Initial Thoughts
It took three years, but I finally finished. On February 20, 2021, I joined a group of women hikers thinking I just might find my tribe. By this time, I already had enough hikes in to know this activity was something I enjoyed, was challenging my limits, but also opening up some creative thoughts and releasing some stored emotions.
Maybe it was because I wasn’t sure what I would do with myself, but regardless the thinking back in 2021 I signed up for a 100 hike challenge. The rules were simple:
- take as long as you need
- post every hike tagging the "hiker babes group" (still an active, vibrant, global hiking group. Should you care to check them out you can search on Facebook or www.hikerbabescommunity.com)
- you choose when, where and how long your hikes are, but you are always encouraged to join a group hike
Year one I logged 153 miles and 30 hikes. By the time the 100th hike rolled around, I was beginning to recognize a pattern and understand my “why”. Initially, I thought it would be a great way to find some friends and not hike alone. But at the conclusion, having participated in only two group hikes, clearly, I wasn’t looking for friends.
A few things had become clear, though, along the many miles.
1. God will talk to you. “I see you. You are just a tiny speck down there wandering around. This aloneness will not always be. Be brave.”
2. If you are willing to do the work, you will get through the crap.
3. If you dare spend time with yourself, you just might end up liking what you see!
4. There is beauty in this world that will take your breath away. There is pure majesty your eyes will struggle to translate from your vision to your brain.
5. Some Days your 100% looks like 50% or 25%, but it is still 100%.
Worth Reminiscing
And so, with 100 lessons learned, nearly all my scratches healed, and a measurable rise in confidence, I joyfully park my vehicle at the 100th trailhead and begin a hike that will complete a worthy goal of growth and persistence. I can't help but wonder if I will receive a special message as a reward for my accomplishment.
It cannot be happenstance that my 100th trail is named “Redemption Trail”. A bit ironic, sure, but not unusual for a girl who spent three years hiking mostly solo forging her path.
I run my hand over the trail post sign almost superstitiously and chuckle, acknowledging that yes, these hikes have been intertwining one over the other as a form of redemption for me. Through lots of breathing (panting), sweating, and cramping calves, they have allowed me to see my life in a new way = alone, but not lonely - aware of dangers, yet not afraid - despite the ugly, there is great beauty.
I allow my mind to reminisce on my first solo hike and remember wondering if I would have the guts to see this goal through.
And then onto others like the one I am most proud of: Mt. Bierstadt (9-18-21) - my first 14er and I did it alone.
Pride's warmth seeps through me as I navigate the desert like trail in front of me and my mind recalls more epic moments.
There have been scary instances in the Great Outdoors like the time my brother Craig and I hiked St. Mary’s Glacier. We were surprised at its ease so boldly continued on to James Peak only to get caught out on the trail in the pitch dark! And then there was the time we hiked and once again got caught in the dark and thought for sure we'd have to make shelter while awaiting the sun to rise. Oh, wait! There was this other time….never mind! Suffice it to say the scariest hikes were anytime I hiked with my brother!
Back on to more pleasant memories! (Although I wouldn’t trade those brother/sister hikes for anything!!)
More Milestones
The most adventurous? Definitely my boyfriend's and my attempt to summit Bomber Mountain (9-5-21). It was an overnight haul-everything-in-and-out kind of trip in the Cloud Peak Wilderness of Wyoming. We are talking amazing wilderness-feel-the-wildness kind of place!!! Like stand and gawk until the weight of your pack reminds you to keep on moving kind of views. With more hiking experience under our belts, we are planning on attempting this one (and being victorious) this year. Stayed tuned on that one!
At the Crossroads
My 100th hike was reaching the halfway mark. It was almost time to relish standing at the end of the trail, taking a deep breath of gratitude before heading back down. Up ahead I could see a trail marker posting an intersecting trail. As I reach the marker and thus the end of my very own version of a Road to Redemption, the irony refuses to end. I realize I have the option to step on to this new path that has been presented. I am laughing because it is hilarious and far too realistic a choice. Choose Hard Times or continue on this path to Redemption?
We do have some choices in this life in the quest to build a beautiful story. Not surprisingly I opted to not even stretch a toe onto the Hard Time Trail. Oh, this naive act will not impede any hard times due me, but at least for now I continue on my journey knowing the rough patches are there for a reason as much as the smooth.
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