Safe hiking in Twenty Twenty-THRIVE

As the year ends, I hope you were able to go hiking, even if it was once or a few times only; that through hiking, you were able to escape the daily noise and connect with nature and you still want more!  Being in tune with nature allows you to forget your worries and connect with your inner self. While being in nature can be refreshing, it may also expose you to certain dangers for which you should be prepared.

Our country, South Africa,  with its beautiful mountains, beaches and waterfalls, boasts a range of the most beautiful hiking trails and routes in the world. This post aims to give you advice to ensure you enjoy the splendour that this country has to offer while remaining safe.  

Safety in numbers

While hiking solo can be good for your soul, there are safety issues to consider and given the number of mugging incidents at some trails, it is not advisable to hike solo. It is not only about the danger of being attacked by human beings or animals, but there may be other risks that can be better mitigated in a group setting. And while in a group, sticking together is key. It is advisable to take the pace of the slowest member of the group, but this may sometimes not work. Depending on the group size, the fast hikers may be in front while the slow ones remain behind, but with a strong hiker among them. There also must be a way of communicating between the slow and fast hikers.

Communication

I once had an experience during a hike in the beautiful rainforest of Magoebaskloof where our group of 10 ended up being divided into four groups. The group had initially been divided into two – slow and fast. Typically these divisions just happen without a plan. And because when hiking, one sometimes gets into a meditative state, I found myself at some stage, being alone while I had been walking with two other people while the other two were in front. When I called out, the people in front responded and waited for me to catch up with them; in my mind, I believed that the two I was walking with probably waited for the other group. Needless to say, there was a comedy of errors on that day, with people circling the same area several times and others having to go look for them. That was a big lesson in communication. And I owe a brother from Harambe Hiking Club a big apology for our entire group’s revolt towards his advice at the time. It had been a long day, and emotions were very high.

The orange whistle is not just an accessory. It is a means of communication.

When I started hiking, the issue of safety was always in my mind and among the first things I bought, was a whistle with a compass. And I still can’t really use a compass. But that whistle has been blown so many times. Some backpacks have built-in whistles on the sternum/chest strap for easy access.  And I know some hikers are not even aware of that. I know this because it took a while for me to notice that I had one and, therefore, no longer needed the one I used to attach to my bag with a carabiner. According to Scoutwiki, the international distress signal is to blow three blasts on the whistle, and keep repeating this for one minute, then pause for a minute, then repeat for another minute. You must repeat this until you get help.

Another way of ensuring good communication is the use of two-way radios to ensure the group stays in touch. This means you must consider the range and ensure that you’re always within that range. Also ensure that the batteries are charged enough to last until you finish hiking.

Know the trail

It is important to research the trail you intend hiking and get as much information as possible. If available, make sure you have a map and can use it. Having a good GPS device and knowing how to use it is even better. I once had an experience where our group missed the trail just at the beginning. And this, after another group had the same fate the day before and had warned us of the possibility of getting lost and how to avoid that. How smart of us to get lost even after that caution. And while we were aware that we are lost, we went on to hike 10 km before deciding it was best to return to where we started, knowing very well that we may not even have a place to sleep as it was a multiday hike. The Drakensberg is known for inclement weather and hikers know to aim to be at the next hut by 14:00 for their safety. We walked the other 10 km with black clouds forming above us, and we had to dig even deeper to make sure we arrived before it started to rain. And lady luck was on our side because yes, we made it and before we could begin to reflect on our lack of wisdom on that day, the heavens started pelleting down some serious hail.

In the bush, nature is king!

Weather

We all know nothing is as unpredictable as the weather, but knowing the expected weather is crucial to staying safe on a hike. While there is gear to protect you during stormy weather, there is always a chance of slipping and getting injured. There are terrains you don’t want to face in the rain! Hiking in extreme heat can also affect your pace. When it’s extremely hot, make sure you have enough water to avoid dehydration. South Africa generally has a diverse climate, so research the area you intend exploring as there are areas that experience rain in summer while others experience it in winter, and others experience winter snow while others don’t.

The ladder may be slippery if it rains

First aid kit

I cannot over-emphasise the importance of this. I never went hiking without a first aid kit, regardless of how short or near. Today, I have the nerve to go on multiday hikes without one. Reason? Complacency or stupidity! I recently had a rude awakening when a friend got injured during a hike. I didn’t even have a muscle spray. And neither did other hikers that passed us. What happened to preparing for emergencies? Please get yourself a proper hiking first aid kit and make sure it has an emergency blanket. It is also important for all group members to disclose their medical conditions and carry their medication.

