The night before a hike I stress about the potential incline and wonder why I decided on the hike. After you put on your gear and stretch, you start going uphill. It seems that almost every trail starts by sending you uphill... up up and up! While I am trudging up and breathing hard I often wonder if I can go any further. This can be frustrating at times and Owee doesn't always roll with the punches or the inclines! When we reach the summit or the mid-point, we always have some magnificent reward like a view or landmark. And by the end of the hike we are busy planning the next one and hoping for something more challenging.
My favorite part about our hikes together are the conversations we get to have. Owee talks about her friends, teachers, school, and family. She also becomes very insightful. My favorite moment was after she had said she wanted to hike the entire PCT, I asked "Why would you want to do such a tough hike?" She said,
"If you are always scared of the difficult things, you will never have a real accomplishment. You can't live in fear, Mom."
She went on to say that if she can do the PCT, she can do anything. I already know she can do anything.
I guess it's like childbirth, we only remember the pain for a short while; the joy, excitement, and pride are easily recalled and last forever.
Owee has really taken to hiking and decided she wanted to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail. She wants to be "notable" and hopes to have SOLO hiked it by the time she is 15! Of course an adult will be there every step of the way just in case (I hope to hike every mile with her), she will have to pack and carry her own gear as well and set her own camp and navigate. It is a pretty lofty goal!
In March we will be doing the 40 mile Rogue River hike and then in June we are doing our first 120 mile leg of the PCT from Sisters to Cascade Locks. I'd say to wish us luck, but we only need strength, health, and our continued perseverance.
No comments:
Post a Comment