Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ~ John Muir
When I was a little girl, Pappy Dute would “threaten” to send me to the mountain if I wanted to continue to pout about something. As if on cue, this little threat would always make me crack a smile and I would immediately forget what I was pouting about. Now that I’m an adult, I wish someone would please send me to the mountain!!!
My Pappy Dute and little me!
As a child, I would spend hours playing outside. I loved climbing trees, riding my bike, wading in the creek behind my house catching minnows, it didn’t matter what I was doing, as long as I could be outside! I would daydream about going on grand adventures like hiking to the top of Mount Everest, white water rafting along raging rivers, and traveling the world. I especially loved going to visit Grammy and Pappy Dute because they lived in the middle of nowhere and always had animals in the barnyard. I would chase the chickens, feed the horses sugar cubes, occasionally help my uncle feed the other animals, and the deer LOVED cookies! I have many childhood memories of camping, swimming in lakes, going for picnics at remote little parks, hunting with my dad, and taking long drives through the mountains. I loved every minute of it, and I knew that I was lucky to have had such a life!!
As I grew up, I lost my childhood sense of adventure. My outdoor activities became few and far between and were often centered around socializing around bon fires, and less about being one with nature or pushing myself to new limits. I had very few opportunities for outdoor adventures, I was too busy adulting. I still have the same dreams. I still long to see the beauty of Mount Everest. I want to climb mountains and go rafting along rivers. I want to stand in awe of the Grand Canyon, or climb to the top of Half Dome!
I have been blessed to find a partner in life who has similar interests in outdoor adventures. He equally enjoys being outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. He indulges my desires to go hiking he even bought me the most amazing pair of Danner boots so I can channel my inner Cheryl Strayed…yay!!! Even though I’m out of shape and struggled at times, I am very happy girl when I’m doing something I enjoy, in a places I love, with the love of my life.
Although I can’t be sent to the mountains these days (I haven’t found any real mountains in Wisconsin and I haven’t had the energy to hike lately), I do enjoy going to the lake or taking walks on the local trails, taking the opportunity to sit in awe of God’s beautiful creation. To be in a place that only knows peace and calm, in a world that is always chaotic and stressful.
“Keep close to Nature’s heart, and break clear away, once in a while. Climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” ~ John Muir
Until Next Time: Peace. Love & Adventures
Jess xoxo
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