I don't know what it is about hiking, but every time I go on a good hike I get a feeling of euphoria. Maybe it's the sounds around me that elicit this feeling -- the birds singing in the trees, the sudden sound of water flowing down a creek just as I a round a corner, the movement of leaves blowing in the wind, or the slow sound of more raindrops falling through the tree canopy. Or maybe it's knowing that I'm out of the city, in nature, free for a brief period of time -- no responsibilities, no problems to solve, no worries.
I used to loathe hiking. When I lived in San Diego, until the last year or so, I would have much rather have been mountain biking than hiking. The faster pace and thrill of it excited me more than a boring walk up a hill that made my calves burn. Now I can appreciate the slow (sometimes a bit faster paced) peace of hiking. Thanks Michelle and HP crew for getting me into it! :)
I went hiking yesterday. I've been feeling lately that I haven't been doing nearly enough outdoor activities, and the cold weather and snow is ceasing to be a valid excuse at this point in the season. I had in my mind to hike this weekend, and yesterday afternoon, after a movie with some friends, the sun was out and I thought, "It's either now or not at all this weekend." So I rushed home to change and pack a little bag for hiking and Mambo and I drove off to the gorge to hike Angel's Rest. I hadn't done this hike in quite a while. I went with V and Glad when I first moved to the Portland metro area, and have gone one other time since. Since I started around 3:40pm, Mambo and I did a brisk walk to the top and made it there (2.4miles, 1450ft gain) in just under and hour. I was sweaty and happy. The view from the top was beautifully picturesque -- clear skies at sunset overlooking the Columbia River. I couldn't ask for more.
At this point I should add that hiking with a dog, and one that you absolutely adore, makes hiking even better. Mambo has an enormous amount of energy and doesn't slow down until around mile 5 or 6 of hiking. Most of the time once I'm far enough past the trail head I let him off his leash (given that there aren't a ton of people or dogs that don't deal well with other dogs). Hiking is probably his favorite activity. He bolts up the trail to the next turn and runs back just as fast. Sometimes he goes so crazy that he'll run back and forth like that half a dozen times. He likes to lead the way, but he waits at intersections in the trail or turns and looks or runs back to make sure that I'm still coming. Once we make eye contact he knows he's good to run a little farther along the trail. Most of the time he stays within eyesight just running around and sniffing (and marking) what's along the sides of the trail. He's a good lil' hiking buddy. He's also works as my travelling gnome, helping me document where I've been.
Yesterday made me realize again that I truly love the Pacific Northwest. I love where I live and a big reason for that is that I can drive 20-30 minutes out and hike in gorgeous places like this. California is wonderful, but living in a place where there are 3 1/2 seasons (haha) is great. I love the color green and everything is so green here. Hiking in [southern] California is fun, but it's always so hot and dry and there are no trees that create shade along the way! I'm sure the next time I hike in Cali will be a nice change though from up here.
Also, the sun set along my way down the trail yesterday, and walking down the trail in the dark twilight made me miss camping and backpacking SO much. Be prepared for an upcoming blog post on backpacking/camping!
Last but certainly not least, here are some thoughts I have about life:
I used to loathe hiking. When I lived in San Diego, until the last year or so, I would have much rather have been mountain biking than hiking. The faster pace and thrill of it excited me more than a boring walk up a hill that made my calves burn. Now I can appreciate the slow (sometimes a bit faster paced) peace of hiking. Thanks Michelle and HP crew for getting me into it! :)
I went hiking yesterday. I've been feeling lately that I haven't been doing nearly enough outdoor activities, and the cold weather and snow is ceasing to be a valid excuse at this point in the season. I had in my mind to hike this weekend, and yesterday afternoon, after a movie with some friends, the sun was out and I thought, "It's either now or not at all this weekend." So I rushed home to change and pack a little bag for hiking and Mambo and I drove off to the gorge to hike Angel's Rest. I hadn't done this hike in quite a while. I went with V and Glad when I first moved to the Portland metro area, and have gone one other time since. Since I started around 3:40pm, Mambo and I did a brisk walk to the top and made it there (2.4miles, 1450ft gain) in just under and hour. I was sweaty and happy. The view from the top was beautifully picturesque -- clear skies at sunset overlooking the Columbia River. I couldn't ask for more.
At this point I should add that hiking with a dog, and one that you absolutely adore, makes hiking even better. Mambo has an enormous amount of energy and doesn't slow down until around mile 5 or 6 of hiking. Most of the time once I'm far enough past the trail head I let him off his leash (given that there aren't a ton of people or dogs that don't deal well with other dogs). Hiking is probably his favorite activity. He bolts up the trail to the next turn and runs back just as fast. Sometimes he goes so crazy that he'll run back and forth like that half a dozen times. He likes to lead the way, but he waits at intersections in the trail or turns and looks or runs back to make sure that I'm still coming. Once we make eye contact he knows he's good to run a little farther along the trail. Most of the time he stays within eyesight just running around and sniffing (and marking) what's along the sides of the trail. He's a good lil' hiking buddy. He's also works as my travelling gnome, helping me document where I've been.Yesterday made me realize again that I truly love the Pacific Northwest. I love where I live and a big reason for that is that I can drive 20-30 minutes out and hike in gorgeous places like this. California is wonderful, but living in a place where there are 3 1/2 seasons (haha) is great. I love the color green and everything is so green here. Hiking in [southern] California is fun, but it's always so hot and dry and there are no trees that create shade along the way! I'm sure the next time I hike in Cali will be a nice change though from up here.
Also, the sun set along my way down the trail yesterday, and walking down the trail in the dark twilight made me miss camping and backpacking SO much. Be prepared for an upcoming blog post on backpacking/camping!
Last but certainly not least, here are some thoughts I have about life:
Search out what is truly important to you in life.
Once you find it, never let it go. It will change over time but just keeping holding on.
Distractions will get in the way, and that's alright, but don't lose focus on reaching for what makes you happy and content at the core of your being.
