Hiking

I consider myself an experienced trail hiker.  If it has a trail up, down, around, through, behind, or beside, I can hike it.  

I LOVE hiking.  If I could keep the dog in kibbles just by hiking, that would be flipping amazing.  That's right...FLIPPING AMAZING!  Unfortunately, I have not been able to convince anyone to pay me to hike...yet.  

Now I have a confession to make.  I hike alone.  Now before anyone jumps down my throat, let me explain. Since moving to Colorado, I have not found a group of people who hike as much as I want to or who are very reliable.  I have been in more dangerous situations with groups than I have on my own, so I conclude that I do much better on my own.  That being said, hiking is dangerous and even experienced hikers are injured or worse in the backcountry.  Hiking alone is not recommended.  I still do it.  This is one of those "do as I say, not as I do" moments. 

I was thinking about what I wanted to tell people about hiking alone and why I am willing to take the chance.  As I slowly made progress up the side of a mountain the answer came to me.  A few weeks ago, a man shot 12 people to death in a movie theater not far from here in Aurora, CO.  I saw an interview with one victim's father.  He said that his son and his girlfriend were really into the Batman movies, and had been looking forward to the midnight premier.  I realized, as I ambled through the pine forest, that this was my Batman movie premier.  I'm really into it.   I love hiking in the forest, the desert, the tundra.  I want to be in the wilderness.  And so I go.  

I have learned a few things over the last few years of hiking bliss and blisslessness:

1.  Use poles.  I didn't use poles for a long time, but once I did, the heavens opened up and angels sang, "Where have you been all my life!"

2.  Carry a flashlight, lighter, and a map.  I was lost once.  I was scared.  These items would not have made me less scared, but they would have made me more prepared.  

3.  It isn't a race.  And even if it is...I just don't care.  I may always be the slowest hiker on the face of Planet Earth, but I just don't care.  No one ever found a more magnificent view or gobbled up some extra bit of glory by beating me there, and if they did, I hope glory makes them fat in their old age.  So there. 

4. Talk to strangers.  Say hello to everyone you meet.  Hikers are a community.  If you don't say hello to me or at least smile, I will make a face behind your back.  Not really, but I will wonder who put saran wrap on your toilet seat.