Flattop Mountain-3510 feet- We made it!

Making the hike to Flattop Mountain was on our "must-do" list for Anchorage.  Marv had hiked it several times (the last time about 15 years ago), stating he wasn't sure he would do it this time.  But he did; and, so did I.  And Arlo, well he was up and down to make equivalent of climbing it twice. He is definitely a "mountain dog" and just loves it!  We like hiking, but that dog is happiest when he is on a hike.  His agility skills were definitely at work, without a misstep.  As for Marv and myself, we both landed on our butts several times, due to the loose gravel, in spite of our careful stepping.  However, at least the helicopter, that arrived to rescue a hiker, was not for us!

The panoramic views of Anchorage, the ocean and the mountains made all our effort worthwhile.  It was nice that our frequent rest stops allowed greater appreciation of the view as we climbed higher and higher.  Just as we started our descent, two parasailers came off the mountain.  And when we were about 1/2 way down, a rescue helicopter landed in our pathway to pick up a senior who had fallen on the trail.  

It was about the most strenuous hike Marv and I should be doing at this point in our lives.  A couple of times I questioned our sanity.  But we need to live "on the edge" every now and then.  "Hiking a trail" turned into "rock-climbing" at the summit.  But it was too late to quit then, as we were almost to the top.  A very steep final ascent had me wondering how we were going to get back down.  The loose rock, gravel and dirt was the treacherous part.  But we kept 3-4 point contact at all times and had enough endurance to make it safely.  It took us about 5 hours, including reststops and time at the top.