Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Best Way to Start a Day


I've been hiking Fryman Canyon for the last three days. I intend to make it a daily occurence, despite the pain in my legs that is trying to convince me otherwise. It's honestly not a strenuous hike, I'm just slightly out of shape. And no matter what my thigh muscles are telling me my heart and head are absolutely in love with it.


It cost $1 to park at the lot where it begins. One dollar a day for parking is way cheaper than a gym membership anywhere. And on top of that at the gym you have to deal with people and equipment and mirrors that to me are so detrimental to an actual work out. Who the hell thought it was a stellar idea to stare at oneself while you body jiggles and jaggles every which way and you're sweating profusely? Not me.


The first part of the hike is a steep uphill incline and it's paved. Paved from, I'm guessing, about 1972 so it's all bumpy and cracked and uneven. It's a bit of a strain. But once you hit the dirt path.... it's all golden. Literally. Sunshine, stunning, sweeping valley views, wildflowers, and silence. No gym stereo or aerobics instructor or machines clinking or weights clacking. Just nature and your thoughts. It's a really nice, refreshing way to start my day. Even my chihuahua Gus, who isn't known for enjoying long walks or behaving on them, trotted along like a good little boy the entire way without an issue. He too seemed to be enamored with the place.


The daily hike gives me much treasured, much needed alone time in my head without any kind of distraction I can focus on planning my day, working out writer's block, mulling over new jokes and - just as important - daydreaming.


Fryman Canyon is one of my favorite things about this new home of mine and I thought I would share it with all of you.

3 comments:

Jennie said...

sounds heavenly!

Anonymous said...

It really is!

The Frith said...

oh, it DOES sound heavenly. i think i've had a similar experience, when i run along the rail trail here in dundas. i feel so deeply blessed to be breathing in that tree-filtered air and basking in the endless blue sky and to feel for an hour or two that i am alone and at peace with the entire world. can't get that staring at yourself wobble back and forth in a full length gym mirror, i'll tell you what.