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