I have made several trips up both Big and Little Si over the last few months, and I am even planning on climbing Mt. Rainer in July.  This means that I now have to hike with an extra 20 pounds on my back.  Eventually I will have to be able to climb Mt. Si with ease, and do so while lugging 40 pounds in a backpack…a backpack that appears to have about 2,300 sq.ft.!  Apparently this will help prepare me for the trip up Rainer that has been described as “miserable, horrible, and the most difficult thing you can do.”  I know, how can you not want to train for 6 months for something that appealing!

My friend Brian Dickinson of www.extreme-adventures.net is helping me train for Rainer, and recently took me up Mailbox Peak.  The fact that he took me up Mailbox Peak should give you some insight into his sadistic nature.  You see, Brian has the body fat of a Kenyan marathoner and has climbed several mountains.  He even plans to climb Everest in 2011.  So he moves up mountains like Michael Phelps goes through water.  I on the other hand, if you will remember, look like an ox pulling a 200 pound man tilling up clay!  I do have to admit that Mailbox Peak was amazing.

Actually, it was incredible!  I absolutely loved the view, but I have to warn you that the hike seems like it will never end.  In fact, I call it the mountain the never seemed to end.  You think you are at the top about 763 times before you actually arrive.  I would recommend this hike to anyone that is in very good shape, and has a strange attraction to pain.  I would never attempt to do it alone due to the fact that the trail is very rough, and well…I have a tendency to fall.  Ever since I hit my forties I have the coordination and grace of an arthritic ox.  Coming down is truly a beating on the body and you have to watch your footing.  It is one of those hikes that you will find yourself cursing often and swearing you will never do it again.  However, by the time your soreness wears off you will be ready to go again!