Just returned from my afternoon walk/hobble/wobble. It's the hottest part of the day now and the sun felt very good. There is just enough of a breeze to stir the palms and cool the cool. While it isn't full summer yet a hat is already a good idea as the sun here can be brutal even this time of year. I donned my trusty Panama before heading out.
While I was working my way slowly toward the end of the road I was thinking about all of the hiking I had done over the years. I love hiking and just being outdoors in general. I have hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Peaks of Otter (the challenging trail), many rugged and challenging trails throughout the US, and a fair amount of rugged country where no trails existed.
How different it is to go from hiking near vertical mountain trails wearing a heavy pack to struggling to walk a level road a block and back. While hiking I have my long mesquite hiking stick to help me maintain balance, gain traction, and reduce back strain. Walking the level road I have my cane which helps me maintain balance, reduce back strain, and keep from falling flat on my face.
Hiking, I am acutely aware of my physical exertion, the trail, the beauty and danger of my surroundings. Walking the level rode I am acutely aware of my physical exertion, the pain, and the beauty of my surroundings. No real danger unless it would be getting hit by a car but not likely on a dead end road.
When hiking I do it for exercise as well as the sheer joy of the challenge. Walking the level road, I do it for the exercise and to some extent the challenge of it.
With both I have a goal. When hiking my goal is to reach the peak or the end of the trail, as well as the enjoyment of the surroundings and the meeting of a challlenge.
Walking the level road my goal is to reach the end of the road and return, as well as to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and the meeting of a challenge.
I guess they aren't so different after all.
I may make another round this evening.