My knees are sore, but...

... I had a blast. I enjoyed myself today -- and all week, really. I would probably rate yesterday's hike as the best -- cross country trek (with army men) capped by majestic desert view on Garnet. But all of the days had their own unique highlights; even Sonic was a new experience for me. Over the week I learned a few things. I learned, for instance, that Sloan writes really interesting and substantive blog entries; I learned that Ben H. is part man, part mountain goat; I learned that Malea hikes ten times faster when Saige is not around; I learned that Saige's laugh can be heard from miles away; I learned that Rod the bus driver has really good instincts (yeah, yeah, YEAH!); I learned that Katie is willful enough to fight through nasty blisters and keep walking; I learned that Ben P. is a true nature man at heart; I learned that Warren can climb any rock, anywhere, any time; I learned that Zack has the heart of a lion, especially when he takes his shirt off; I learned that Kendall can pull out an Into the Wild quotation that will apply to whatever is happening; I learned that Grant has good legs and a good sense of humor; I learned that Colin can bust it up a mountain if need be; I learned that Meg appreciates beauty as much as anyone; I learned how Alex H is in a whole lot better shape than I am; I learned how Kate appreciates the aesthetic beauty of nature and solitude; I learned that Alex B isn't afraid to make fun of me (I knew this already actually); I learned that Tim Barry can make it up a mountain; I learned that Jessie walks about the same speed I do (she always seemed to be in front of me or behind me); I learned that Rachel isn't afraid of a little back or calf pain; I learned that Mr. Aiston is hardcore when it comes to climbing boulders. I learned that there isn't always a horse at the top of the peak, there isn't always snow on the ground, and there isn't always a van when there is supposed to be. I also learned that it's a whole lot of fun to hike with you guys. Hope we can do it again sometime.