Love it, of course! Oli sounds like my dad, who always said it was “just a little further” when it was at least a couple miles. The stories of the “passers” made me think of Korea, where I lived for six of the past seven years. Hiking is huge there. And every time I went, there were always ahjussis and ahjummas (men and women of a certain age) steaming past, even on the steepest parts of the climb. To be past by someone thirty years older than you--and maybe even crowds of them--is humbling, to say the least. But also inspiring. Not only could they do that, they always looked like they were having a blast, playing music on their phones and stopping for selfies. Best lives, without a doubt!
I enjoyed this so much! I only got active in my 30s when I made a friend at a dog park and we went on day hikes that pushed me to my limits. When I felt like I couldn’t go on, my friend would always tell me not to give up because “there is a bench where we can rest just around the bend.” Of course, there was rarely a bench. We still laugh about it.
This is making me want to hike in mountains in British Columbia, Canada. And proudly trekked 12 km bushwhacking through overgrown path this past summer. Exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.
I was riding my stationary bike while I was reading about your incredible hiking day #2, Holly. And, 15 minutes in my legs were aching. Haha! Can’t imagine doing what you did. Amazing effort and accomplishment.
Love it, of course! Oli sounds like my dad, who always said it was “just a little further” when it was at least a couple miles. The stories of the “passers” made me think of Korea, where I lived for six of the past seven years. Hiking is huge there. And every time I went, there were always ahjussis and ahjummas (men and women of a certain age) steaming past, even on the steepest parts of the climb. To be past by someone thirty years older than you--and maybe even crowds of them--is humbling, to say the least. But also inspiring. Not only could they do that, they always looked like they were having a blast, playing music on their phones and stopping for selfies. Best lives, without a doubt!
Phew... I was exhausted reading your exhaustion. 😓😰
I enjoyed this so much! I only got active in my 30s when I made a friend at a dog park and we went on day hikes that pushed me to my limits. When I felt like I couldn’t go on, my friend would always tell me not to give up because “there is a bench where we can rest just around the bend.” Of course, there was rarely a bench. We still laugh about it.
I’m enjoying reading of your struggles and triumphs--living your best life! ❤️
Stunning prose, stunning photos. Can't wait for days 3/4.
love this! I want more, please.
This is making me want to hike in mountains in British Columbia, Canada. And proudly trekked 12 km bushwhacking through overgrown path this past summer. Exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.
I was riding my stationary bike while I was reading about your incredible hiking day #2, Holly. And, 15 minutes in my legs were aching. Haha! Can’t imagine doing what you did. Amazing effort and accomplishment.