My wish for 2025

 

At the end of each year, many people look back at the year that was and make plans or resolutions for the coming year. I used to be one of those, but over the years it no longer mattered. Not because I never achieved any of the things I resolved to do. But because I tend to act on impulse. Structure has never been my thing, and I know it will bore me to death. And structure includes having structured working hours!

(2017) Getting here was anything but easy.

Anyway, resolutions for most hikers usually include a bucket list of hiking trails. If you have a list, good luck, and I hope you get to tick off some of those trails on your list and create beautiful memories in the process. I just remembered a moment on the Machu Picchu citadel after years of having the picture of the place on my wall. The high altitude made this the roughest hike I ever experienced but it was also the most memorable. Even though I’ve never had a hiking bucket list, I have always wished to walk the Spain Camino and Machu Picchu. I still hope that one day, I will have the mental, physical, emotional, and financial fitness to go on the five-week pilgrimage.  

Ease

What I wish for myself is ease. We have been taught to work hard and to fight to get what we want. I have done all that and some, and all I have to show is exhaustion. I am tired of feeling tired. I need some ease! In everything I do, I need ease. I hope that even the most challenging mountain I will face this year will be trodden with ease. I wish for ease in all the different types of relationships and encounters. And I wish the same for you if, like me, you’re tired of being tired!

Staying fit

I’ve always tried my best to keep my fitness in check. Last year, I had some health issues that affected my fitness routine. I tried my best, and it was almost always a strife. I hope my fitness journey will be less stressful this year so I can have less stressful hikes. And I promise myself to do more yoga to improve my flexibility. This is also a reminder to you, as a hiker, to keep fit so you enjoy time spent in nature with less stress.

Taking better care of my feet

Hikers need strong legs to carry them and their baggage, but do you know the importance of caring for your feet? What happens when you get a blister during a hike? That’s your whole trip ruined! Anyway, there are ways to keep your feet happy, including giving them a good Epsom salt soak occasionally and soaking them in cold water after being physical. I love walking barefoot, mostly because I like feeling connected to Earth - and maybe because I’m rural like that - but that causes my feet to be dry and hard. This requires extra care and extra moisturisation. A good soak and moisturising your feet (Vaseline works) can do wonders for your dry feet, and putting on socks will keep them soft. It is essential to soften your feet when preparing for long hikes to avoid blisters.  Oh! And please keep your toenails very short! Thank me later!

Introduce one person to hiking

Last year, I introduced a sister-friend to hiking, and I’m confident that despite the injury she suffered, she will be back this year and possibly joining weekend hikes. My chat with a stranger also led to them exploring short hikes, which they reportedly enjoyed. I had hoped to introduce one or two more people to the healing space, which is nature. I haven’t given up hope yet, and I look forward to sharing the outdoors with more new people. Have you already started? Do you have someone you want to introduce to hiking?

Some hikes not only reward you with beautiful views...

Take care of the environment

Each time I go hiking and I see litter, my heart bleeds. In the past few weeks, I saw a level of litter that touched me too deeply. I do not understand why we choose to pollute the environment, yet we expect it to continue taking care of us and future generations. We are quick to bemoan the unpleasant weather and yet we fail to see our contribution. I cannot talk about big companies and other businesses and the mess they cause to the environment. But I know that if you and I do something, no matter how small, we are making a difference.

One of the waterfalls at Kgaswane Nature Reserve

Volunteer for environment clean-ups and/or trail maintenance

Being a hiker has made me appreciate the environment more. And I understand the need to do my bit where the environment is concerned. I have, in the past, found myself in spaces where I had to do my part, either cleaning up spaces or even dealing with alien species. The fulfilment! This reminds me of one of the nature reserves that were instrumental in building the hiker I am, or is it was? Kgaswane Nature Reserve boasts two beautiful and challenging weekend trails, which many of us have used to prepare for more challenging hikes. It pains me that the place is now dilapidated with the trails not maintained. Maybe I should call on all hikers willing to volunteer to restore the trails and huts at Kgaswane to their former glory, to come together so we can devise a plan. What do you think? Even new hikers can join! Or is there a trail that you feel needs hikers to intervene? I know we can do this!

Getting hands dirty for a good cause.

Support a friend pursuing an epic outdoor activity

Nothing pulls my heartstrings like knowing that someone believes in what I’m doing and is willing to give me support. While hikers do not get prizes, medals, or awards, conquering a rugged mountain is all the medals we need. I have supported fellow hikers prepare for serious summits such as Kilimanjaro. And I have always wanted to be on the side of the road cheering for those running the Comrades Marathon. And this year, I hope to be there - in cheerleader gear - to support some of the brave ones I know during the Comrades Marathon. How is that? Who will you support? A hiker? A cyclist? A runner? Let’s be creative!

At the end

I hope you enjoy beautiful hikes with as much ease and flow as possible, doing it one step at a time. And while at that, let’s save the environment for future generations, one mindful act at a time.

 

Td