Mt. Prospect: Hike for Life.

by on September 26th, 2009
No CommentsComments

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”  ~John Muir


DSC_1887

Lake George, New York.

Approach your Life like you hike a Mountain.

When I was in Lake George, New York, I wanted to camp somewhere overlooking the lake.  Lake George is supposedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.  It is oligotrophic, which means it doesn’t have much organic matter, therefore is very clear.  

I bought Virginian Ham, only because I wanted to reminisce.

While buying my dinner of a Virginian Ham sandwich, a Granny Smith apple, and some Dove Turtles, I decided to poll the grocer.  An older woman, whom has lived here a long time, said that I had to hike up Mt. Prospect.  I was not sold at first.  I had hiked about 8 miles to get here.  ”It’s a good hike.” Her persistence pays off and I yield. I pack my dinner and look forward to eating from the top of this mountain. 

“It’s a good *hike*.”

As I begin, I am confident this will not be much of a problem.  Quickly, I am humbled.  I pass two folks on their way down.  They didn’t make it too the top.  They were forced to turn back as it was getting dark.  “Up ahead is the one third mark.”  So I had gotten more than I bargained for.  

As the trail continued to ascended, I realized my mistake.  The grocer had said, “It’s a *good* hike.”  She emphasized the word, “good” which I took to mean, not that challenging.  She should have emphasized, “hike.”  “It’s a good *hike*.”

 

My good friend Mario gave me this primate to keep me company on my journey.  He's a slow hiker though.

My good friend Mario gave me this primate to keep me company on my journey. He's a slow hiker though.

Enjoy the View.

It was worth it.  The summit was deserted, save two youngsters that quickly departed.  I had a great campsite that was primed to watch the sunrise.  Plus, it was nice to be in nature again and away from people.  I had forgotten how much nature can revitalize me.

Live your Life, as you would hike a Mountain.

As I descended the next day, I thought that hiking well is similar to living well.

Find your own personal rhythm; not too slow or too fast.  

Stand tall, no matter how heavy your pack is.  

Drink, when you are thirsty.  

Eat, when you are hungry.  

Enjoy the feeling of your body.

Watch where you are putting your feet, but don’t miss the scenery.  

Rest, when you are tired.  

Breathe.  

When you decide to place your foot, step and step confidently; no regrets.  

Enjoy the view.

***

Share your hiking experience with the community.

Create Our World.

Ben

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

 

  • Share/Bookmark

Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories: Places.

Leave Comment

Commenting Options

Alternatively, you can create an avatar that will appear whenever you leave a comment on a Gravatar-enabled blog.