Ramblin' again!

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 02 May 2005 19:21:08

No, I hope it doesn't refer to my post this time!

Yesterday I indulged the rambler in me by heading off to the Brecon Beacons national park, for a walk with the Hiking Club. I haven't been out with them (or out in the hills at all) for far too long; the downside of trying to combine a university course and wanting to go to church with a need to be outdoors!

Anyway, this was the longest walk of the year, with a fair amount of climbing involved, more than I'd done for a long time, and about half way up the first climb I found myself (and my legs!!!), as always, asking 'why is it I do this again?'. That point just before your muscles have warmed up and there is lots of hill left is the main hurdle. You think, 'This hurts, why do I subject myself to this, when I could be at home with a cup of tea?' If you can get past that, you're there. And then, when you get to within striking distance of the top (or what you hope is the top..) you find another energy reserve from somewhere, and you push on. That point, just when you realise it's within reach, and you can imagine standing on the summit, and look down, that's the reason, that's why I do it, that feeling of achievement, of having pushed myself. I'm up there, high above the world, seeing it from a different perspective, and I'm happy. That's one of the best feelings I know.

Before I start, I look up at the path curving away in the distance, and think, 'I'm going to climb that, and see the top of that mountain'. That's the urge that overwhelms the uncertainty that says I'll never make it, and propels me upwards.

If I make it to heaven, I like to think that that will be it- the summit of a mountain, with views all around and friends to share it with.