Hiking to the Hollywood Sign. I hiked, I conquered.

A little over a week ago my husband and I went on a much needed, time away from kids vacation. It had been almost four years since we went on vacation that lasted more than the one night apart from the kids. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I mean come on Ryan is only eight months old, and I’m still breastfeeding. But getting away with the husband is always needed. And we needed it. OH did we need it. So on June 17th we headed out to Los Angeles. Somewhere I have never been and have wanted to go for some time now but also to visit with family. I know what your thinking. Who goes on vacation to spend time with family? We do. Plus it was something that I have wanted to do for some time now.

I had a list. A list of things I wanted to do while in LA. And on that list was to hike up to the Hollywood sign. Hike, me out of shape mom of three, hike to the Hollywood sign. But I did it. I hiked, and I concurred.

I was extremely excited and have always dreamt of doing this. In my mind, it was going to be like the movies. Show up, end at the top like it was the easiest thing I have ever done. Look pretty, not sweaty and have an amazing view. None of which was the case.

I kid you not. I believe it wasn’t, but 100 meters before I was thinking “what did I get myself into?” This was not easy. This was hard, very hard. I forgot my water and already felt as if my lungs couldn’t get enough air. Yes, I was Anna from frozen “is the air thinner up here?” after only three steps.

I’m so happy that I did take my camera though. Out loud I was saying how I wish I hadn’t taken it. It was heavy and not needed but on the inside I was thinking. “I’m so happy I brought you, you heavy piece of two-ton machinery so I can have an excuse to stop and breathe” and I did. I stopped many times to “take pictures”. Like in the picture above of the husband. And the one below of my brother and sister. Nice and sweaty of course.

The views, however, were breathtaking. I do have to say there is nothing like seeing the beauty of what God has made. All the stops, all the sightseeing. I sucked it up. In all reality, it was extraordinary. I can only imagine what it would have been like without all the fog/smog that was in the air. Joel and Cherry said we should see what it looks like after it rains. This hike was the first time the thought of moving to LA came into my mind. I was ready to move to LA. Not because of the smog but because of the friendship I now had with my brother and sister who I never see. Also because of the thought of being able to climb this hill some would call a mountain every week and take in all its glory would be wonderous.

Before we made it to the top, we had a choice to make. Rough it and hike the steepest part of the hill or take the long way around which seemed like a mile but was tremendously easier. We, Joel, Cherry and I decided we wanted to risk it all and be crazy people and take the short cut. The husband, on the other hand, did not see the thrill of making it to the top. There was no way he was going to risk it all like we were and take the short cut, but he also was NOT going to take the long way around and meet us either. So he decided to stay behind and catch his breath, take in the view he already had and waited.

All in all, it may not have been as I expected but much more satisfying. I made it. I hiked, and I conquered. I checked off my first to do and felt accomplished. I would and will do it again. Next time I will not however take my massive piece of two-ton machinery with me and just use my phone.

Have you hiked to the Hollywood sign before? Keep an eye out for the other fun, eventful things that happened on our trip.

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