When I think back to my younger years, I remember being a pretty active kid. By active I mean that I loved being outside climbing trees, running around, riding bikes, hanging out with my friends and keeping busy.
I remember playing sports in school. Volleyball, track & field, basketball even. Although short little me wasn’t the greatest at basketball. I was fast, I was furious and I was very determined. I even won the sportsmanship award when I graduated 7th grade.
As a teenager, I slowed down a bit. Volleyball was my passion and I played it in high school. I loved it because I was good at it. I loved the thrill that came from tournaments and competitions.
As a university student, I went to the gym 3x a week but that was the extent of my activities schedule. I was too busy studying, studying, going out with friends, clubbing and more studying. *Ahem.
It wasn’t until I met my husband J that I was introduced to a whole other world of physical activity. The kind of fitness you find in the very backyard of the beautiful place in which you live.
He introduced me to hiking.
At first I hated it. I was 30 years old and not in the best shape of my life. I didn’t understand what was so great about hiking up a mountain when it hurt every inch of my body and caused me to hyperventilate.
It wasn’t fun. At. All.
Until we got to the top of that mountain.
Then I saw this …
and was swept away from the simple beauty of our planet.
A planet that I managed to live on for 30 years and not know the real beauty it had to offer me.
My husband has taken me on many hikes since my first one. He now goes easy on me and takes me to places he knows I can handle. The more he takes me, the more I understand why he loves exploring the natural world so much. It’s simply breathtaking.
It makes you appreciate life for what it really should be.
Beautiful. Peaceful. Simple.
And because of this, I went on a hike on my own (without husband) just the other day.
I went with these girls.
My work buddies … and we had a great time.
Husband was proud.
And so was I.
Love hiking! My hubs got me into it as well. Went on my first hike with him in Utah and have loved it ever since. What an awesome top of the mountain view! Good job on that hike.
Thanks Elena. I was pretty proud of myself. I’m even looking forward to the next hike and told hubby he can pick one for us to do before we head back to school. Funny how things change!
I love hiking. there’s a place about an hour from my hometown, Foley’s Mountain – but not a mountain like you have moutains, but still pretty nice for Ontario. It overlooks this tiny little river town that is just the most picture perfect setting. Artists from all over come there and climb the mountain to get to just the right vantage point to paint. It’s beautiful and so worth the hike. I miss going there so much.
Volleyball was my fave too! I played on a beach volleyball tour too when I was in university. best summers ever!
That sounds lovely. I would love to be an artist and sit myself on top of a mountain to paint. So inspiring!
Gorgeous view from the top of that mountain! I love that we live out here so my boys will grow up hiking. For me, I didn’t really hike except for when we went to the Adirondacks for summer camp for 4 summers, because I love that payoff when you reach the top, and most of lower Michigan is relatively flat.
Being out here in Western Washington, we are a few minutes away from absolutely gorgeous hikes! On our vacation last week we did a short, family-friendly hike to see some waterfalls, and some of the tourists were all impressed that my 4-year-old walked the whole way. I was such a proud mama!
My hubs is American so we explore the Western Washington area all the time. I’ve done many hikes out in your area! Beautiful scenery!
I’ve groaned my way through many a hike with my mother in my time. But now, just this summer, I want to give it a try again. For the very reasons you cite, the BEAUTY to behold!
Funny how that works. At first you hate something to only do it again and again until you end up longing for it.
Good for you! Hiking is awesome when you have gorgeous views like that lake.
I can’t imagine hiking where you live, Jessica. I’d melt or pass out in the heat. This hike I did with friends was all shaded by trees so we stayed cool. It definitely had gorgeous views!
Looks like you guys had so much fun! And what amazing scenery. Loved the pictures. And hearing about the adventure!
It was a lot of fun, minus the physical effort … ha ha.
I really enjoy a good walk .. if the weather is right!
Your view is beautiful
Walking is the best exercise!
That view is well worth the hike, I do believe! What a lovely group of hikers too!
Thanks Jackie! The view was worth it for sure. As for the group of friends, that’s questionable …. ha ha, just joking. They’re like family
Oh those views are gorgeous! I’d go hiking just to be able to look at that.
I know! It was wonderful.