Lessons From The Trail

Don’t Rush


People are always in a hurry. In fact, I would suggest this is more common today than ever. Impatience is a sickness and people can’t wait to be somewhere else – anywhere other than their present location. In many instances, this may be inconsequential. However, patience can be very important in an unfamiliar environment.

Case in point: my Adventure At Paine Creek. During a grueling 7 hour hike on a mountain in near 90-degree temperatures, and without a trail – only my ears to listen for running water through the forest, below – I was struggling to make headway. Frustrated with my pace, constantly having to stop and untangle myself from vines, plants and trees, legs bleeding from cuts…there was a temptation to recklessly plow my way through the foliage – to get out as fast as I could!

But, understanding that such behavior would increase the likelihood of injury, I chose instead to remind myself to slow down and exercise caution. As it turned out, doing so provided me with an opportunity on two occasions to observe high rock ledges hidden behind bushes – use your time wisely.

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8 responses to “Lessons From The Trail”

  1. It is good to slow down and smell the roses (or remove the thorns). Stay well Phil. Allan

    1. Indeed – thanks, Allan 👍

  2. That was an adventure, Phil!! Great advice from your experience!!

    1. Yes, it really was ~ thank you, my friend Indira 😊🌹

  3. We were hiking in the Blue Ridge Mts (Rose River trail) once and nearly got stuck on the trail in the dark. When we left the van, we were only planning an going to the falls and back…maybe an hour, so we didn’t take the back pack with us. We decided to hike a little, and time just kept getting later and later and then darker and darker. Anyway, the last part of the trail was steep and I had to slow my pace a little, so I didn’t have an asthma attack. My sister got frustrated with me, but I would rather not have an asthma attack considering we didn’t have anything with us. No water, flashlight, cell phone, lighter – nothing! The moment we reached the van, it got dark – pitch black. If we had just been a couple minutes longer we would’ve been in trouble.
    It was scary…but a learning experience – always take your gear with you! Even if it’s only supposed to be a short walk.

    1. That’s very good advice, my friend Holly 👍 Nature is beautiful, and it’s always best to be prepared when hiking ~ I’m glad you made it back safely 🙏

  4. Good advice! When we are too hasty, we may indeed miss the good stuff 🌞

    1. So true & glad you like it, Lisa ~ thanks 😊🌹

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