I Wasn't Ready for Snow Lake

Everyone said it was "challenging but doable." What they didn't mention: the first mile is straight up granite slabs that laugh at your hiking boots. I turned around three times. Not because of the view—I never saw it. Because my legs were shaking and my pride was bruised. The Instagram photos make it look like a casual Saturday stroll. The reality is 8 miles of questioning every life choice that led you to voluntarily punish yourself on a mountain. The people coming down looked like they'd seen God. I looked like I'd seen my own mortality at mile 2. Sometimes the mountain wins. Sometimes that's exactly what you needed to hear. #Travel #HikingReality #PNWTrails