Today was my last hike of 2016 and of course I enjoyed it. I couldn’t take a picture though as my iPhone would not turn on (it was completely charged).
I was reading earlier about the concept of forest bathing and I believe it applies also to hiking. I always feel that there’s a parade of trees welcoming me on the hike. A lot of it is mind over matter, as they say too. When I feel weary or tired, I say things to myself like “K is for Kan-do” as I am from Kansas.
I haven’t done this for fitness but more for peace of mind. It is always something I look forward to on the weekends. I still go to the same place, Burke Lake Park, because it is free to Fairfax County residents. I thought about going to other locations but they are further out and they charge.
Earlier in the year I tried hiking boots but they weren’t as comfortable as the Vionic sneakers I wear. I used a pouch/pack during summer months but in the Fall and now Winder I still use my old LL Bean jacket to store gloves, water, and tissues.
I received some nice Under Armour gloves that I used for the first time on today’s hike; a family member also gave me a nice water bottle to use while hiking.
I was thinking too today that I never see any sad hikers; everyone is in a good mood when they are out and about.
I am also glad I never let the weather stop me; it was 26 degrees when I started the hike (cold) but it still felt great. I hiked in the heat and humidity of summer, and I decided I like hiking in the winter best.
Here’s to many more hikes in 2017 – Happy New Year