That's when everything changed...
I wish I could go on to talk about a life-changing adventure that took us across the globe on a wild goose-chase focused on finding the meaning of life. And that along the way we ran into secret societies that wanted their secret kept quiet and ancient civilizations that survived underground who wanted their whereabouts kept quiet so they teamed up and tried to hunt us down. Yet we survived and managed to gain all the knowledge we set out to find. But no... That type of story is completely unrealistic and, quite frankly, ridiculous. Instead we went on a hike.
I've learned that I really enjoy hikes. The challenge that the different terrains provide keep you on your toes. I walk with my eyes on the ground because the paths are full of rocks and never evenly laid out. So I have to make sure I step in the right places to keep from falling or rolling my ankle. When I pause or rest I look around in awe at the sights around me. The landscapes and scenery are amazing to take in. The air is fresh and clean. The feelings of adventure as you constantly scan the world for things that you'll never see in your home settings. On this trip I was looking for desert Tortoises and desert sheep. *SPOILER ALERT* I didn't see any... The biggest reason I love hikes is the silence. Whether I'm alone or with people, there is always moments and stretches of silence. It doesn't matter if we're walking, climbing, sitting, or whatever it is that we are doing, there comes a point when we're all quiet. The silence returned is like nothing you'll experience in the city. There's always cars and sirens to compete with. Noises all the time. Out in the middle of nowhere nature gives you very little. Maybe a bird chirping or a gust of wind through the leaves. It gives me time to reflect of everything in life.