Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Hiking

The weather is getting nicer and many people are migrating to the great outdoors. I was reading a blog friend’s post about hiking when I was reminded why I don’t like it. Let’s just say I had a bad experience. Maybe if I share this experience I might find healing.

Back in 1994 when Tom and I were living in West Virginia, we ran a young adult’s bible study that met in our home. Tom thought it would be a great idea to take everyone on a hike to Cooper’s Rock. He had gone before and really enjoyed it. My attitude was this: “That’s great honey, have a great time. I’ll stay home and cook some pasta that everyone can eat when you get back.” But, noooooooooo. Tom really poured on the charm and somehow convinced me that this would be a pleasurable experience. He wanted me to be with him and the scenery is beautiful, blah, blah, blah, blah. I fell for it.

This lovely little hike turned into a ten mile hike. That’s right you read correctly – ten miles. The first five miles downhill weren’t as bad as the five miles uphill. We followed Rattlesnake Trail (that should have been my first red flag) down to a lake. Some parts of the trail were very narrow. The trail became even more narrow when we almost reached the lake. In fact part of the trail was missing. In order to get to the other side you had to hold on to a large vine and take a leap over the missing trail. Tom went first and extended his hand. I stood there against the back of hill and wanted to cry. Everyone else had gone and was waiting for us. I thought it would be okay to just stay where I was until they were done jumping around in the lake. Alas, that was not the case.

I did managed by some small miracle get to the other side. We spent some time by the lake and then it was time to head back. Did I mention we were now going back up the hill? On the way up, a certain song kept playing over and over in my head, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, but I changed the words to, 50 Ways to Kill Your Lover. If he tripped and fell they couldn’t reach him for hours, if not days. I was exhausted when we were done. I just wanted to go home and take a hot bath. But my darling hubby had other ideas. He invited everyone back (did I mention one gal bought her two large dogs with her) to our small apartment for a movie and pizza.

This was what we brought away from this experience: 1. Nadine doesn’t do hikes and 2. Tom never makes Nadine do things she doesn’t want to. I do love him because I can look back on the experience and laugh. I guess I’m healed.

Now for all of your who love to hike; I rejoice with you on your love of the great outdoors, but give me a martini by a cabin and I’m good.

© Nadine Z. 2008

22 comments:

Emancipation of the Freed said...

"Thanks for the memories..."

O boy I laughed my butt off just remembering that day!

How oh how is it that you still love me?

xoxoxo
Tom

Anonymous said...

I will sit with you in the cabin, ok?? I actually like walking...but I don't "do" bugs...

I hope you are feeling better!

Knitting Mania said...

Oh Nadine...I just cracked up reading this post. I have so many similar stories. My amazing hubby hikes too, like mountains, Mt. Hood, Half Dome, Mt. Whitney, etc... :/

Ya, and I married him, lol. I actually did hike Half Dome once, and enjoyed it, (long time ago).

I love to walk, prayer walking actually, but I'm done with the up hill stuff.

I like the martini idea too, I must say-- ;)

Alene said...

Girl, I'm with you -- no hiking!! Cute story. I had not thought of 50 ways to leave your lover in ages. Blessings.

Scarlet said...

Beautifully written. I got exhausted just reading about your long hike uphill. Pasta and a martini would've been a good alternative. (I've yet to try a martini, but it beats uphill hiking!)

At least you can laugh about all of this now.

"50 Ways to Kill Your Lover..." LOL - I'll have to remember that one! :)

Knit-Wit said...

You need to come hiking with me sometime. We take a nice SHORT hike that is simple enough for a 4 year old. Then we hang out, take a nap, make some s'mores. None of this 10 mile business! That would do me in also. I don't think I would have enjoyed that trip either.

Shawna said...

Maybe if I share this experience I might find healing. That's funny, Nadine!

And then he invited everyone back to your place! That's a man for ya. :0)

A nice hike sounds okay to me, but for the most part, I am with you on staying at the cabin!

Jill said...

Yeah, I'm not much for hiking either. I have a pair of hiking boots waaaaay in the back of my closet that I've worn once.

SaraLynn said...

lol....hehehehe...this sounds EXACTLY like me!
i am the keeper of bags and what not at the bottom of the hill, or end of the trail....

Dawn said...

It sounds very much like an experience I had with my sweetie - only I DID wait on a rock till he came back to get me. The crying convinced him. I don't do anything that involves straight up and down!

Same with skiing - I will fix the chili any time!!

Anonymous said...

Oooo I adore hiking, I am so sorry you had such a rough experience.

Cheri said...

Reminded me of a hike we went on in Maui. Hubby wanted to reach some waterfall...but it was starting to get dark. We had to walk reallly fast to get there and back.

redeemed diva said...

Great post! I love your last line about martini's and cabins. Ha!

Keshi said...

I love to bush-walk but I dun like mozzies n bugs!

Keshi.

Tammy said...

What a great story, Nadine! Oh, the things we do early in the relationship...and then we learn! LOL

Damselfly said...

Aw, poor you. It's too bad one bad hike has made you swear off it! Maybe you'll find a nice, easy one-mile trail some time.

We got lost one time on a hike, and it sure does make you question yourself, though!

Strider said...

That was funny. I enjoyed the laugh...."Don't be coy Roy...just listen to me...." Hmmmm, what rhymes with Tom? Great post.

Lynda Meyers said...

tomato, to-mah-to, hike, schmike...

let's call the whole thing off!

PinksandBluesGirls said...

That is a perfect story! You had me hanging on every word...

Next time (oh, that's right, there is no next time!)... I was going to suggest taking a martini in a water bottle.

My husband MADE me drive in our car up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire many, many years ago. Well, I was terrified because there are no rails, the road is barely wide enough, and the bottom is VERY far. I cried all the way up and sobbed all the way down (with the kids in the back seat).

I made up my mind that day that I will NEVER do anything that I truly don't want to do ever again. My line goes like this: "I am an adult and I get to make my own decisions."

So pass the martinis and wait till the guys get home!

Sharon - Pinks & Blues

elizabeth embracing life said...

Hey, the martini comes after the hike. That's the problem, you should have got that special drink only to have woozy thoughts of, of...hiking. I love hiking and have had some birdbrain leaders, but still love it.

a woman who is said...

Hubby is a lucky boy! :>)

eph2810 said...

Nadine - I always love your honesty :) - It is refreshing.

I do love to hike and spend outdoors - but I do understand that some people just don't like it. You see, although I love the outdoors - I do NOT like camping. I need my shower in the morning - in a private place :)