Why do I do it? Drive 35-40 miles to lodge 1 on Mt. Spokane, park, grab my water bottle, and set out on a hike up the cat track to chair two and beyond—depending on the weather, how I feel, and the shape my legs are in.

Let me count the whys:

It gets me out of the shop for at least 2-3 hours.

I enjoy the fresh air and hopefully sunshine.

I love the sound of the breeze/wind in the trees and bushes.

I enjoy the sound of the small rivulets and springs along the track.

On occasion I will hear a bird or maybe more. Unfortunately I don’t hear as many as I used to.

I know it sounds corny but I like being alone in the “wild.”

I have reverential feelings for Mt. Spokane, which I have written about on several occasions.

It’s more enjoyable than a walk around the neighborhood or even around the athletic complex nearby.

Being up there reminds me in some small way of the enjoyable times spent camping with family and relatives in my youth. The laughter, stories, and banter while sitting around the campfire are the only things missing, but I do have those memories.

And I also enjoy the occasions when I have company.

Even though I am 80 years old I hope to continue my hikes for a few years….even if I have to shorten and make them less strenuous.

Then there is still skiing in the winter.

Ken Kaiyala
8-28-2022