Day 7 of my 2025 jump rope challenge – a 45-year-old guy checking in.

🌄🏞 After five months, I'm finally back "patrolling the mountain." In previous years, I'd patrol two or three times a week, over a hundred times a year. It's been almost half a year since my last patrol, and I've been itching to get back. I've even gained 10 pounds! 😅😅 🍂🌳 Today's check-in spot is Tayun Pavilion on top of Xianglu Peak. Although Xianglu Peak is only 575 meters above sea level, with an actual elevation gain of over 400 meters, the view from the top is still magnificent. 🌄🌄 🐦🏯 Tayun Pavilion offers a panoramic view. Sparrows have built nests under the eaves, and their occasional chirping adds a touch of life to the summit. 🕊🕊 🌱🌳 Wild peach, apricot, and date trees line the mountain paths. Although they haven't blossomed yet, tender buds have sprouted. Yesterday was the "Awakening of Insects," so their blooming is just around the corner. 🌱🌱 🌸🌼 Winter jasmine is the first to bloom along the mountain paths, already forming clusters. I hear the winter sweet is also blooming at the foot of the mountain. I'll have to check it out on my way down. 🌼🌼 🐱🌿 Besides the constant chirping of birds, I saw several cats darting through the grass. There seem to be more cats than last time I was here. It looks like the mountain will be even livelier this year. 🐾🐾 🧗‍♂🚶‍♂ Climbing to the top from the north gate of Xiangshan Park involves 2,209 stone steps. My leg muscles are definitely feeling it. This is more challenging than my usual warm-up jump rope routine in the park by the Second Ring Road. 💪💪 👟💨 My calves felt heavy while jumping rope today, but enjoying the scenery from the pavilion while jumping helped distract me from the fatigue. 🍃🍃 🔢🎉 I jumped 4,096 times today, successfully completing my daily goal. Although it's more tiring than jumping in the park, I prefer the summit experience. 🏆🏆 🌄🌅 This is my first mountain patrol of 2025, and I'm feeling excited. It's great to see the beautiful scenery of Xiangshan again after half a year. 🎉🎉 💪🏃‍♂ Jumping rope after climbing to the top is a new kind of challenge. Double the exercise, double the fun! 😎😎 👋🏼💕 Today's check-in was a complete success. I'll be back next Thursday to patrol the mountain and check in from the summit again! 👋🏼💕