Missoula is tucked in on all sides by a series of hills and mountains, one of which holds the 'M' Trail. Only slightly more difficult than climbing to the top floor of the stuffy LA building, and quick enough to fit into a lunch break, this popular hike appeals to students, visiting parents, and community members of all kinds. At all times of the day, one can look eastward from any place on campus and see a trail of ant-like people climbing their way to the best view in town.
The 'M' trail on Mount Sentinel has a total of 13 switchbacks. With each switchback comes a little more sweat, a little bit better view, a few more rocks in your shoes, and new, profound thoughts to contemplate.
Switchback One: I'm going to go to the top of Mt. Sentinel this time, I swear.
That's right. The 'M' isn't even the top, but rather, sits about a third of the way up the hill. I still haven't made it to the top, but it's all about the journey, right?
Switchback Two: I should do this every day
In another dimension, I wake up at 6 a.m. every day, go for a quick hike up to the 'M', make a cup of coffee as black as my heart and drink it while writing my third best-selling novel. All that and I still have time to brush my hair. In this reality, however, where coffee is the only real priority, both Mt. Sentinel and my hair are left neglected.
Switchback Three: I wonder what's for lunch today?
One of the many joys of having a handy meal plan means that unlimited tater tots are always waiting at the bottom of the hill.
Switchback Four: I really need to take a shower
Who has time for things like basic hygiene when there are hills to climb and four page British Literature papers I need to pretend to write?
Switchback Five: Oh, hey. Neat view.
It's easy to forget to look up and take in the view, especially when you're trying not to trip. But it's worth slipping every now and then to take in the surrounding scenes of snow-capped mountains, serene clouds, and bros throwing Frisbees on The Oval below.
Switchback Six: I can't stop here or those nerds will pass me!
I know it's not a competition, but it's also totally a competition.
Switchback Seven: WHY ARE YOU RUNNING
Seriously, are you a super human/robot/fearless of the long and rocky fall? No, you're not? Then why are you running?
Switchback Eight: I wish it would snow
Every time I look back and see how far I've come, I imagine how fun it would be to sled back down. Luckily, we've only got a few more weeks until the snow turns me into an under-dressed popsicle.
Switchback Nine: "'Cause the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, and the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake, baby I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake ..."
Some songs just never leave your head. I have no shame -- okay, a little shame -- in admitting that T Swift's perky lyrics and infuriatingly catchy melodies rattle around in my head while climbing.
Switchback 10: Why are there so many children up here?
Those kiddos are going to be so pooped later, but maybe that's the point. Their parents get a double thumbs up.
Switchback 11: "Can I pet your dog?"
Second only to Tinder for Dogs, hiking the 'M' trail is the best place to meet new pals of the pup variety.
Switchback 12: This is awesome. I'm so awesome. I wish everyone could see how awesome I am!
Is it just me or is there extra oxygen up here? I should plant a tree to contribute to this beautiful oxygen.
Switchback 13: This sucks. I suck. Oh God.
Where did all my oxygen go? Why am I doing this?
Top: Oh yeah. Now I remember why.
