Old Rag and I
Old Rag Mountain : My Fifth Climb As I approach what may be my final hike up Old Rag Mountain, I find myself reflecting on the journey, not just of this mountain but of myself. My first encounter with Old Rag was back in 2018, and to say I was underprepared would be an understatement. I had no idea what I was getting into. The rocky scrambles, the steep inclines, and the sheer physical demand of the hike caught me off guard. But something about that experience stuck with me. Despite the struggle, the exhaustion, and the uncertainty, I felt a pull to return. In 2020, I successfully completed the hike twice, feeling a growing sense of accomplishment with each ascent. Those two climbs reinforced my determination, proving to myself that I could push my limits both physically and mentally. Then, in 2023, the challenge became even more personal after I fell and injured my leg. I was down for three months, unable to hike, and it was during that time I realized just how much hiking...