Hike

Photo by: Tim Bindner

It is good to be in someone’s thoughts.  I recently received a message out of the blue from my good friend Michael.  A simple message.  A quote, actually.  But gracious none the less.

John Muir once wrote, “I don’t like either the word [hike] or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains – not ‘hike!’ Do you know the origin of that word saunter? It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the middle ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre’, ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”

What does this mean to me?  Well, it is really the way I approach hiking.  I know people who try to get certain miles in, or a certain amount of steps, or even a certain time.  Heck, I recently read about a man who was trying to set the record for quickest time on the Appalachian Trail.  Why?

Woods are to revive the senses.  Nature is to be felt, heard, smelled, touched and yeah, even tasted. Our culture is one of the fast food environment and instant gratification.  I want it and I want it now is the norm.  Woods have their own way of counteracting a fast-paced culture.  Don’t believe me?  Go run on a trail through the woods.  You will trip and fall.  Nature’s way to say, not here.  Slow down and look around.

This is the action I take when I am out.  I may have a distance in mind, but never a time or goal of how many steps.  I stop to smell the roses.  I stop to look around.  If I am lucky, I may even capture an image or two of what nature offers me in that moment.

Thank you, Michael, for reminding me to slow down.  This simple quote should be a motto for life, not just when I hike.  I got your message loud and clear.

Until next time,

Tim (a. k. a. Kilmer)