Not many of my friends and family have a similar love as I for hiking and kayaking in new places with a degree of frequency.
One thing I have learned is to not let that stop me from doing something I enjoy. I still love my family and friends but it’s ok to pursue your interests and hobbies and connect with new people.
Most especially during these pandemic and disconnected times I very much enjoy finding “common ground” in hobbies rather than politics and vaccinations.
With that said, I had my first experience night hiking on a perfectly clear evening with a lovely anticipated sunset and the harvest moon.
Fortunately I had great confidence in the guides from the moment I arrived – Steffan and David. I have gotten lost in smaller hikes and have also heard coyote howls in an at dusk experience with a friend so I was wary. I even carried my kayak whistle with me just in case. It was also comforting to have Lobo the dog around with his lovely owner.
When we got to the overlook to see the sunset it was shared that there’s also a cave beneath the overlook. Mmm . . . I hate feeling closed in. . . Rough terrain to navigate and it’s getting dark. . . The colors in the clouds are getting more pronounced . . . So easy to convince myself not to do it. GO!
The whole evening was so close to not happening for me. Yes it was an hour and a half away, yes it was a work night, no I wasn’t familiar with the town nor the mountain trail and yes it was 5 miles with likely most if not all younger then me!
Yes. . . No. . . GO! I’m so pleased I went.
Side story: We got wind that there was a search and rescue going on for an unrelated party while we were hiking and when we got back to the bottom we found many fire trucks. They were found and ATVs went to rescue them.
What an adventure!
Pivot and Pause in New England 