Hiking reminds me of falling in love. When I met the man of my dreams, we would start every Sunday with a hike. Well, technically breakfast. But it was a breakfast of champions at one of Portland's many brunch spots. After fueling up, we would make the trek into The Gorge. Because what compliments the indescribable feeling of falling in love than breathtaking landscapes, green air, the cleansing spray of falls, and looking out unto infinity all while holding the hand of someone that you see infinity with?
This story begins as soon as the weather and time permitted me to wake up with love and nature on my mind. "Scottie, can we go on a hike today?" It needed to be a quick one since it was already mid afternoon and evening approached with plans. I picked up the book "60 Hikes 60 miles from Portland" borrowed from my Dad's home library. There it was. Falls Creek Falls; "The One". Conditions were perfect; quick, close by, and a promise of "Holy cats-in-Jammers" falls,
We had the Fruit Bat with us and had every intention on taking her with us. In case you don't know, the Fruit Bat is the alter ego for a chihuahua named Hailey. Now before you judge her, let me tell you that Hailey is more like a creature all unto herself. She is not a skittish, barking nuisance. I am in total love with her which says a lot considering I've had big dogs growing up and dismissed all small dogs. (More about the Fruit Bat and my adoration later. )
This story begins as soon as the weather and time permitted me to wake up with love and nature on my mind. "Scottie, can we go on a hike today?" It needed to be a quick one since it was already mid afternoon and evening approached with plans. I picked up the book "60 Hikes 60 miles from Portland" borrowed from my Dad's home library. There it was. Falls Creek Falls; "The One". Conditions were perfect; quick, close by, and a promise of "Holy cats-in-Jammers" falls,
We had the Fruit Bat with us and had every intention on taking her with us. In case you don't know, the Fruit Bat is the alter ego for a chihuahua named Hailey. Now before you judge her, let me tell you that Hailey is more like a creature all unto herself. She is not a skittish, barking nuisance. I am in total love with her which says a lot considering I've had big dogs growing up and dismissed all small dogs. (More about the Fruit Bat and my adoration later. )
After walking uphill on the trail for a few miles (I was surprised at the intensity of it considering the book said it was a light hike), we came to the falls with little Hailey walking briskly beside us. It looked like a scene straight out of a J.R.R. Tolkien novel . We sat near the edge of a cliff and enjoyed some peanut butter tortillas and the spritz of the falls on our dry, sun drenched skin.
Something I love about nature? It gives me the feeling of abandon. I become intoxicated and say whatever is on my mind without fear of consequence. Abandoning all ideas of myself, abandoning all beliefs of who I am supposed to be or what defines me. I feel the vastness of the universe and know that there is something much bigger than I can comprehend. Every time I leave the city lights in dust, I see what truly matters. And it's love. It's people. It's the relationships that surround you and the most intimate relationship; the one you have with yourself.
Something I love about nature? It gives me the feeling of abandon. I become intoxicated and say whatever is on my mind without fear of consequence. Abandoning all ideas of myself, abandoning all beliefs of who I am supposed to be or what defines me. I feel the vastness of the universe and know that there is something much bigger than I can comprehend. Every time I leave the city lights in dust, I see what truly matters. And it's love. It's people. It's the relationships that surround you and the most intimate relationship; the one you have with yourself.