First Steps, Embracing the Journey of Adventure

First Steps

It is that time of year again. The blanket of snow is slowing melting away, leaving nothing but muddy trails beneath. At the same time the loose sweatshirts and puffy jackets are leaving, revealing the winter bodies that still haven’t melted away. The couch, blankets, and fires are replaced with long summer days and sunshine. For many, it is time to kick off the rust of the months long slumbers and back into the world of movement. It is time for the awkward first steps.

The Steppers

There are several different people when it comes to the first steps. From the experienced hikers who took the winter off to the brand new adventurers taking their first steps on the trail. I like to think of them of different stages of cars. All capable, just a bit different when it comes to style and function. Also, if Porche want’s to send me a car to test this theory I would not complain.

The Sports Car

The sports car spends the winter under a tarp in the garage, much like the sports car stepper spends the winter wrapped in ski jackets. The first steps of the spring are usually to run a half marathon up a mountain. They are sleek, sporty and don’t mind it when people stare while they fly by at full speed. The sports car stepper doesn’t miss a beat after being tucked away all winter long. They just want an open road and to put as many miles as possible on the odemeter.

The New Car

The new car is always a bit tentative making its way up the windy mountain paths. The new car stepper most likely bought all of the accessories and definitely look the part. The problem is they have never been on paths like this so they take it nice and slow. Careful to slow down for each curve and avoid all scratches. As soon as they get it a little broken in though, this stepper becomes a regular workhorse.

The 80’s Diesel

This stepper is the one who hits the trail with a lot of creaks and groans. The tires are close to blowing out and everything squeaks for the first half of the trail. The cold of winter has gunked up the insides and this stepper barely makes it up a hill but does just fine on the downhills. This is me. I am definitely the one hoping my muffler doesn’t fall off halfway up the first trail.

Taking the First Step is the Important part!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a trail veteran, setting land speed records, or just happy to have another summer on the trails. The important part is that you take that first step on the dirt path. It can be completely nerve-racking for someone who has never tried, to take that first step into the woods. For those of us who are starting a new season, new circumstances can change the way we look at our favorite hobby. For the Olympic level athletes…well they are just fine.

If it is your first time, enjoy the first step. Enjoy the green grasses and blue skies. The smells of the slightly soggy dirt and the sounds of the freshly melted creek. Take in all of the experiences until you find the part that you enjoy. Don’t love flat trails, find a hill. Rather not scramble on loose rocks? Find the soft grasses. You won’t know what you like until you take those first steps on the trails. It is different for everyone and there is nothing wrong with starting slow.

If you are like me and your excited for a new season but apprehensive due to life changes it is important to remember what brought you to hiking in the first place. For me, the woods help to regulate the stresses of the every day. I lost one of the people who helped me with those stresses so I should lean harder on the woods. Instead, I have shied away from allowing myself to get lost. So I am apprehensive but still going. Like that old 80’s diesel, I need to hit my stride and get back up to full speed. It’s important for us to find the love that brought us here in the first place. The reasons why we feel so comfortable under a canopy of leaves. To take those first steps like it is the first time again. The first steps to getting lost and finding yourself once more.

More from The Fatman

If you enjoyed this post you may enjoy more of the posts on my Fatman’s Rambling page. Blogs such as “Screw it, I’m Trying”, “Hiking Alone not Lonely Hiking“, “Winslow, Arizona” and “Lost in the woods” as well as many others may interest you there. If you have any comments or topics you would like me to cover, feel free to email me at fatmanlittletrails@gmail.com. Or you can keep the conversation going by following me on any of the below social media platforms.