I Became an Official Missoulian This Weekend

I've lived in town for a little more than a year now and haven't attempted to hike up to the 'M' on Mount Sentinel yet.  I decided that needed to change this weekend.  Actually, not only did I climb the 'M', but I crossed another item off the to-do list for good measure.

My sister came into town for the Luke Combs concert happening Tuesday night.  I suggested we hike the 'M' since she likes hiking and I hadn't done it yet.

Well, this is shortly after I realized the error of my ways.  I shouldn't have agreed to such nonsense.  Thank goodness for all the benches to rest along the way!

Oh man!  Should my calves be burning like this?  This shot would be me taking another water break after making it through another whole switchback.  Ha!

Sweet mercy!  Please don't let me die of a heart attack up on this mountainside!  Here's where I'm questioning why I let myself get so chubby and why I don't exercise more often?

I have to admit - the view gets sweeter the higher you go.

Making progress!

I'm seeing why everybody loves hiking the 'M'.

I had to shed a few layers and stop at almost every bench to let my legs stop burning - but I made it.

Yep.......nothing like the overpowering smell of urine that awaits you in the restroom after making it back to base.

And not only did I cross a climb to the top of the 'M' off my list.........I also had my first bison burger to celebrate the occasion.

There you have it - I think I can officially call myself a Missoulian!