Making friends one trail at a time

 

Introduction

Have you ever encountered an advert for a hike that you’ve wished to explore but found yourself in trepidation because of the possibility of being with strangers for several days? The prospect of hiking with strangers may not be appealing initially, but it may be an adventure full of shared stories and camaraderie, including newfound friendships that may outlive the expedition.

My hiking journey began when people still hiked to connect with nature and not for content. As a result, save for those organised mass walks, I almost always found myself without a group to hike with. This means I often found myself among strangers or, at most, knowing only one person in the group. Each adventure with a new group saw me making a friend or more.

Is it safe to hike with strangers?

We live in a world where we cannot tell a friend from a foe. Serial killers may be disguised as hikers or e-hail drivers. This is enough to discourage you from going anywhere without known company. But that would mean you stop living, right? I love my space and surrounding myself with those who resonate with my energy. However, being confined to a familiar circle may rob me of a refreshing way to connect with nature and humanity. I’ve experienced connecting with unfamiliar people many a time. And this includes meeting strangers at an airport en route to China for a grueling multiday hike. That was more than 15 years ago, and I still have a friend I made from that encounter. I’m not suggesting that you look for strangers to hike with. You may join a hiking club where you’ll meet new people or decide to join an advertised hiking. You’ll never know where that may lead you, literally and figuratively.

I met all of them at OR Tambo International Airport - April 2009

Connecting with strangers on a hike

I’m not sure about other sports, but I know people tend to connect easily in hiking and running, most of the time due to shared struggles. And when you find yourself stuck with strangers in a kombi for several hours, you don't have a choice but to blend in, especially if there are several days of hiking in a mountain range ahead of you.  When a hike to the highest peak in the country gets rough, you alternate between inspiring each other and appreciating breathtaking views. 

Next time you’re hiking and see a stranger struggling, ask if they need help or just offer a word of motivation. And when a stranger tells you you’re only 1 km away when you know there’s still 5 km or more, just smile. They’re just trying to motivate you.  You may even converse, and you'll never know what may come from that. Networking is not only for golfers; hikers form meaningful networks too. We don’t need hole 19.

Lasting memories...lasting friendships - Mafadi 2015

Trust

During the abovementioned excursion in China, not only did I hike with strangers, save for the friend who convinced me to join the trip, but we were also guided by locals, most of whom didn’t know a word of English. This is one of those hiking trips I took at the height of my fear of heights. There was a day we had to hike a part of the Great Wall that was damaged and without walls in parts. I opted to take an alternative route, guided by a Chinese sherpa I had just met, while the whole group took the wall route. With my fear of heights and water, I often had to depend on strangers to help me cross water or deal with a scary climb. Trust is at the top of the lessons I learnt through hiking. I have been reminded that, regardless of our backgrounds, we are capable of showing up for each other where there is a need.

At the height of my fear of heights, I wouldn't dare risk walking here. (Photo from Shutterstock)

Remember

Meeting strangers or starting a hiking trip with strangers may introduce you to a new world and provide a new lens through which to view the world. We all have unique experiences that we get to share and enrich each other’s perspectives. But it is still essential to be cautious; start by ensuring that the group you’re joining or the hike's organiser is reputable. Even if you are an impulsive being like me, just do your homework before lacing up your boots and stepping into the unknown.

At the end

Hiking is not only about exploring landscapes and traversing divergent terrains; it is also about exploring not only your thoughts, but also the thoughts of those in your company. It is about shared stories, struggles, laughter, and the feeling of belonging, even if it’s only for a few hours or days. I hope some strangers you meet on the trails become lasting connections; even if they don’t, I hope they leave you with beautiful memories. One hiking trail at a time; one step at a time!

 

Td