Conquering the Mountain

Sometimes that phrase can be symbolic. Today, for me, that phrase was literal.

Well, I guess as literal as it can. In Hamilton we have an escarpment; however, people in Hamilton like to refer to it as the Hamilton Mountain. "Conquering the Escarpment" didn't have the same effect for a blog title.

In an attempt to add more exercise to my weekly routine, I decided to attempt to climb the Hamilton Mountain Stairs.

There are five different staircases that ascend the Hamilton Mountain. I have chosen to attempt the Dundurn Stairs - 356 steps up then 356 steps down. I suggested the idea to my kids this morning, 50% in favour 50% against, so we will see whether it is something that they will join me on in the future. A few girls at work have decided to do this jaunt after work when the weather permits. Will I be joining them on a regular basis? Lets see if I can conquer the mountain first!

Dundurn Street is a pretty street when you first enter the City of Hamilton. It has Lake Ontario at one end, and the Hamilton Escarpment at the other. There are some beautiful Century homes at the base of the escarpment, maybe I will find myself lucky enough to live in one of them.

I made it to the top! I am very proud of me! My girls are excited too, and want to conquer the mountain with their mother. Think I will have to get used to the exercise first, three times a week (m-w-f) before I start adding a weekend jog (or shall I say crawl) up the escarpment.

UPDATE: It is currently snowing and blowing out there, it is 4:36 pm in the afternoon, the girls at work are still planning on leaving work at 5:00 and conquering the mountain again today! So, just to let you know, if you don't hear from me for a few days, the mountain swallowed me whole, send out the st. bernard with the barrel around his neck!