Why do a hike like this?



At its heart, the journey of each life 
Is a pilgrimage,
Through unforeseen sacred places
That enlarge and enrich the soul

John O’Donohue

There are many reasons the six of us have for wanting to do this hike . . . Each of us probably have slightly different reasons. A physical challenge, a chance to accomplish something difficult, the camaraderie that comes with pursuing a shared goal, the experience of being in the beauty of nature. . .

In one of my favorite books, “Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino” by Joyce Rupp, the author hiked the entire Camino trail in Spain when she turned 60. Throughout the book, she imparts the many spiritual lessons she learned from her journey. She says, “To be a pilgrim is to be willing to live with the mystery of what will happen interiorly and exteriorly as one walks day after day toward the destination.”

So as we get ready to depart, not only am I looking forward to the hike, but I’m looking forward to the “interior journey” that will come from being in nature, shared conversation along the trail, and lots of time to just think as we hike hour after hour.

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