Almost gave up on the hike to Hidden Lake

Begrudgingly checked out of the Village Inn this morning. It was the last day of the season and they needed to winterize the lodge. Made our way back up the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass for a hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook (After seeing folks along the edge of the Highline Trail yesterday, I knew my nerves couldn’t handle such treachery.) Turns out I could barely handle the moderate hike to Hidden Lake. Steep steps form the first half of the trail, I was out of breath after several breaks. I sat on a big red rock and begged Casey to go onward and take photos, I’d meet him back down at the car. Watched him recede up the path and regretted not being in better shape. A couple came by asked how the view was up there — thinking I was taking a break on my return. “Oh, this is where I gave up.” I sighed, and the fella said the path evened out after the next pass and “It’s a once in a lifetime view!” Guilted, I continued upward. The path didn’t even out after the pass — it kept going…