Dear Mountains: I Have Missed You

Alas, it’s been a long break.

A break from blogging, from podcasts, from audiobooks, from working out, and even from hiking. I can go on about the reasons why, but it boils down to a need to step away and recharge. My body knew before my brain did. And when I wouldn’t listen, it made me slow down. I was fatigued. And I was injured. And I was mentally drained. So I finally stopped and listened.

And the break was glorious.

With the summer hiking season in full swing, my muscles moving again in the ways they should move, and some exciting plans on the horizon, I suddenly have the urge to post on and tinker with my blog again. I absolutely love taking photos, and plan to continue sharing my adventures and misadventures. So for the next little while, I’ll be taking a more visual approach. Less writing. More photos.

Writing isn’t coming as naturally to me as before.

So I’m not going to force it.

I’ll just be patient.

A trip to the mountains always stirs up creativity. And for me, hiking is a form of mindfulness. It makes it easy for me to just be present. To chat with friends without an agenda. To discuss the most silly hypotheticals just because. To hike and enjoy the outdoors with gratitude.

A trip to Nihahi Ridge Trail in Kananaskis was exactly what I needed. What an amazing day it was, and a reminder of why I love hiking so much.

Dear Mountains: I have missed you. And I’ll see you again soon.

Jesse appreciating the views from the meadow
Jesse appreciating the views from the meadow
Probably my 4th or 5th time hiking this mountain. The view never gets old.
Probably my 4th or 5th time hiking this mountain. The view never gets old.
A beautiful view of the Elbow River
A beautiful view of the Elbow River
I just love those hills...
I just love those hills…
Close to the summit, but unfortunately, not today
Close to the summit, but unfortunately, not today
Although we didn't do the scree descent, it's definitely one I want to do again. So much fun.
Although we didn’t do the scree descent, it’s definitely one I want to do again. So much fun.
Descending on Nihahi Ridge Trail
Descending Nihahi Ridge Trail
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Author: rickohikes

Avid hiker, mountain lover and fitness enthusiast with insatiable wanderlust. Usually battling with an injury and my mental health, but I always persevere!

6 thoughts on “Dear Mountains: I Have Missed You”

  1. Great to see you back and as always, love the photos. Think the photo approach is going to be great and look forward to the adventure. I definitely need to get out there this summer.

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  2. I felt this way when I got my mountain fix a few weeks ago in Colorado. You don’t realize how much you miss the mountains until you are back in them. I love your photos; this looks like a beautiful hike!

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  3. I had the pleasure of seeing the Kananaskis country about 30 years back, and along with its brothers to the north I was convinced the Canadian Rockies are even more impressive than the American Rockies. Your pictures bring back some good memories.

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    1. Hey Dave, thanks for the comment. Great blog, by the way! I’m always in awe of any mountains, but I have never had a reaction like when I saw the Canadian Rockies for the first time. I feel very fortunate that this area is a short drive away from me :).

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