She's one of my fave literary authors/poets.
This quote is good for me this month as I've done something totally out of my comfort zone. I hiked alone but in a group (does that make sense?). I joined a new to me group via a work colleague. I had the most fun hiking I've had in a long time. Dave couldn't go with me that day so I went alone. I knew there would be 8 people in this group...all spaced out hiking at our own pace and the only person I knew was my work colleague.
 |
| Eastern Adirondacks |
At first I was 2nd in line up the trail. Then for a bit, I was the first one. The only "rule" the group had was that if we came to a junction, we would wait for the others. If there was no junction, we would meet at the summit. I loved this. It was so free-ing! I hiked alone for probably a good 15 minutes. That's just under a mile for me. I was one with nature: the scent of the pines, the newly unfurled ferns, some trillium I trod carefully around while heading off into the woods, off trail to dig my hole and....you know....use nature as an outhouse. Once I was back on the trail, there was only one person behind me and she said "just go, I like to hike slowly". So I picked up my pace and had the trail all to my self. She was also alone and sure enough we came to a junction where the others were waiting. A head count was done, and then we were off again at our own pace. Once again, I found myself behind 2 faster hikers and in front of the other 5. I purposefully slowed down a bit behind the first 2 so that I could linger at some falls by myself.
 |
| falls along the trail on Fifth Peak |
And I discovered that I LIKE hiking alone! When I know the trail up a mountain summit is well marked and has other hikers on it at some point, whether it's behind or above me, I am ok with this. It's something new for me. And I'm loving the sense of adventure I feel.
I enjoyed the solitude. I enjoyed the banter on the summit. I enjoyed that no one complained about anything! Yes it was thick mud in spots (it's mud season in the Adirondack mountains until about mid-May). But everyone was happy, content, full of life and so encouraging.
 |
| Lake George as seen from the summit of Fifth Peak Central Adirondack Mountains in the background |
It was a hard mountain trail for me. Short. But steep. I was thanking God for switchbacks and flat parts towards the top.
I'm trying something new: solo hiking and new groups of people. And although sometimes that is difficult for me (I love my regular hiking buddies!! and my family/husband!) I am finding that this fits me well at this season of my life.
I feel nurtured by nature...and I'm stepping up onto new ground.
3 comments:
What a great hike, Faith! Once again, you are an inspiration to me! I haven't every really tried solo hiking, but I just may do that, because a hiking buddy is not always available. There is also a FB hiking group I have been thinking about hiking with. Thanks for the inspiration to step out of my comfort zone a bit. :-)
Wow, awesome hike!! I enjoy solitude while walking, even when I'm walking my dogs. It's my reflection time, thinking time, and prayer time.
You are brave in my opinion. I'm sometimes even nervous on trails with just my hubby and me and no one else in sight. Probably because I am way less experienced than you. But I can see where it would be incredible. The peace with no one to listen to except nature and God. The feeling of accomplishment.
Post a Comment