Hike to Pulpit Rock

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Pulpit-Rock-near-Nelson-BC-1275

In a moment of insanity I agreed to hike up to Pulpit Rock with Annette, Betty and Cheryl.  Our goal was to hike up to the Flagpole and have a photo taken with the flag.  When we parked at the bottom of the trail I was enthusiastic.  The approach to the trail was a bit daunting and I almost quit before ever setting foot on the bottom stair!  But decided that was premature and repeated the whine about 500 feet further along.  Then determination kicked in and I decided to give an honest effort, frequent whining notwithstanding!  Annette and Betty soon were dispatched on their own - they could have done the trip twice during the length of time that it took for Cheryl (bless her heart) and I to reach Pulpit.  When we finally reached Pulpit there was no longer any consideration of further climbing in me.  Cheryl stayed with me, Annette and Betty hiked on to the Flagpole.  While we rested our eyes and hearts were being filled with the amazing sights of the lake and the fall colors of the nearby forest and Nelson and the mountains and the sky. 
The hike down is far easier except for the complaining from my knee!  Many volunteers have made the trail so much better over the years.  After my last hike up there about ten years ago I thought that I would not be doing that again.  Now I wonder if I am yet done wirh that trail!