I have lived in North Vancouver for almost all my life and there is one thing I have wanted to do but for any number of reasons…I am sure procrastination, was the Grouse Grind. Now the Grind is about a 2.9 intense climb or nature’s stair-master. It is something one has to conquer. http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind I have a bit of Nepalese blood in me but one thing I know…I am certainly not a Sherpa material!
Today I said that I had to do it. I was not concerned about times but did note the fastest time was 23 mins to the top. Beautiful morning, I was all set and hit the base. I started out and it is a bit deceiving. You start hiking and keep going and eventually see the ¼ way mark and you tell yourself that I have three more of these 1/4’s to go…really?!!!!! I was already huffing but carried on. Someone said that the first ¼ is difficult as the rest is steeper and sure enough, the ½ way mark seemed quicker than the ¼ mark. Keep on going is what I kept telling myself. One step up and then another and just keep doing that…one step after another. Don’t look up, just head down and watch your step and keep on going. Now to be fair, I did stop and have some water along the way. All the way along, you keep telling yourself…why?! After the ¾ mark, you know you can do it and just power through it. I triumphantly hit the top and suddenly felt I had accomplished quite a task. OK, the fastest time ever was 23 minutes…ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! I was no where near that but you know what…I am just happy I got through it. OK, those of you reading and smiling because it is easy for you…let me enjoy this one please.
Ironically, I had my walking stick with me. The one that I used a month ago when my back went out and where just taking one step was a marathon or grind. I used that same stick to help get me to the top. Fortunately, while going up I was pacing and talking with two students (one from UBC and the other from Western Washington University). We wound up calling ourselves the water-stop team and I think we helped each other get to the top. So would I do the Grind again?…let me see how I feel tomorrow, that will be my guide.
PS – Woke up today and no pain…OK, this is a good sign!