Mountains & Limp Lungs



Kari (MT), Kimber (AZ), Nikki (MD), Gail (WI), Matt (CA), Rose (MT)

A group of us went for a hike on the Lake Otokomi Trail two weeks ago. I assumed it would be a fairly easy hike. Was I ever proven wrong! There was an elevation increase of over 1,000 feet, multiple switchbacks, and fallen trees on the trail. For the first 45 minutes, I thought my lungs were going to burst. This flatlander is not accustomed to the higher elevations! Rose slowed down and stayed with me while the rest of the super fit, mountain climbing, running portion of the group went on ahead. I jokingly told Rose I could just hug a tree and wait for their return. :) But, I persevered and after about 45 minutes my lungs began to work properly



Within 5 minutes of beginning the hike, we saw mule deer! :)

Interesting plant

At one point, there was a huge tree across the trail that we had to climb over right at the edge of the mountain. It had rained for a week so the trail was muddy and the footing wasn't ideal. I didn't look over the edge of the cliff as I carefully crawled across the tree trunk. It began to thunder just as Rose, Kari, and I reached the portion of the trail still covered in snow. We decided to turn back at that point. The weather in these mountains can turn treacherous very quickly, which is why I carry all the necessary survival gear even on short hikes. I have stepped outside on a beautiful sunny day with warm temperatures only to watch as a storm front moves in over a mountain and it begins to snow! I'm glad I endured the Otokomi hike because the views were fantastic! :)