Off the Grid

.5 miles up the trail with Asghar and my husband John.

I went hiking today! 

Sure I rolled a bit to get there, but I officially walked on an unpaved trail in what can only be called nature!

Asghar and my husband John got me half a mile up the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park trail. I saw the view of the valley and enjoyed the sense of actually being off the pavement. It was psychologically freeing to be in a new place, outside, enjoying the natural world.

Enjoying the sunshine! (With sunblock of course!)

It has been a long time since I have been anywhere near a mountain path, and I realize how disconnected you can get from the natural world when you only stay to the "accessible" areas in life.

Today's hike proved I can try physical challenges and expect to go places and try things I haven't tried before. Today was challenging: the heat, my stamina and balance and years of being sedentary continue to make my progress slow and uneven - but I'd rather be slowly and unevenly walking in the mountains than slowly and unevenly getting around the house!

What an improvement!

I also started swimming and working out in the pool (which is a lot cooler!) - it is making a difference after just a few sessions!

I used to dread the summer. The heat always made me feel worse and I spent too much time indoors. I felt stuck. It is exciting to see how this summer will shape up, how I will shape up - outside and "off the grid," finding ways to go new places and experience new things! 

Next time I'm up there, I plan on going a little farther and doing more on my own!