been beaten down, but we survived!

April 27th, 2011 Hike of Insanity

Trail: Poo poo point
Distance: 5.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1650 ft

Highest point 1850 ft

Sandra, Reshma, Reshma's friend, Shalaka, and I ventured up Tiger Mountain on a Wednesday afternoon.  The hike started with a blustery drizzle which turned into a downpour.  We were then greeted by full out snow 2/3rd the way up.  Huge snowflakes, gusts of wind, made this hike quite the adventure.  I was soaked to the bone in my knit pants, and this motivated me the next day to buy water resistant hiking pants.  I felt like a true adventurer, hiking out in the extremes (extreme for me anyway)!

April 23rd, 2011 West Tiger Mountain

Distance 6 miles
Elevation gain 2100 feet
Highest point 2525 feet

Had a great pre-birthday hike up to West Tiger Mountain Summit.  We missed Archana and her photography dearly, of course, but enjoyed the company of  Candice and Roshith who were superstars on the hike!  I carried 25 lbs and was feeling it.  At times, Reshma and I were offering our backpacks to spry appearing hikers, but no dice! 

What a beautiful day, sunny, warm, and visibility was great!  Highlight was "Happy Birthday" sung at the top of the mountain, complete with candles on pumpkin bread, and of course chai! 

April 17th, 2011 Rattlesnake Ledge

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 1160 ft
Highest point: 2076  feet



Reshma and I pose at the top in coordinating red jackets



Team Bondas third hike took us from a sunny Seattle to a cold and snowy start up Rattlesnake ledge.  I carried 15 lbs and the team picked up the pace on this hike.  Initial the summit showed a white-out but was able to clear a bit for us to enjoy a view of Rattlesnake Lake while we snacked and drank chai.  I thought this was the prettiest hike so far...





Chayya and her godmother, Archana

Posing pretty our mountain goddess, Sandra



March 31st, 2011 West Tiger Mountain

Went up on a rainy and cold day with Ajay and Smitha.  Blustery and no view at top!  Highlight was white birds up top that would eat from your hand.  Camera's batteries died before we could get a group shot.

March 24th, 2011 Little Si

Distance 5 miles
Elevation gain 1200 ft
Highest point 1576 feet

Decided to start my training with Little Si.  Ignorantly decided to carry 28 lbs on a backpack I was using incorrectly.  Very difficult since I plunged in the wrong way and had no idea about the correct way to wear the pack.  Still enjoyed with Ajay and Chayya accompanying me.   Great views up top and very warm day.

April 10, 2011 Poo Poo Point/Chirico Trail

Distance: 5.0 miles

Elevation gain: 1650 ft

Highest point 1850 ft

Great hiking day for Team Bonda.  I hiked with 10 lbs and felt pretty good.  I questioned the name of the trail which may have been related to the muddy ground?  Quote of the hike by Reshma:  Sandra, do you have any idea what I should do with by jacket?  (meaning, someone carry my jacket for me)