Hellfire

An orange orb looms ominous as it pokes above the hazy horizon to the east.  I’m on my way to work; in the back seat is a pair of boots and a backpack.  At noon, I’ll be leaving the office and heading south for some trail maintenance at Wildcat Mountain– something I signed up for two weeks ago.  But two weeks ago I had no idea today would include a heat advisory warning and a predicted heat index of 110 degrees.  As noon arrives, 110 degrees is fast approaching.  When I reach the trailhead an hour later and take my first few steps, I’m gasping and certain I didn’t bring enough water.

It’s the hottest day of the year, and the worse time of day to be out, yet I’m climbing a mountain with a backpack full of trail clearing gear.  Admittedly, charging head first into a heat advisory isn’t my smartest decision, but I have a tendency of being drawn to extremes - like six months ago when I climbed this same mountain right after a snowstorm.  Perhaps I’m drawn to these extremes in an effort to counteract, all-at-once, the hours I spend indoors.   

A snow covered trail is no match for 110 degrees.  Today represents the most challenging hiking conditions I’ve ever faced.  Switch-backing up the mountain has soaked me from head to toe.  When I reach the level ridgeline, I un-self-consciously peel off my shirt, certain that no one else is hiking in such dreadful conditions.  The bare skin provides just the slightest hint of relief from the hellfire. 

Six months ago, I was hoping to find trail blockages - to give purpose to my visit.  This time though, I’m not as sparked when I came across a downed tree.  Simply keeping a grip on the sweaty handle of my folding saw is a challenge.  As is rationing my diminishing water supply.  Though lukewarm, each sip is precious and has to be evenly allotted. 

Three hours after setting out into the hellfire, I return to my car.  Though a bit dazed by a melted brain and soaked through and through, I’m satisfied.  The extreme challenge has been met… and my car’s full blasting air conditioner is like a polar plunge.

A few weeks ago, a phlebotomist drew three vials of blood from me for testing.  So far, the only issue found is a vitamin D deficiency, meaning I spend too many hours indoors under cover from the sun.  Today’s oven-roasted outing has gone a long way toward solving that problem.