Fullerton Loop - AKA "Holy crap I want to die

A little back story... This past Saturday evening the former gentleman and I (we have decided to be just friends) played a friendly game of mini golf. Even though he claimed that he has not played since he was 12 and was no good he still won. SHOCKER! I am going to claim distraction from the mosquito's that were eating me alive. Either way he won and as a prize when we got back to my place I made him homemade oatmeal cookie dough since we both love it.

Now for the real story... I was feeling bad that the last few times some friends from Cochrane have asked me to hang out I have had to say no so I decided to invite them out for an easy beginner level hike. I think I was drinking or delirious and pretending that I live a healthy active lifestyle now and again. The answer was yes and as the day approached I had convinced myself that even as a chunky lady I can do whatever those other people can do. Oooh boy. We met in Bragg Creek, in front of the candy store, which I think is appropriate.

The hike we decided on was Fullerton Loop in Kananaskis Country. A trail that was recommended by my friends mother who is an avid hiker and said it was a leisurely trail. Funny how we all define words differently. It all started poorly as none of us knew where the trail head was and after only 1 u-turn and a confusing adventure in the parking lot we finally consulted people with hiking sticks. People with hiking sticks are avid hikers and therefore know what they are doing unlike the three amateurs who clearly do not spend time out in Kananaskis as the one friend is wearing jeans.

After meeting at 11, 11:45 we make it to the trail. It starts flat enough. We are all walking together a little bridge here, a small creek there it is all charming. I was already afraid for  dear life as my friends were charging the way at a quick pace. My one friend was complaining at the beginning and that is it. As we approach the first incline it hits me that I am round and could just as easily roll down this hill as walk up it, possibly easier! After that first incline it was the ladies turn to complain as the male continued to walk ahead of us at all times. We were actually enjoying ourselves but it is funner to make joke and acknowledge our panting and huffing and puffing as the 60 year olds pass on the left. If you would like to know what we looked like I bring exhibit A. A short clip from Sword in the Stone, fast forward to 1minute 35 seconds. That is us.

The pay off arrives, we arrive near the top and past the half way point to a beautiful view and look out. Definitely worth the pain my body is certain to be feeling tomorrow. After a few quick photos and a few stupid photos of flowers we were on our descent. The only thing that made this hike better was realizing we went up the easy way. An hour and fifteen minutes later we were back in the parking lot and it was over.

As much as I kid it was really good to get out of the city, make my body work, and the scenery really was fantastic. I look forward to my next hike this summer, destination tbd.

Shellie Moment: I arrived back home and went to hydrate with some ice cold water in the fridge and there it is... leftover cookie dough, screaming my name. SHELLIE EAT ME I AM DELICIOUS! I close the fridge door and pretend like I have will power for about half an hour. Yes cookie dough talks to me, actually it yells at me. It is not as nice as it is tasty.