I have finally got sorted on the blog and I’m looking forward to doing a little bit of blogging. Bear with me for a while as I’m beginning to blog as it’s a learning curve.
One day this week Ed, Oisin and myself set out for a wander around the Mournes. Arriving at Meelmore Lodge I could tell that this was the beginning of a good season for hiking. The cold darks nights of winter are fading and the landscape is regaining colour. I could smell the summer approaching the moment I stepped out of the car: nostrils set alight with the intoxicating smells of the hillside carried on fresh air.
I am often struck how hiking reconnects you with nature in a very real way. I have only really been involved in the outdoors for the last year or so however I’ve been acutely aware of how this pastime really does increase your awareness of the seasons, the environment and yourself.
Setting off up the Trassey Track from Meelmore lodge car park the pace was easy enough and we stopped many times to admire the sights and sensations of the valley. Heading up towards the high ground I could feel the sunshine on my face and suddenly it struck me…. this could be my season to do anything I’ve ever wanted to do in the outdoors. The Spring and Summer are a blank canvas. They could be amazing.
The thought lingered long after the hike and it’s got me thinking what I will do with the Spring and Summer as they approach. Last year was quite a good year for me with the outdoors: I ran my first marathon, entered the Mourne Mountain Marathon and walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. These were all great achievements and I was ellated when I completed each of the challenges.
And so now as the nights lenghten I’m drawing up a new list of things that I’d like to do. A new set of challenges which I look at and think are impossible…. and then activate that part of our characters which says “hang on …. maybe I could “.
I’ll try and document some of the adventures on the blog. As Spring draws in have a think about those challenges which you may think are just out of your grasp…. dare to think you can complete them… have a go! The hardest part of any journey is the first step!
Rusty Surginor
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