By It usually takes about a week for my body to get used to Daylight Savings and it takes about the same time when we change back in November. Instead of doing my usual routine – lay low and take easy – this year, I woke up at 5:20 am and met up with friends at dawn to hike the Inspiration Point in Altadena.
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Castle Canyon Trail starts from Mt Rowe Railway Trail on top of the Echo Mountain. My previous post on Echo Mountain has trailhead information. We reached at Inspiration Point after 4.62 miles and 2909 feet in elevation gain. We ate the delicious sandwiches Jackie made and shared snacks while enjoying the view.
It’s been about 5 years since I hiked this trail. Is it possible that my fear of heights got worse over the years? I hope not. Some parts of Castle Canyon was very narrow -barely one-foot width – with pretty steep decline off the edge. My heart raced and I felt my anxiety coming on. It’s mind-boggling. It’s unlikely for me to forget about the narrow, cliffy parts of the trail. The only thing that makes sense is that it didn’t bother me that much back then. But, I refused to believe that my fear of heights is getting worse! Can it? Can a phobia get worse over time seriously? How am I supposed to hike Machu Picchu and other amazing places on my bucket list if this gets worse? I am hiking with a (mental) disability!! OMG
Anyway, shocking my system was a good call after all. I did not leave my couch after I got home and took a bath. I was thoroughly exhausted. I slept for 10 hours that night and woke up feeling fresh! I didn’t experience any side effects of the Daylight Savings time change. 🙂
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 3.22.15
- Distance: 9.4 miles RT
- Elevation Gain: 2,909 ft
- Difficulty Rating: Difficult
- No toilet
- Out and back trail
- Mostly exposed
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Happy Hiking!
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Hiking Girl with Dog 
Nice hike! The first picture with the hikers in it really helps describe the dimensions:) On the phobia comment, I am sure it gets worse the older you get, that’s at least true for me:)
A friend of mine told me that too! 😧 I better make these hiking trips soon then!
Beautiful pictures and congrats on handling your fear. Face Everything and Rise!
Thank you. 😊
Will check the canyon the next time I’m in southern Cal. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for reading!