"I can't believe we hiked seven and a half miles this morning!" Karen said when we got back to our cars. "We're both strong and in good shape," I replied.

Since I began hiking at 21, my nemesis has been walking across a slippery log high over lively rapids with sharp rocks below. Invariably I have a panic attack in the middle and freeze, afraid to take another step. Trembling and a little dizzy, I lose my balance. So, I slowly drop to hands and feet- with a heavy pack on my back- and crawl across like a baby bear.

Saying, "Don't look down" doesn't help. Of course I focus on the log. It's embarrassing. Other people just stride across.

I always get across. Never turned back. Sometimes find an easier place to splash across. So what if I get wet? My boots are waterproofed and have Velcro liners.

Walk the Plank

For five years, Karen has been pushing me to walk the length of this quarter-mile, uneven, raised wood plank trail for mountain bicycles. It curves through the woods. The planks are skinnier in places: four or five inches wide. "Why isn't this level?" I think. Usually I give up halfway and walk on the ground because it's too nerve-wracking.

Today I did it! Thinking about tightrope walkers, I carried my hiking poles level in front of me with palms up. Kept elbows loosely tucked at my sides. Walked with toes slightly pointed out. Focused on each step. Kept moving forward: momentum helps with balance.

This is one of multiple plank trails. With steep ramps, some are higher and much harder.

"This will help you walk across logs," Karen said. Hope she's right.

Photos:

1. Walk the plank curving through the woods.

2. Fallen Ponderosa pine needles look like bird nests. The blue paint means this tree will be logged. Due to massive wildfires, WA State has ordered thinning trees and removing downed wood in all state parks.

3. Why do snakes always cross the trail instead of following it?

4. An unburned hillside is a relief with wildfires across the West.