More Hiking Chat

The hike went well -- no lung issues, no energy issues. A couple of coughing spells that a cough drop stopped. The group was larger than usual with a number of new people (hello, January) so the leader had to slow the hike down a bit. It's the curse of the New Year's resolutions to be more active that pulls people who aren't accustomed to hiking. Oh well. It was still a good pace and a good test hike for my endurance back.

I briefly hiked ahead to take a picture of a rock stack while the leader stopped for people to catch up.

Waiting for the group

I love it. Stands out as you
head up the hill.

I talked with the hike leader most of the hike. I commented that I can't seem to hike longer distances because the hikes are less available and my friends don't want that length. She suggested doubling these shorter hikes -- come earlier or stay longer. She mentioned starting training in February for a longer hike she's doing in the spring and that's her plan. I told her if she'd like company, I'd like to join her (and wouldn't hold her back if she wanted to go faster). No pressure on her end, but I put it out there. 

This goes back to what I've been focusing on -- asking for what I want. It doesn't always work out, but you won't know unless you try. Even if it works out sometimes, that's a win. I hope she takes me up on the ask, but it's okay if she doesn't. I understand wanting to do things alone. 

As far as the hike this morning -- the weather is very iffy. Lots of rain -- started as the hike finished yesterday and it's still going. Winds and rapidly dropping temperatures too. The hike leader already emailed that the route will change because the steep areas are too dangerous when it's this wet. He'll email whether it's canceled by 7am this morning. Seems like he might cancel based on the high winds. I need to leave at 7:15 so hopefully he's good on his word to make the decision early. I also hope I don't drive all the way to only hike a few miles. This is a 9 mile hike today. See what I mean about longer hikes?? Can't seem to do them regularly to save my soul -- they get canceled, shorted, etc.

That said, winds and trees make me a little nervous. It can be dangerous to hike -- even large branches are a threat. 

I signed up for my first hike with the Camino group in February. They announced the full year schedule. Mostly hiking with a few events over the summer. Opening up as many hiking options as possible. 

The first full week of 2025 is here. I started a few things on my long to-do list yesterday. If the hike is canceled, I'll use the time to get ahead for the week. 

Have a good day. Later gators.