The eNTIRE TRAIL

a hiking memory with jackie ramsey

Looking ahead of me, I remembered the last trek and how challenging it was. The trek up the mountain made of stone. I wasn’t sure if I could finish the climb ahead because it was higher, steeper and longer, but I wanted to do it. I don’t know what drives me. What gives me the desire to climb? We do it together, you and I. It is something that we share and enjoy. There is a reward at the end, a satisfaction that we celebrate together. You always climb ahead of me. I watch where you step and I consider your thought process. The way your body moves and the way your mind moves it. I think about how you and I calculate each step differently. We each know what works for us, what works for our body. You and I have our own unique limits. We process movement and make decisions according to our own individual capabilities, yet we share the same goal. Our goal is to get to the top, to finish the course. We were half way up and every breath I took felt cold and sharp. I looked around noticing the only greenery to be moss against bare trees. It was winter. Exhaling a puff of white vapor, I pressed forward.  My calves and thighs felt tight. You were several steps ahead of me, periodically turning to check my progress. You teased me about dragging behind provoking me to press on harder.  There were moments I had to stop and rest. You would notice I wasn’t behind so you would stop and wait on me to catch up. I thought you would make fun of me but you didn’t give me too hard of a time. When we finally reached the top the views were incredible. The air was thinner and my heartbeat was beginning to calm. We stayed there for a while, suspended in a moment of awe. Taking everything in all at once. This is what we came here to do. We accomplished our goal but there was more to see. “There is more,” I expressed to you eagerly. “Are you sure you will be able to go farther?” you asked with concern. You noticed how challenging the trek up was for me. “From here on out, the path is lower impact,” I insisted. “Let’s complete the entire trail then,” you replied. So we set off. You ahead of me. I continued to watch you calculate steps and you continued to glance behind your shoulder checking my progress. There were times I would be frustrated because you were so far ahead and I was struggling to keep up. There were times when I thought you didn’t care about how I was faring. You wouldn’t walk with me, you walked so far ahead, but you would always stop and wait for me to catch up. We were working toward the same goal. You pushed me and I pushed you back. We challenged and encouraged each other. We argued about direction. We took a wrong turn and found our way back. We reached our goal, together. Such is life, a struggle, a goal, you and I pressing on and pushing each other to the finish line. The thin air around us being drawn into our lungs only to be expelled with a great force. Our hearts pounding forcing blood to our heads. I could feel my pulse between my ears. It hurt for a moment and then it began to calm. When it calmed I was ready for more. I crave more. Life’s challenges are best experienced with you.