I think it is important for all hikers to do a basic first aid course to know what to do in emergencies. And I know I’ve promised myself to attend one since forever.

Finally

These are just the basics; understanding the trail you intend to explore will give you an idea of what you will need for your safety. I will provide you with some numbers to contact for emergencies. Just remember:

·       Research your trail

·       Start as early as possible and avoid late starts

·       Understand the weather

·       Have navigation tools and map

·       Have communication tools (cell phones, whistle, two-way radios)

·       Dress appropriately

·       Rest where necessary

·       Never leave an injured person alone

·       Pack your backpack accordingly

·       Don’t skimp on hydration and food/snacks

·       Prepare for emergencies (first aid kit, ropes, repair kits, extra socks)

·       Always carry a torch and lighter/matches

 

Emergency numbers

• 112 (any emergency)
• 10111 (police)
• 10177 (ambulance)

Mountain rescue

·       KwaZulu-Natal – 031 307 7744

·       Western Cape – 021 948 9900

·       Gauteng – 074 125 1385/074 163 3952

As everybody seems to concur, 2024 - with all its blessings and beauty - was a bit rough for most of us. For the first time in many years, I had to be content with hiking locally only, and only a few times. I am looking forward to more hikes in Twenty Twenty-Thrive. 

Please remember to be gentle with yourself and stay safe. 

Td 

Be gentle with yourself

So, I didn't post anything in the month of November, not because there was nothing to post. I had to learn to be gentle with myself and really dish myself the same kindness and compassion that I always share with others. I had to learn not to berate myself just because I could not post a single blog for the whole month. And I had to learn to listen to my body as it screamed for a break! 

We live in a world where we constantly compete with ourselves and others, whether consciously or subconsciously. We are taught to have 'measurable' goals, and when we don't meet them, we feel like failures. And many of us bow to this societal pressure to our detriment. I've heard young people saying 'at my big age...' and I guess 'at my very big age,' I should know better than to compromise both my physical and mental health trying to reach a goal and maybe some praise. May I declare now! I was not able to post anything in November and I am not a failure! 

Nature offers us time to relax and reflect. Use it.

When I thought of this blog for beginner hikers, I planned to post one article a month. And then I read somewhere that you must be consistent so readers don't forget you, and that's how I opted for weekly posts; big mistake if you ask me! The more I did that, the more I realised that I was stretching myself too thin, given my other commitments. I then resorted to two posts a month; that went well until November happened. Somehow, I found myself snowed under, and despite writing an article at some point, I did not have the energy to give it a final check before posting it, and just like that, weeks went by until November came to an end without me posting anything.

I'm writing this after doing a 10 km walk this morning, literally from the coach.  This after dealing with swollen feet for more than two weeks. I've been frustrated as even doctors could not explain the source of my water retention. This made me doubt whether I should continue with the walk as I was even experiencing some pain. Anyway, the 10 km is behind me; it was a bit rough, given my fitness or lack thereof, but it's done.

I'm sharing all these because as a hiker, there will be moments when you won't be able to go on hikes because of one thing or the other. And there will be moments when you'll go for a hike and return feeling like you've been hit by a truck. That is okay. I planned a multiday hiking trip for May this year and I could not join the group because of my health. And while that was not a nice pill to swallow, I had to accept that everything happens for a reason. I'm still not sure what the reason was, but other people were able to go on that hike and enjoyed it.

Whenever you find yourself on a hiking trail and you find that you cannot walk as fast as you're used to, that may be nature asking you to slow down. Give yourself the gift of slowing down and smelling the moment. Use that moment to be in touch with your environment and absorb nature as much as possible. If you need to take a break, please do. I hope if you're hiking with other people, they'll be considerate enough and also be gentle with you. We all can do with some gentleness in our lives, regardless of where we may be.

There's beauty all around.

I'm sure I'm not talking for myself only when I say 2024, with all its many blessings, has been a somewhat rough year. The roughness may have shown up as ill-health, losing people, bad choices, financial issues, work issues, and so on. What's important is that we're here, and we can still count the good that happened despite all the bad we may have experienced. And what's even more important is for us not to judge ourselves or our situations harshly. Let's be gentle with ourselves and others. As the young ones say, all of us 're a gowisha'. 

