Why Hike?

Post date: Feb 01, 2016 3:45:41 AM

Some people have asked the question, why do you want to do this? This question is interesting to think about and a definite answer is not easy to formulate and put into words. What is easier to say is what it is not. It is not a midlife crisis, not something to scratch off a bucket list, not because of being unhappy at work, or with life in general. It's not running away from something but being drawn to a new experience. An experience laced with mystery. Learning how I will respond to the physical and mental challenges of a long hike that will at times seem monotonous, learning about the lives and motivations of others on the trail, learning about living without the conveniences of everyday life, learning what it's like to be immersed in nature for long periods of time, learning to fall asleep to the sounds of the night. The mystique and beauty of the forest has been a lure since childhood so simply walking day by day being immersed in the beauty of the wildflowers that let loose in the early spring and carpet the forest floor before the canopy of leaves dominates becomes a delight. Being immersed in the sounds and smells of the forest that only walking truly allows becomes rejuvenating. Experiencing the rhythm of life on the trail while Nature offers physical tests and thrills, intellectual and imaginative mysteries, emotional comfort, and aesthetic delights will, I hope, become life changing.