Hiking Anyone?

This weekend we finally hit the trails with our friends. The end of June, and I am finally convinced to take a hike. My poor husband gets frustrated with me, he wants so much to do things outside, and I am a very big home-body.

The hike was very enjoyable. All of the husbands took off with the children (as they like the faster pace) and us wives followed at a more reasonable pace. I am not one of those people, when confronted with the idea of a hike, who jumps for joy, twirls, and packs all the gear that moment. I tend to smile, nod, and go because my friends are going. Once there, I always enjoy it. . . so long as I can go at my own pace, there is good conversation, and it isn't terribly long. I like hikes that are between 3-5 miles round trip. These hikes are pleasant, they are challenging, but about when you are ready to stop, you can.

My husband wants to go on a 16 mile hike. That scares me. . . what if something happens, and we still have to hike back out? Hiking out a mile or two, while obnoxious, is still possible. Hiking 8-9 miles? Ouch! I have a knee that occasionally for no apparent reason, decides it doesn't want to bend and is going to be painful about it. It hasn't happened since I got married, but this was the first time I have been hiking since we got together. I know that if I stretch, it should stay healthy, but you never know. . . The idea of hobbling for eight miles until we got back to the car is not a happy one.

During our drive back to Cedar, Scott brought up how much he enjoyed being outside with me. So I thought long and hard during the 3 1/2 hours we were in the car, and before we made it to our house, I promised him that I would go out whenever he asked me. This means that if I come up with excuses (unless I am sick) he can simply say "you promised." I am still reserving judgement on the 16 mile hike, but this way I will at least be more physically ready for it if we do end up going.