I wish you gentleness and ease during this festive season, and if you're still hiking, enjoy it. I have never been able to hike in this heat and I respect those who are able to. Just make sure you're well-hydrated and please protect your skin from the harsh UV rays. 

Td

Hikers care

Sometimes all you need to give is your time or share your talent/knowledge/gift. (Photo: Courtesy of Mongane)

Word on the social media streets has it that since the end of August, the ‘bars’ have been opened. The Christmas decorations at different shopping malls also remind us that not only are the ‘bars’ opened, but it’s also time to open our hearts and give to those in need. It is the season of giving. As synchronicity would have it, this past Friday, I watched a movie  after a long time. Ordinary angels is a movie about an alcoholic woman who goes all out to assist a recently widowed father of two, with a child needing a liver transplant. One of those heart wrenching movies that you cannot finish without reaching for tissues. I love small kids and both happy and sad movies tend to pull my heartstrings, so yes, I reached for the tissue box several times.  The star fish story which underpinned the storyline, was a reminder that no act of kindness is insignificant.

Walking for a cause. (Photo courtesy of Agrieneth Masule)

On Saturday I joined a group of volunteers from a local church to package food for the needy. Being part of a community seeking to make a difference, no matter how small, is always fulfilling. I’m sharing all of these because as I was busy either packaging or weighing stuff in that hall, I remembered that movie. And in my world, there are no coincidences, only synchronicities. These synchronous events reminded me of a community of hikers and how they tend to gather to do good. And this saw me abandoning the piece that I was ready to post, for this one. It felt opportune for me to highlight some of the good deeds of hikers and hopefully inspire you, as a beginner hiker,  to not only immerse yourself in nature, but also to be conscious of the needs of others and maybe save one star fish in the process.

The hikers' angel - Masego Molosiwa aka Mmamane

Ditsamaanaga Hiking Club in Mahikeng has, for several years, been hosting events to assist the less fortunate. These ranged from spending a day at a children’s home feeding, entertaining and reading to kids, collecting and donating school stationery, sanitary pads and school shoes. It will be remiss of me to write about hikers caring or Ditsamaanaga’s charity projects without mentioning an angel, Masego Molosiwa, lovingly known as Mmamane to all hikers - may her soul continue to rest in peace.

Remembering Mmamane

I met Masego when, as a group of new hikers, we organised a walk from what was then Mmabatho Palms Hotel to the Ramatlabama border post (about 24 km one way). Upon learning that I was from Lehurutshe, she called me Malome, meaning uncle, as she was a niece to Bahurutshe. I also started calling her Motlogolo. She was brave enough to join a group of gym enthusiast, hikers and one or two runners when she was straight from the coach. This was the beginning of a journey of many hiking and camping trips with tons of laughter around the campfire. This was also an introduction to one of the ordinary angels roaming this Earth. She had a big heart and tears for life. She cried for those who suffered and cried even more when something good came together. Her altruism was the genesis of the Ditsamaanaga charity drives, which continue annually in her memory. Please note that this is not a tribute to Motlogolo. Her big heart deserves more than this simple mention.

And then there’s Mongane

The gentle giant with a big heart.

How can I forget Ephraim Nakedi, a gentle giant who has always been a great help to many hikers. I know not many people know that name as he is Mongane to hikers and Malome Tau on stage where he sings and performs traditional dance. Hikers generally assist each other but not all will have the heart to assist someone who forgets the difference between the left and right leg when crossing rivers or streams. My early hiking days were characterised by a fear of heights and all things water. Mongane has always been there to lend a hand whenever needed. He’s pulled me up big and scary boulders and held my hand when my legs stiffened where I had to cross a stream. Many hikers have stories to tell about this selfless human being whose hiking life was cut short by a shooting incident which saw his leg being amputated. Despite his misfortune, he continues to spread kindness. He collects shoes, sanitary pads and soccer kits for schools at his home village, Madikwe as well as Mabeleapodi where he currently lives. Additionally, he teaches young kids drumming and poetry. 

And dynamite in a small package

Not deterred by the remaining 242 km.

