First Grouse Grind

I went on my first Grouse Grind today. Damn it was tough--and I was crazy enough to carry a backpack with a five pound textbook! The trail just kept going and going. When I saw the 1/4 sign I was already pretty hard pressed to keep going. I drank half of my water before the 1/2 way mark and I started rationing myself. Note to self: 650ml of water is NOT enough. Though I did do something smart in the water department; I jacked a pack of salt from the Waterfront food court and added it to my bottle. After the 1/2 way mark it got pretty crazy steep and I felt both of my calves cramping: first my right then my left and I had to rest like five minutes. I should've bought more water and I need to get fitter.

I sweated so much; my head was floating; my entire t-shirt was drenched. My jeans were covered with dirt and so much crap came off my hands when I washed them at at the top. My bag turned pretty dirty too, and I really should wash my water bottle. I was using my hands to push my way up certain rocks and my hand went straight back to my water bottle. At the top we watched the lumberjack show along with all the tourists before heading back down. We thought about what to eat and decided to take the 160 back to Eagle Ridge for some Burger King. EXCEPT, sly Josh kept making us change our minds and we ended up back at Coquitlam Station. We went separate ways afterward, with me going to meet up with my mom. I bought her dinner and i replenish my strength by ordering a steak at China Palace. Of course she was giving my bad looks for eating meat that is not well-done... ugh.

I think my legs are going to kill me tomorrow :(.