I sure started off strong for someone who had never done a proper hike before.
In July, my mom’s gym organized a wonderful hiking experience at Emerald Vale Brewery. I had never even heard of this place before and it’s right in my backyard!
The night before I was so excited, trying to picture the views and just generally beaming to finally be crossing this item of my bucket list. I was imagining what the trail would be like and dreading how hot it was going to be because I figured hiking in the cold was better. I’m a pretty active person, I’m a regular at the gym so I was pretty confident in my ability to complete the hike. How difficult could it possibly be?
I wasn’t aware of how long the hike would be. I assumed because most of us were first-timers and had varying fitness levels, it would be 5kms. Boy, was I wrong!
We were up at the crack of dawn to start the drive there. The ladies were super hyped up, some not even having slept the night before. I don’t know where all that energy came from.
The views along the trail were incredible. I stopped so many times, just to take pictures.
The hike itself was challenging, there were points where I started to wonder what the hell I had gotten myself into; especially when the soles of my feet started to ache. I couldn’t give up though, I had to finish what I started.
I never imagined in a million years I would be coming across cow dung on a hiking trail! That hike was quite tricky, how in the hell were cows able to get to some of those areas??? It’s a mystery to me. I had also never really seen a cow up close before, man those things are huge!
The landscapes were my favourite part. I never would have seen such beauty if it wasn’t for hiking. I loved how we were just surrounded by nature and natural sounds as far as the eye could see. And the view of the ocean, man!
The way the trees covered some of the pathways looked so magical. It was almost as if we were in another world. The atmosphere was so peaceful and serene, the air so fresh (sans the spots with the dung) and the trees so tall and beautiful.
A few of the people in our group gave up and I completely understand, it was quite an unexpected challenge; especially for people who weren’t fully prepared. I mean, we had our snacks and water bottles on hand but let me tell you, had I been informed that the hike was more than 5km before I got there, I wouldn’t have even started. The one thing that kept me going was focusing on the breakfast that was awaiting us at the finish line. I like food so it was going to make my aching feet and back worth it.
That hike taught me a lot about myself, revealing a deep love for nature and the realization that hiking is an activity I need to embrace more often. I was so proud of myself for pushing through, even when I was in pain and I felt like my backpack was starting to dig into my shoulders. Everything hurt but don’t get me wrong, it was the most awesome workout ever! As much as it hurt near the end, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Would I go hiking again? Hell yeah!
Have you ever been on a hike that was way tougher than you expected? How did you make it through? Maybe it wasn’t a hike for you and it was something else. I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
Here’s to crossing items off bucket lists!