What I love about hiking is the community circle keeps getting bigger. In 2022, I decided to join the Desert Bushwalk in neighbouring Botswana, after a sabbatical of several years. This, in memory of Motlogolo as she was part of the group that paticipated in the maiden Desert Bushwalk in 2014. We were the only non-Botswana nationals participating at the walk that today attracts participants from many SADC countries. During the walk, I met an enthusiastic young lady, Agrieneth, who chatted excitedly like we’ve been friends since forever, easing the torture of the sand in the process. I loved her effervescence, and we kept in touch. I was to learn that her small body housed a huge heart committed to easing the burdens of those less fortunate. As a teacher from a single-parent household, she could relate to the struggles of many children and out of her concern, Motlaletsi Charity Club was born. Over the past 10 years, the club assisted 10 secondary and seven primary schools with donations such as school shoes, basic toiletries and stationery. Three years ago, she started an annual 252 km walk campaign to raise sanitary pads for schoolgirls. The 8-day walk aims to provide 252 sanitary pads to each girl since it is estimated that a girl needs about 252 sanitary pads a year. This year alone, Motlaletsi Charity Club managed to raise over 60 000 sanitary pads through the walk.

Helping one school girl at a time.

Inspiration  

Hikers don’t only hike, they care a lot and there are many more stories to demonstrate this. There are people who got inspired to hike because they saw others doing it. And hiking doesn’t only afford us a chance to walk wide and vast terrains, but it also reminds us that we are one with nature and all creation. This means we must take care of the environment and everything on earth, especially human beings in need. I hope your hiking journey opens your heart as wide as the distances you cover so you can touch as many souls as possible. I hope you’re inspired to be part of a caring hiking community so you too can contribute to saving more than just one star fish, one step at a time!

Td

Are you a senior beginner hiker?

 

My friends and I rocking this hiking thing.

I cannot begin to describe the trepidation with which I approached this topic.  I have, for several years, had this resistance towards accepting that being on the wrong side of 40 makes you an older hiker in a way. I used to cringe every time I saw exercises for over 40s and so on. I wondered what made them think that just because a person is over 40, they suddenly become fragile and therefore needing special care or special exercises. Isn’t this age thing just a number as they say? And what happened to ‘you are as young or old as you feel’?

The simple answer here is this age business has a way of creeping in gradually and before you know it, what you used to do with ease suddenly becomes a serious mission. Seemingly out of nowhere, standing up or stretching your legs send your joints on some crackling chorus or firecracker show. I started observing these changes in my 40s. I was never a fast hiker and that's probably because I prefer absorbing nature, smelling each moment. I was so fit that there were trails I referred to as quickies. Anyway, some of those 'quickie' trails are now showing me flames, as they say, and I keep gritting my teeth as younger ones whizz past me (it’s been more than a decade since I was in my forties). And it’s beginning to seem like most people on the trail look younger than me; I don’t know if my eyes are also failing me.

I used to look at ‘older’ hikers, especially on backpacking trips, and say, that would be me in a few years. I still want to hike even beyond the age of 70, God willing, and I look forward to that. With all the firecrackers and many other issues raising their ugly heads, I’m still determined to be that grey-haired older citizen on hiking trails for years to come. I may not be able to carry my multiday backpack due to other issues, but if these legs can carry me, I will still be on those hiking trails. I just need to be extra cautious to avoid breaking anything, knowing that they no longer manufacture spare parts for my model. If you do not want to carry a big backpack, there is an option of slackpacking which you can explore to enjoy multiday hikes.

Maybe age is really just a number!

Before I get carried away, this is about you, as a ‘senior’ person wanting to begin hiking and not being sure whether you’ll make it. If you can still walk, you can start hiking. You need to get used to walking and get information on what you need for hiking to make your journey easier. Even if you never experience a multiday or backpacking hike, you will still reap the benefits of hiking.  Please remember that this will be your journey and yours alone. While you may have to hike with other people, don’t be pressured to take longer or more difficult hikes when you’re not ready. Listen to your body and do this hiking thing your body’s way.

Benefits of hiking for seniors

·       Anyone, seniors included, can benefit from any form of exercise, and hiking is a low-impact exercise, making it more suited for seniors.

·       Ageing comes with the risk of osteoporosis and weight-bearing exercises are recommended for the prevention thereof. Hiking is regarded as a weight-bearing exercise, meaning, you will not only be improving your physical health, but your bones will also thank you.

·       Human beings are social beings and since hiking is a social activity, you will not only get to enjoy nature, but you will meet all kinds of people and what a mood booster that is! 

