ALDPES Hiking 4/22/12 :)

      Last Sunday (April 22, 2012 a.k.a. Earth Day) a few of ALDPES's members went hiking in Griffith Park. We loaded up the cars and drove to the base of our destination (after a few wrong turns here and there courtesy of google maps) and proceeded to hike to the top of the mountain/large hill formation. It was quite the grueling experience as the sun finally decided to show itself after hiding behind gloomy clouds all morning, but it was also a time to bond as members exchanged stories as usual. There were quite a few steep areas to overcome but we finally made it. We saw the Hollywood sign from a distance and took our pictures with it (regardless of how far it was from us, it was still the Hollywood sign and that was enough for us...). We continued our trek up the mountain, remembering to keep hydrated and protected from the sun's harsh UV rays with plenty of water and sunscreen.
       After finally making it up to the top of the mountain, we all settled down for lunch, had a good time, and take a group photo. It was then time for the downwards descent. We were all relieved that we wouldn't be walking uphill anymore. But just as my friend Joyce and I were discussing how we were happy about not having to walk uphill, someone realized that we had gone down the wrong path. A collective sigh went through the group as we prepared to walk back up. We made it back to our lunch area and proceeded to go down the right path this time. There were a few close calls here and there as people nearly tripped over rocks and the sheer steepness of some areas (I was one of them of course). We made it back down and got loaded up in our respective cars, enjoying the amazing feeling of cool AC air on our sun-kissed skin after walking under the intense heat of the sun.
       It was my first time hiking and I definitely had a good time. I felt good about myself (a feeling which continued throughout the day as my friend and I enjoyed Yogurtland, an amazing treat, after our hike...) and accomplished. I would recommend those who haven't gone hiking or seen the Hollywood sign or even been outdoors in a while to go on the next ALDPES hiking trip.
      There's a bonfire coming up in a couple of weeks and more fun activities (check out the facebook page for event updates); looking forward to seeing you guys there! Until next time :)
P.S. Sunscreen really does make a difference....