I don't know what it is about familiar places. They are so fun to share with others. While Lana and I visited friends and gathered up the rest of my earthly belongings in North Carolina we had a few precious moments to visit Crowders Mountain, one of my favorite local hikes. It was good to be reminded of the distinctive smells of the deciduous forest, to feel the cold wind whip through the trees, and to see the raptors soaring on the updrafts.
I have had lots of memories on Crowders Mountain, and hiking the trail brought all of those hidden moments back to the present.
- first intro to Crowders was on a first date
- hiking up and down and back up with a loaded pack to train for the Appalachian Trail
- running, jumping, slipping, sliding through a thunderstorm trying to get off of the mountain as lightning struck all around
- running into Dr. Winkler, superintendent of my school system
- hiking with one of my students who presumptuously asked if she could go hiking with me in front of the entire class
- nearly being sited a ticket for staying on the mountain past sunset
And now I can add one more: Hiking Crowders with Lana, my sister who for years has admittedly "hated the outdoors". But on our way down I hear her say, "You know, I do like doing outdoor activities. I'll never plan them, of course, but if someone else initiates them, I'd go along."
Wow! That is a breakthrough! Go Lana!
1 comment:
Hey, I've got to start somewhere. And there's nothing quite as refreshing as being outside on a good day. If we're making tallies, let's go ahead and tally another one for enjoying skiing in Michigan in the winter. I honestly never thought I'd do it again. Now, Sara and I are thinking about an annual trip. Seriously. What's happening to me? Am I learning to have FUN?
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