Trails Just Happen?

They’re Built! And we build them. We build them to last. We build them to protect the environment as well as to provide a means of personal discovery, recreation, and contemplation for those of you who hike. Do you think you “owe” something to those who build and maintain public hiking trails?

You Don’t Owe Us Anything

However, the challenge is: Do You Owe Something to Yourself? I’ve hiked and gone backpacking over many miles of trails in these United States and overseas, in Spain, Scotland, and Turkey. Each trail—each section of a trail—has its own characteristics. Meadow, field, forest, and craggy ridge line: each gives something of lasting importance to me when I hike. The trail asks nothing; it’s inert, inanimate.

Not that it doesn’t change over time. Change it does, from weather and traffic. Some of us, some few of us, go out and give some little of our time to remediate the less than salubrious affects of climate and wear. The dirty little secret is, that we don’t do this just to give of ourselves. Oh, no. We get as much back each time; maybe even more.

Missing Something?

Most of us work in what has been called “white-collar,” professional fields. I don’t know about you, but I produce a lot of paperwork each week and month and year. And, most of the time, I don’t get to see the results of my work or know the ultimate benefit derived from it. But, when I’m out working on a trail, I see results right there, right then. That’s pretty powerful stuff. And, it can be yours, too.

Yes, We Build Hiking Trails

And, no one builds them better. You can take that as a challenge, too.

Challenge Yourself

The body knows how to sweat; it’s not a bad thing. Challenge yourself to meet some real fine people. Challenge yourself to contribute to a project, the results of which will be seen and used and enjoyed by people into the next generations.

Challenge yourself to be a part of something bigger than our everyday lives. If you’re like me (a known Night Owl), challenge yourself to flop out of a comfortable bed at an uncomfortable time in the early morning to hit the road and work with mattocks and other hand tools.

I hope to meet and work with you at least once this year! You’ll work, but you’ll also have the opportunity to have a lot fun, too!