I have never been much of an outdoor activity person. Usually my outside pursuits consist of sitting on my patio with a cold drink and maybe a book. I also enjoy the beach, outdoor concerts, barbecues and even yard work in small doses. I love being outside, I just don’t always feel like doing much once I am out there. Getting enough exercise is always a challenge. I don’t belong to a gym or work out at home, I don’t jog and I seldom ride a bike. Even though I know physical fitness is important, often it is just easier not to bother. Because I have a dog though, I am forced to at least get out and walk – just one more way having a dog enriches my life.
Each week in our local paper there is a feature on lesser known places in our state where one can go to enjoy some beautiful scenery. One recent day, Matt and I went for a hike with Mickey and Cam on a picturesque trail that we would otherwise not have known about, and guess what? I actually enjoyed it. It wasn’t too hot, the bugs were not out yet and there was really no one else there – just two people, two dogs and nature.
Each week in our local paper there is a feature on lesser known places in our state where one can go to enjoy some beautiful scenery. One recent day, Matt and I went for a hike with Mickey and Cam on a picturesque trail that we would otherwise not have known about, and guess what? I actually enjoyed it. It wasn’t too hot, the bugs were not out yet and there was really no one else there – just two people, two dogs and nature.
We strolled up and down hills, over stone bridges and wooded trails, stopping to enjoy flowing streams, an overlook at the peak and the remains of an old stone house. We walked for about four or five miles but it did not feel that long because everything was so beautiful. Yes, I admit, at one point I stumbled over an exposed tree root, but that did not deter me in the least – because of the irregular nature of the path (and my tendency to be clumsy at times), I pretty much expected that I would fall at least once. I was just glad I landed on soft ground and not a rock! I hopped right back up and we continued on our trek.
All in all, it was a most pleasurable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed it so much, I actually went out the next day with just Mickey to another hiking spot, a little closer to home and not as isolated. Now that some of the parks are open and the weather is nicer, everyone who is able seems to be out, even during the week. Still, it was a beautiful way to spend a couple of hours. I cannot believe I am saying this but I am looking forward to doing it again as soon as I can. Thanks to my dog, I might just become an outdoor activity person yet!
All in all, it was a most pleasurable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed it so much, I actually went out the next day with just Mickey to another hiking spot, a little closer to home and not as isolated. Now that some of the parks are open and the weather is nicer, everyone who is able seems to be out, even during the week. Still, it was a beautiful way to spend a couple of hours. I cannot believe I am saying this but I am looking forward to doing it again as soon as I can. Thanks to my dog, I might just become an outdoor activity person yet!
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