·       Being in the outdoors means more exposure to vitamin D, which our bodies require.

·       Being active reduces the risks of developing old-age issues such as high blood pressure, heart and circulation diseases among others. However, as a precaution, please check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic diseases.

 

Senior hikers on a break.

Challenges that senior hikers may experience

It would be remiss of me to just paint a rosy picture of hiking as a senior. There will be challenges, with the first one being your fitness level. As indicated above, regular walks can assist you gain the fitness you need to start hiking and to maintain your hiking journey. 

Flexibility

There is nothing like sore and tight muscles to put you off any form of exercise. The elixir for this is regular stretching. Most hikers, regardless of age, seem not to think much of stretching, regardless of the distance they hike. Stretching should be an important part of your life, especially if you exercise. I prefer stretching immediately after a walk or hike and whenever I skimp on that, my muscles and joints become so unhappy. As a senior, you cannot afford not to stretch since you’re dealing with less stretchy ligaments, worn joints such as knees and hips, and possibly your spine too. You can also take yoga and pilates classes to improve your flexibility. You can even stretch when you take breaks on your hike

Balance

As we age, there’s a degree to which our balance can weaken, due to several reasons. Some causes may need medical attention while some may only need exercise. My advice here is to hike with two hiking poles. Not only will these help with balance, they are also a good support for the joints. In addition, they help strengthen your upper body as you walk. Keep your body strong through other forms of exercise too.

And sometimes senior hikers connect with their younger, playful  selves.

Quick tips for seniors

 

·       Aim to walk as much as you can in between your planned hikes.

·       Don’t carry too much weight, especially as a beginner hiker.

·       Stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and cramps.

·       Do a lot of strength exercises, especially for the legs, back and core. If you don’t go to the gym, let YouTube be your ally.

·       Use hiking poles. Using these is not a sign of weakness or ageing. As indicated above, they have many benefits.

·       As youngsters say, stay in your lane. And this means do you! Hike at a pace that’s comfortable for you. This may mean hooking up with hikers who are not into flying through trails if that's not for you. 

 At the end

Nothing should stop you from beginning your hiking journey, age included. Even if you have health issues, your doctor can give you advice on the best way to start your journey. I am slower than I've ever been in hiking and I try to be careful not to break anything since my model doesn't have spares. And I stop often just to smell the moment and absorb the beauty around me. You can do this! One step at a time!

Did this help? Please post your comment and share this with others so we make the circle bigger!

Td

Staying hydrated when hiking

 

Hydration bladders are easy to carry, leaving your hands free  

I’m one of those people always carrying a bottle of water and that has got nothing to do with trying to shed some of my load. At least I know that it will take more than gulping litres of water to reduce my weight, so if you’ve seen me with a bottle of water in hand, it’s just me ensuring that I stay hydrated.  I have already shared information on the type of backpack you need when hiking, and the specifications included having outside pockets that can accommodate bottles of water and space for a water bladder. This is important as staying hydrated on a hike is essential for your safety. The heat this season is what prompted this piece. And just as a reminder, even in winter, hydration is still very important.

You’ve probably been told that our bodies are made up of between 50 and 75% water, and because we keep losing it through sweat, urine, and so on, we need to keep replenishing what we lose. And what better way to do that than drinking more water? I know some people may count other beverages they consume and think they’re hydrating. Just because it is liquid, it does not mean that it will hydrate you. In fact, there are beverages that require you to hydrate while consuming them as they are dehydrating.

Electrolytes

I’m now going to sound educated and smart. I have already mentioned that we sweat a lot when hiking. And with this sweat, we’re not only losing water, but we’re also losing electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and others which, according to healthline.com, are essential for maintaining cell function, muscle contractions, fluid balance and general body functioning. If you feel fatigued or experience muscle cramps during a hike, that may be a sign of low electrolytes in your body or dehydration.   

Most sports and health shops sell electrolytes either as sachets with granules or dissoluble tablets. These should always be in your backpack, especially when it’s hot or when you’re on a multiday hike. If you’re using bottles, it may be wise to pop in an electrolyte tablet or sachet in one. Make sure that you get advice when buying electrolytes as they have divergent uses. There are some for pre-exercise to help you stay hydrated for longer and to help with endurance, while others are meant to assist with muscle recovery post-exercise. There are also isotonic drinks and gels which may help with replenishing the lost electrolytes.

