We went on a #summerofrich hiking adventure today. ❤️
It’s the first time since the end of June that we’ve been on any significant hiking trails, just one day before we lost our precious Maggie. We’ve definitely had some fun excursions this summer, but for us, when you can usually find us out exploring trails most weekends from spring through fall, finding hikes that push me to my limit and get my heart rate up, this has been very abnormal.
But then again, this has been anything but a normal summer for us. You can say that again…
We debated back and forth first thing this morning about whether or not to go. They were calling for scattered showers and thunderstorms all day, and the weather looked a little “sus” when we woke up. (Is that what the Gen Z’s would call it these days? 😂)
But we needed this.
And we all know you can’t rely on the weather reports anyways. So, off we went. I needed the distraction. I needed to get out of my own head for a little while. I needed to challenge myself, and remind myself that even though this summer has changed so much for us, there are still things I can do.
It drizzled on and off during the drive there, but for most of our nearly three-hour hike, the sun actually peeked through the clouds.
I took my time today. I took breaks whenever I needed them, made sure I stayed hydrated, and listened to my body along the way. I’m struggling a lot right now and experiencing many signs of PTSD since my accident, so I’m not fooling around when it comes to my health. I’m learning to give myself permission to slow down, take care of myself, and recognize that pushing myself doesn’t mean pushing myself beyond what my body can handle.
The views. Listening to the sounds of nature. Breathing in the fresh air. Absolutely worth the climb. Beautiful lookouts over the water, peaceful trails and those little moments where you stop, take it all in and think, Yep. This is exactly where I need to be right now.
The weather continued to cooperate for most of our adventure, so we considered ourselves lucky.
On the way home, we stopped at a First Nations Reserve, filled up with gas and grabbed a snack for the long drive home.
And then… those scattered showers and thunderstorms finally caught up with us. 😂
We drove part of the way home through a torrential downpour which, honestly, was much better than being caught in the middle of the forest with no way out!
Today was just what the doctor ordered.
A little nature.
A little adventure.
A little pushing myself.
A lot of fresh air.
And a whole lot of #summerofrich. ❤️
YouAreEnough 