For the last few weekends, I have been busy with some events and errands. This Sunday was no exception. I had to do some chores, but I wanted to schedule in my hiking in between. Luckily, there was a regional park nearby my errands. I decided to hike a 3.5-mile loop there.
We used to hike a lot there. For some reason, it has been almost 10 years since we stopped going there. I used to walk the loop with my family as well as other families. In the beginning, there was a pleasant 1-mile gradual hill. No matter how out of shape I was, I always toughed up on this hill and let other grown-ups or kids first to say, “can I take a break here?”. But it was always worthwhile to climb when we got to see the majestic view of the mountain range 10 miles away.
So, today I was all by myself in the morning driving to this regional park. Since I have gone there for many times, I needed no navigation – just follow my memory to get there. Boy, a little did I know, the area I thought I knew transformed into a massive housing development. I made a wrong turn and got lost. With my google map, I was eventually able to get to the regional park’s gate and found the familiar winding road leading to the staging and parking area. I parked my car and head to the trail.
The beginning of the path was precisely the way I remembered. Some couples and families passed by me in the opposite direction, exchanging morning greetings. And I started climbing the 1-mile hill. It was as fierce as I remembered. I’m 10 years older but realized that I had had more experiences with long, steeper hills than that. And I was stronger physically and mentally after going through many hills and many life challenges in the last 10 years.
And just like 10 years ago, at the end of the climb was the gorgeous panoramic scenery of the mountains – what a sweet reward it was. After enjoying the view, I continued the trail. Even though the surrounding area has changed so much, the path has not been changed a bit. Mindfully taking each step, I reminisced the times we spent here with the friends and family and the long way we all have come. I completed the hike with a warm feeling inside. Sometimes it’s nice to go back and reflect on paths we have traveled.
Learn to Live 