Post climb comfort
We finished our climb and were back at the car at the trailhead after a long hike out. We were both sweaty, thirsty, and starving.
I started rummaging in my glove box in search of last summer’s Clif bar, and reached for the lukewarm gallon of water I always kept in the trunk .
Meanwhile, my climb partner . . .
strolled over to the small creek next to the trailhead and retrieved an icy cold adult malted beverage she stashed there 3 days back when we arrived.
After she cracked her beer, she wiped off the trail grime with a few unscented baby wipes she brought in a ziplock bag.
Then, she grabbed a bag of chips and inhaled the calories and salt that are so well earned after a big climb.
Finally, she changed into a fresh T-shirt, shorts and comfy sandals for the long drive home, and topped it off with a canned energy drink (also cold from the creek) to stay alert while driving.
She glanced over at me with a smirk. “So", she said, "how’s that Clif bar?”
