Sunday, February 14, 2010

Good Cardio

Last week John and I climbed the fire road across Las Flores Canyon from the Sam Merrill Trail. It was his idea. With no shade on the mountain we had the perfect overcast day, he wanted to try something different, and why not?

I had all sorts of reasons why not. There's no good trail. It's not a hike, it's a climb. And it's rocky over there, with gravel and scree loose enough to roll you down ten feet for every two you go up.

I didn't think I could do it.

"Sure you can," said John. "You're strong enough."

I begged to differ. I complained a good part of the way up. It was steep. I was scared. For some of the climb we had to resort to our hands and knees just to find something to hold onto. It was most undignified.

I finally gave up, afraid to go on.

"I'm going to see what's around that bend," said John, obviously not the least bit worried.

He was gone for a little while. I found a place where I could sit without having to hold on and busied myself taking pictures. Finally, I crawled up after him.

Not too much farther along he'd found the wider road. He helped me over a few tough steps and we walked. It still wasn't easy; our legs were tired and our lungs were hungry. But we kept going and we made it farther than either of us could have gone alone.

At the top we gazed out over exhilarating San Gabriel Valley views we'd never seen before. We congratulated ourselves for making it so far. We discussed the great gobs of lunch we'd eat when we got back down. And I thanked John for insisting I could make it (the climb, not the lunch).

Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie. Even mountains are no match for us when we climb them together.

17 comments:

Janet M Kincaid said...

Glad to hear the view was worth all the effort. Happy Valentine's Day to you, Petrea!

Brenda's Arizona said...

Wonderful tribute, Petrea.

Virginia said...

Awww, you two are the best. Happy V Day to you both.
V

Bellis said...

That's such a sweet Valentine's Day post! You're so lucky to have one another. And I like the title - Good Cardio = Good Heart.

Petrea Burchard said...

We are lucky! Every day I'm grateful for such happiness.

Dina said...

The second photo is quite scary. I can't believe you guys got all the way up there. But you did.
You two will go far together.
It's so cardio-warming.
Lots of love on this day and always!

John Sandel said...

If I had a blog, I'd feature you there & make you out to be the hero ...

Forget blogging! Wanna just make out instead?

Petrea Burchard said...

My god, you're brilliant.

Geoff said...

Contrats! I always look over at the firebreak from the Sam Merrill Trail and wonder what it's like to climb. Thanks to your vivid description I now know what to expect!

Ms M said...

May you have various cardio-warming experiences today ;)
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweet husband.

pasadenapio said...

A lofty tribute to your beloved.

freefalling said...

Hey - you need some Rocky music too!

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, everyone. I hope you all had a good Sunday and your Monday's off to a fine start!

-K- said...

Great story. Maybe this will be the afternoon I go back to Franklin Canyon Reservoir, not far from here.

Dina said...

Yeah John, start that blog, please.

Colleen said...

Love that post. My old dog and I used to hike that trail all the time. I really miss it. I don't know if my current dog could handle it, but when I'm well enough I'm gonna start doing it again. It's the best cardio workout in town, with views as a bonus!

Petrea Burchard said...

Colleen, a couple of years ago I watched from the Sam Merrill Trail as a man chopped stairs into the earth of the hillside. There are no stairs anymore, it's all rubble. Good workout, though!