I Dream of Greenie "Because vegetables are the new black"

Yesterday was not exactly a typical Saturday but in a good way!

My alarm went off bright and early at 4:10am-yes it was still pitch black at that time.  Fortunately, I had already set out my clothes and packed up most of my backpack so getting ready didn’t take too long.

By 4:45am, I was at my friend Jen’s place to help make pancakes-perfect pre-hike fuel.

By 5:30, Jen, our friend David and I were in a car ready to make the drive to Palm Springs, where we arrived at 7:20.

We met up with our hiking group and purchased our tickets to take the tram up to Mt. San Jacinto. I got a few nervous butterflies since I hadn’t done a hike even close to this since I was 17 and went on a teen tour of Israel, but after a great 8 mile hike in the Fish Canyon Narrows last month, I was confident I could complete this hike.

I need to preface the tram ride with the caveat that I love rides that take you up in the air. Add a gorgeous nature backdrop and that alone would keep me happy for days.

So yes, I was definitely letting everybody know how excited I was for the tram ride. And when we got onto the tram, Jen tried to push us right up to the window (it is a standing room only deal), only to get blocked by a woman with her arms out who said she was reserving the space for her husband.

Jen saw my face deflate like a bunch of balloons and put the woman in her place and got me a prime viewing spot.

Good thing I did because I can share with you some of the gorgeous views from the ride up:

Once we got off the tram, we were at over 8,000 feet elevation. I instantly had a headache at that altitude but it quickly went away (likely out of excitement).

We took a few photos before heading out for our 11 mile loop which would take us to the 2nd highest point in California (after Mt. Whitney).

Jen and I looking fierce

Our leader on the hike (which was organized by the Veggie Hikers group I am a part of) gave us detailed maps and informed us that the first 1.5 miles or so of the hike would be no elevation gain (a warm up if you will) and then we would be steadily climbing until we reached the peak, 5.5 miles in (about a 2,400 foot elevation gain). We would then turn around and trek another 5.5 miles back to the tram.

I have to say that even though I am the type of person who likes to get the hard part of a workout done ASAP, it was probably better that the beginning was easier, especially since we were still adjusting to the high altitude and were trying to perfect our “mountain” breathing.

One of the smartest decisions Jen and I made was to share a pack, so we were able to take turns carrying it. This really helped us out when we got to the uphill portion which definitely got our heart rate up.

We stopped at a few scenic points and took more pictures.

About 3 miles into the hike, our group split up and I was part of the crew that forged ahead first. Despite the steady uphill climb at high altitudes, the hike was going a-okay. We had the luxury of a nice breeze and because we were so high up, the temperature was pretty pleasant, the scenery was beautiful, we passed a lot of friendly hikers, etc.

However, the last bit before we worked our way up to the peak was what I have named a “boulder scramble”. Basically, it involved climbing up and scaling gigantic boulders that were quite wobbly. I was a little nervous during that point (and even bruised my arm on a branch) but we made it up to the top where we posed for photos and took a lunch break.

Our pancakes and snacks (dried mangoes, mini Lara Bars, dates) had done a relatively good job of tiding us over but by the time we reached the peak around noon, we were ravenous!! I had packed PB sandwiches made on this awesome cranberry walnut bread from the farmer’s market-which totally hit the spot!

At this point, our group split off even more when Jen, David and I decided we were ready to head back down, while the others in our subgroup wanted to stay at the lunch spot.

Part of my impatience was due to wanting to get the downhill portion of the boulder scramble done, which went off without a hitch! We powered down the mountain, stopping for occasional photo breaks.

Old-school outhouses

Me crossing the logs. I totally had Shelley Long’s “I am the log, I am the ravine” line in my head from “Troop Beverly Hills” in my head.

Around 3pm, we made it back to the tram…the loop back was quicker, not only because we were going down, but there was a smaller group of us.

The tram ride down was again gorgeous, though when we touched down in Palm Springs, we stepped out into some sweltering heat (probably about 110 degrees).

It was luxurious to sit down in the car with the air conditioning on, but we didn’t drive too far before stopping at Native Foods in Palm Springs to fill our bellies. My meal was alright-I normally love this place but didn’t order the right thing on the menu (I should have gone with the portabella sausage burger). Yes we ate dinner at 4:30pm and yes I felt like I aged from 29 to 92 in a matter of hours (though I don’t have the gray hairs to prove it).

We still had a 95 mile drive ahead of us but our flagging energy was revived by the prospect of delicious vegan ice cream upon arrival back in LA at Scoops. A scoop of mint coconut and a scoop of chocolate molasses was all I needed and dinner redeemed itself with every bite of that creamy decadent goodness!

Arrived home around 7:30, showered, vegged in front of the TV and was asleep by 10pm. All in all a very memorable day with great company and breathtaking scenery.

I truly feel fortunate that I live in an area where I seize every opportunity I can to enjoy nature and never take it for granted.

I also marveled at my strength during the hike and realized I am lucky to be strong and healthy in this body.

When have you found yourself impressed with the strength of your body and its ability to power through physical challenges?

What is the best way you’ve experienced nature in the past couple years?

What are your favorite ways to fuel pre and post difficult workouts?