This week, I hiked to Melakwa Lake. But, honestly, I almost didn't go. At one point, I even pulled off the highway to turn around. But I kept going... with Woods Coffee of course. I was feeling extremely tired after a very busy work week - which included 17 showings and one long 12-hour day behind my booth at Redmond Derby days. For me, being tired isn't usually a factor when it comes to hiking. Typically, the adrenalin kicks in the moment I begin planning my adventure, so I knew this had to be different. I was scared. But not of heights this time, however. This time I was afraid of failing, rather than falling. I felt intimidated - as if I wasn't going to make it for some reason. Maybe it was because the last time I hiked here, I didn't make it out before dark... Or maybe it is because I had gotten a little spoiled with the proximity to serene water while on vacation. Either way, I had doubt, and I think that is what really scared me the most. With my mind over matter attitude, I changed my self-talk to 'I can do this' and before you know it, I was passing by waterfalls, climbing rocks, and dodging mosquitos - lots of mosquitos. Did you know that “Melakwa” is Chinook for “mosquito"? All bugs aside, I arrived at this incredible alpine lake where the water was so clear, it was like looking through glass. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it was and was proud of myself for having the strength to overcome my fears. There are many places in the world that will take your breath away and this week I was reminded how lucky I am to live, work and explore in paradise, the Pacific Northwest. I also regained my confidence to ALWAYS say yes to adventures, because you never know what you are going to experience! | 