Hydration packs

While I have such a healthy relationship with water, I’ve not always consumed enough when hiking. The first issue was when I started hiking, just like the many people I see on trails, I carried water bottles. The difference here is that at least I carried the bottles in my backpack instead of holding them in my hands. Did that help keep me hydrated? You guessed right! Because accessing the bottles was always a mission which required me to stop, undo the backpack and remove it so I can pull out my bottles, this affected the frequency at which I hydrated. Well, you may have the bottles on the outside pockets, but that is never really such a good option as the water gets hot. I suspect those who carry their bottles in their hands experience the same thing. What’s worse with their option is that once the bottle is empty, there’s no longer any motivation to keep carrying it, which leads to littering.

I know many people who hit the trail without even a drop of water, and I try to remind those I hike with of the importance of water when hiking. Some bring water in bottles and because of the inconvenience of having to remove the backpack to access it, they end up not drinking enough. Please note that I’m not selling hydration packs or bladders, but it will be remiss of me not to share the convenience they offer. I know people have asked why I needed a catheter or drip in a hike, and I’ve patiently explained that the catheter is a trusted friend to ensure I stay hydrated throughout my hike.

A hydration hose is easily accessible than a bottle of water in the bag.

I’ve had moments of forgetting to use my hydration bladder even though the hydration hose was just close to my mouth. In 2017, while hiking the Ancascocha trail in Peru and dealing with the altitude that I thought was going to be the end of me, the last thing on my mind was water. Everything was a struggle. A sister friend had to keep reminding me, ‘Moratiwa drink water’, each time I mentioned a headache. Taking that sip of water was a mission, but as soon as I started remembering to take a sip, I had hope that my family will not have to receive my body at the airport. And there were moments where my backpack, with only my water and a few snacks, got so heavy that a porter had to carry it for me. With limited access to water, my body wanted to give in, hence I want to plead with you, if you take anything at all from all my writings, let it be that you never have to be on a hike without enough water, whatever that means for you. Remember, when you hike, especially when it’s hot, you sweat a lot, and you need to put that water back.

Taking frequent water breaks

Taking a break allows the body to cool down.

One habit that hikers develop over time, and I'm one of them, is to hike without frequents stops, especially on day hikes. Believe me I'm not sure how that habit crept it. I sometimes miss the good old days when hiking meant taking frequent stops - okay, maybe I don't miss stopping every ten minutes - just to be present and smell the moment. We've become so used to rushing that we forget that the reason we go hiking is so we can slow down and be one with nature. While a break gives you time to connect with nature, it also allows your body to cool down so you don't sweat too much. It also gives you time to rehydrate and even replace your energy even if it's just with a snack bar or nuts. Talking about snacks, something salty is recommended, especially where you stand to sweat a lot. There will be a time when you finish hiking and your face has white crumbs. If you want, you can taste it, after all the crumbs are from your body. And that's when you know you have to replace electrolytes.

Finally

If more than 50% of your body consists of water, what do you think happens when you lose some of that? Let water be your favourite bev, especially when you hike. That will ensure that you do this one foot in front of the other thing without cramps and fatigue. One sip at a time!

So there are backpacks and then there are hiking backpacks. Huge difference!

Td

 

 

 

 

Nature teaches

 

Nature teaches us that we can rise back from hardships.

On the first Saturday of September, two hiker sisters and I visited one of the trails I count among the toughies in the Gauteng Province - I almost always feel like I’ve been hit by a loaded truck after hiking this trail. This being the spring season this side of the hemisphere, I was reminded of the many lessons we can get from nature. And I know I have shared what I learnt from hiking, but this time I am writing about what I observed regarding how nature works, something that many of us see but maybe do not learn from.

Circle of life

I once had a conversation with a friend about how human beings must learn to accept death as part of being alive. Whether we are going to die young or old is something that is beyond us. And yet we like trying to be in control of that. We see death as an end and not part of the circle of life. And I must say, I have experienced deaths of people close to me and yes, none of them was easy on me. I have learnt that every new beginning is preceded by death. When someone gets married, their single life dies as they begin life as a married person. When a woman gives birth to a baby, her life as she knew it dies, and she begins a new life as a mother. You can think of many other examples, including how your life as a non-hiker died as you birthed your new life as a hiker.

And after losing leaves and standing bare for a few months, the new season has brought back the beauty, which will last for a while only.

