I chose the Olallie Mountain trail because it was close to Eugene. It is a moderate to difficult trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness. This was actually the first hike I've done that required a wilderness permit. Its a little form you fill out showing your plans and intentions for the hike. It gives the Forest Service an idea of how many people are out there and if people haven't returned. Yep, it was a serious hike this time. The Olallie Trail crosses numerous streams that I had to walk across and at times the path is barely visible because portions of it go through thick bear grass.
This leads me to explain my emotions of this hike and what it was like. The hike itself for me was full of fear and self doubt. I am scared of heights, walking a narrow path on the edge of a mountain is terrifying for me. The path was also surrounded by flowers which meant lots of bees. Bees also scare me. I might have been a bit out of shape too. My pack was weighing me down, hurting my back, and my legs were burning. There were numerous times during the hike when I could have given up. I didn't like the bees flying around me, I didn't like thinking that slipping could lead to a huge fall. I also didn't know if my legs and body could take me the whole way. This self doubt is something that I experience all the time in my regular life. I'm sure everyone here has experienced self doubt. This hike was a great way for me to face this self doubt. I kept telling myself to go on and not quit. I didn't like the bees and I didn't like the edges. My muscles were screaming for me to stop. I didn't give up, and the views I got were worth it.
Never doubt yourself and never give up, you will be very happy when you finally reach your destination.
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