Thanks guys for your feedback. I wrote my trip report as more of an example of how to reach the top than an report of the actual journey - I do separate journals/photo albums for each trip (including Horseshoe Meadows at
https://picasaweb.google.com/107173209992743952243/HikingHorseshoeMeadowsAugust232012 and Tioga Peak at
https://picasaweb.google.com/107173209992743952243/TiogaPeakAugust222012), but your perspective is good to hear.
The outdoors is such a beautiful place and to only focus on the destination rather than the journey would be sad. I know I struggle to balance the two - I have always had a predetermined distance or summit to reach. Horseshoe Meadows was my first hike where I let myself choose whichever path I wanted, whatever distance felt right, and had no worries about what time it was or how much further I needed to get.
Not to get too far off topic, but my love of the outdoors is very new - as I mentioned in my report, I have been hiking less than 2 years, and that is because 3 years ago this was my condition
https://picasaweb.google.com/10717320999...373078328063554 - I lost the weight the old fashioned way with diet and exercise. After dropping enough to where I could be somewhat active, I found hiking and fell in love with it. It was all about the physical challenge and the health benefits I desperately needed. Now that I have achieved a measure of better health, it is a constant struggle to balance the need to "get my exercise" with the pure fun and enjoyment of the journey. That drive allowed me to get stronger much faster, but it comes at the expense of missing some of the enjoyment of the journey. Anyway, thanks again for the feedback, it is much appreciated and a great reminder.
