Dear Zeus

Dear Zeus,

If I were you, I would not pick Mt. Olympus as my home. I know clouds are nice, but how can you see the world you rule through all those thick clouds?
love,
Allie

Thats what I would write to Zeus. Calvin and I chaperoned the senior high school's annual trip to Mt. Olympus. Even though two weeks earlier we were sweating on the beach, this weekend was extremely cold! We left campus Saturday, and hiked up about 2-3 hours to the refuge. It was raining as soon as we got off the bus, and that rain turned to snow by the time we reached the refuge. The clouds were so thick we couldn't see beyond the mountain we were climbing, but it was still SO beautiful! There were pines and other trees and the smell of fresh air and the sound of rain or snow falling. The refuge was incredible small, two dining hall rooms and then rooms with beds. It was super awkward hanging out in the dining hall, no one really spoke to us...but at least calvin and i both brought books! The next day we hiked to the top of the 2nd highest peak (I guess the highest is only 6 m higher but is more dangerous...there are parts where there is nothing on either side of you!). Right near the top the wind picked up and it was SUPER cold. Oh and climbing up there were parts that were nearly vertical (and I was in tennis shoes...forgot my climbing boots at home (i dont have any climbing boots!)). Sunday was fun, I bonded with Calvin and Phil (the English director who is a Grinnell alum). Apparently if you climb to the top the school gives you a medal...I wonder if I get one!? Oh, and at the refuge there was a dog..I have no idea how he got there...I think it was Zeus in animal form! Anyways, the dog hiked with us to the top of the peak...he was my new best friend!

Even though the climb was easy, my legs are terrible soar. Monday and yesterday when i got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night i could barely stand. and i wince everytime i go down stairs!

~allie