Hiking
What’s an annual treat you look forward to?
For me it is hiking. There is something very liberating about having everything you need on your back and leaving technology behind.
It hasn’t always been this way either.
I grew up in a family that prioritized time away in the bush. We visited many state and national parks for camping and walking adventures. My parents were even part of bushwalking clubs so hiking didn’t have to be restricted to school holidays.
Camping was an incredible adventure as a kid. My parents’ knowledge of animals, plants and even the rocks we walked on really breathed life into an unfamiliar environment. It also inspired many angsty teenage moments of Daaaaad no not another rock cutting. We would spot animals during the day and if we were lucky into the evening. Still to this day I am in awe as I watch my parents continue to bring this environment to life for my 7 year old son. A little of this knowledge has stuck but my parents have still forgotten more than I have ever learned.
There were campfires to light and meals to cook. Trying to bring a fire to life the next morning was a must. Kookaburras swooping sausages off the hot plate will not be forgotten. The roar of Koalas in heat was both terrifying and memorable.
The hiking was a challenge too. Dad is tall and takes big steps. As a young lad they were really big steps. Not being able to keep up, almost keeping up, then keeping up and finally being able to carry more and walk further were something of a rite of passage. That and finally growing to 6 foot tall.
Now days I don’t organize or take the lead, I never really did. I am much more grateful to those that will and am lucky to have a mate who organizes an annual trip. We are off to Wilson’s Prom this year. I have had incredible experiences hiking in Nepal and sharing a hike with my Dad along the KOKODA Trail.
The anticipation of and preparation for hiking is just as important to me. It creates conversations and meetings with real purpose and energy. This year I was really stung to hear my Dad, the bushwalking legend, say that he is not up for a hike in the mountains. No No No Dad I will have none of that. Hiking’s gifts are not always as expected and it has invited in an opportunity to reflect on and discuss what is important to me and my Dad.
I am looking forward to a tech detox, the smell of eucalyptus, the thrill of spotting wildlife, even the taste of packaged food after a long day of walking. I even have some micro lite camping gear to impress my mates with. That and I have lost some weight which I am sure will impress.
In my life by design I don’t need too many nights under canvas away from the comforts of home. When life conspires and the annual trip doesn’t happen I do miss it. It? What’s It? The simplicity, the camaraderie, the physical effort, the connection to nature and the adventure.
What is your annual treat and why is it so special for you?
