The Climb

"If life was easy it wouldn't be worth living, that is why we have obstacles we over come and friends to help so we won't have to do it alone." -Kimiko Martinez.

     

     I can recount the fondest memories from my childhood from when my mom would take myself, my brother and whatever family dog we had at the time to go hike North Mountain. Often times we went early in the morning. The cool fresh air sent intense surges down my spine when the breeze blew onto my face. I distinctly remember moms two outfit staples: her visor and her fanny pack. Back then in the 90's there weren't iPod's or Mp3's. But my mom did have a large over sized yellow Walkman  We would 'hike' the mountain, or rather walk up the paved trail that spiraled along the sides which led to barbaric electric towers. Sometimes we would take turns holding the leash of the dog. And when we reached the top we made sure to touch the black metal fence. 

      Today I still hike the same mountain. I guess I can thank my mom for instilling such a great habit into me from such an early age. Although now I don't hike that same simple path, which I could easily conquer in a mere 20 minutes. As I've grown older, my desire for a greater adventure as increased. This has lead me to discover countless number of trails, and if I stay on them long enough they all lead back to those gated towers.

      The mountain is constantly changing. It evolves to the weather; summer, spring, fall, winter. Over time I've noticed the different formation of rocks and become accustomed to the steeper incline. Just this spring I really opened my eyes and saw how the side of the mountain was growing grass and other plants began to bloom. Typically I hike alone because it gives me this serene time to just be with my music and my own thoughts. It's the time where I don't need to answer to anyone and I can try rationalize any mishap. Some of the best memories have been formed there and I'm sure there will be many more to come.