As human beings, we spend fortunes trying to preserve our youthful looks and even to prolong our lives, all the while, not living fully as our focus is on the future. When it’s time for leaves to die, they gracefully fall on their own, or as the wind blows and release them from the branches, without resistance. And there on the ground, they make a beautiful carpet of different colours, and they are available to be used by some animals to build their shelters while they also enrich the soil.

Change

Change is an inevitable part of our existence and yet we tend to resist it with all we have. And yet each year we see seasons changing, which confirms that nothing stays forever. And as seasons change, we see nature going through changes too. With the falling leaves mentioned above, trees stand naked while the grass go dry.  And all these plants go through this, only for a new season to come, bringing with it new leaves and flowers or even fruits. And yet as human beings, we are comfortable to have things staying the same or doing something the only way we are used to, thereby not allowing ourselves to grow new leaves and flowers.

While change can happen over time, sometimes it may be instant - the same way that we can wake up to a sunny day only for clouds to form and cause a storm. And when that happens, we need to adapt.

Source: Quotequeendom.com

And change may take a form of no longer enjoying hiking with big groups, not because you’ve lost your love for a particular hiking community, but because you have found what speaks better to your soul. Or like myself, deciding that sleeping in a tent no longer works, either because of another change that makes crawling into a tent difficult, or because of a simple change in preference.

Renewal and new beginnings

People often ask about coming across snakes during hikes. While you may come across a snake, sometimes instead of seeing a snake, you may see the skin it has shed. And that is a beautiful lesson in nature about renewal. I grew up in a village where you’d be greeted by a snake at the door in the morning, or at the outside toilet. They were everywhere, and I feared them. I still have issues with snakes, but I came to embrace what they represent and what they teach us. When it no longer serves you, you can shed it and come out renewed. And if it means taking time off to hibernate for a while as you prepare for your renewal, why not? There are animals that disappear in winter (apparently they sleep throughout the winter season) only to come out in Spring, renewed.

Sometimes for renewal to happen, you may have to go through rough.

I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful plants showing their presence as they rise from the burnt ground - renewed - and each showing off their unique colour and being ready to flourish. I know you’ve already been told that your hardships or what may seem like a raging fire in your life, may be preparing you for something better. I invite you, as you walk through the trails, to observe and listen to nature as she advises you. And each time a beautiful butterfly flutters by, remember the transformation it went through to be that beautiful

Adaptability

During this hike, I couldn’t help but notice the trees at various stages of their lives. Some were bare while others had green shoots or complete leaves; others had beautiful flowers which they showed off. And each of the plants was allowed to be. Do we as humans allow others to just be? Or do we start wondering why she has leaves and I don’t? Why is she having flowers while I don’t? And when circumstances stop the plant from growing taller like others of its species, that doesn't stop it from blooming. You may not achieve what your peers have achieved, but that should not stop you from being who you are, and blossoming where you are just as you are.

 

No matter where you find yourself, you can still bloom.

Collaboration

I think the biggest collaborators we know are ants and bees. While they work with their own most of the time, bees also collaborate with flowers as they use pollen for their own nutrition while transferring it from one flower to another, assisting with pollination. Plants not only provide us with food, but they also provide same to animals. In the process animals help spread the seeds, thereby leading to reproduction. Trees provide shade for us and provide shade and shelter for animals too. And we know of birds who eat ticks from some mammals. As human beings we can fly further if, like birds, we fly in a group, harnessing the strength we each have. Stronger hikers also support and motivate beginner hikers and those struggling due to one thing or another. Some collaborations in hiking means planning on how to share supplies and other hiking essentials on a hiking trip.

Finally

This was not meant to be a motivational piece. Just me sharing what my weekend hiking brought to the surface. I guess another lesson from the weekend was remembering when to slow down and when to rely on each other. My hiker sister slipped on a slippery descent and injured her ankle. We had to sit with her until she felt ready to try walking. We were less than a kilometre to the end of the trail when that happened. It took us an hour, if not more, to complete that distance because we had to slow down and support one of our own - she is now wearing a moonboot. I wish her a speedy recovery and I know that, having witnessed what nature does, she will nurse herself back to health so we can go back to exploring nature and getting more lessons together. Not all lessons have to involve pain but yes, even in pain, we get taught something. I hope your lessons won’t involve pain, and where they do, that you will be gentle with yourself as you deal with that. And remember to prepare for your hike.

Keep doing!

Td