Sometimes a new approach makes all the difference.
Time for another installment of “Lessons Learned on the Trail.” Part of a series of unknown length where I share practical, and often not so practical, lessons learned while backpacking.
“The Heidelberg Death March”
I completed the Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge in 2022. The 343 miles included a grueling 13 mile section we affectionately dubbed the “Heidelberg Death March” due to the seemingly continuous 13 miles of a steady climb. That first day of that section failed to endear itself to my heart. Walking along the shoulder of a busy country road in the grueling heat and sun beating down on your neck. Encountering plenty of unrestrained, territorial dogs in peoples yards coming out to make their presence known. Thankfully, the only one to charge was a little Chihuahua that bit my hiking pole instead of my leg. He bounced off my planted pole like a cartoon character, wounding only his pride.
The second day wasn’t much better. Still plenty of hiking uphill, some along country roads with little to no shoulder for hikers. This day also included a 1/2 mile walk against the current of a steadily flowing stream. The trail didn’t follow along the bank but straight up the middle of the creek. The ice cold water ran up close to my knees in parts freezing my toes. One miss-step would have been met with a wet and rocky “thud!”
Needless to say, this all shaped up to be my least favorite of the 12 sections of the Hiker Challenge.
Fast forward to 2024 and I’m attempting the hike again. This time I made up my mind going in that I was going to have the same, miserable experience I had two years ago. I warned friends attempting the section for the first time how terrible it was and to keep expectations low.
Two years later everything changed.
The temperature was perfect hiking weather; upper 40’s to low 50’s. Sun was shining with a slight breeze. And most importantly we switched directions. Instead of hiking uphill and upstream for 34 miles we hiked downstream and downhill over the course of two days.
Instead of cursing the pavement I was able to appreciate all the sites along the way. The people were friendlier. The dogs (while still territorial) were now adorable. The water in the creek walk was still frigid but yet refreshing instead of painful.
I was able to hike with both old and new friends so the conversation along the trail was more entertaining. At camp Saturday night I was able to catch up with old friends I met two years prior. And trade stories with seasoned hikers I was meeting for the first time.
The trail was the same trail I hiked two years earlier. The only difference was the approach. We reversed direction and that change in perspective made all the difference in the world. It allowed me to view something I originally hated with fresh eyes and come away finding real beauty and appreciation.
That’s a lesson I need to apply to my daily life. Take a fresh perspective on something I’ve closed my mind off to. Look at things like I’m seeing them for the first time and try to appreciate all I missed before.
All Things Dave 