Grateful for weather and Hiking.

 My smiling face when writing this can get you thinking I won a trillion naira contract. It was a beautiful Saturday morning on the 15th of June, 2024, when we went hiking on Katampe Mountain. It was an amazing adventure.

On our way, we encountered a river we had to cross, a farmer's land with crops like groundnut and maize, and a spring where people were fetching water for domestic use. Despite the muddy path due to the rain from the previous day, the weather was cloudy and calm, adding to the adventure.

Climbing up the mountain was fun, although one of our mates slowed our pace due to too much caffeine and a lack of exercise over a long period.

As the weather grew darker, a friend called, advising us to descend if we hadn’t gone too far because he thought it would rain. However, I was positive it wouldn’t. Omo! See faith na! Lol.

When we finally reached the top, the serene environment was breathtaking. The breeze was cold and calm, creating an indescribable feeling of peace and quiet that could lull one into sleep. The view of Abuja from the top was stunning.

I feel grateful for fresh mornings when the sun slowly rises to bring a new day.

I feel grateful for the rains that clear the sky and refresh the world.

I feel grateful for the amazing breeze atop the mountain, praising the Almighty for the creation of hills and mountains.

I feel grateful for the cloudy weather, even if it doesn’t rain.

Here a brief history of hiking. 

Petrarch is often mentioned as an early hiker, claiming to have climbed Mont Ventoux for recreation in 1336. Some believe this account might be fictional. Burckhardt praised Petrarch's sensitivity to nature, but earlier climbs by figures like Jean Buridan and the Roman Emperor Hadrian challenge the notion that Petrarch was the first to climb for pleasure. Recreational hiking gained popularity in the 18th century with the Romantic movement. Notable early hikers include Albrecht von Haller and Johann Gottfried Seume.

Hiking offers numerous benefits:

Physical Health: Improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances balance.

Mental Health: Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and mental clarity.

Connection with Nature: Provides a sense of peace and connection with the natural world.

Social Interaction: Opportunities to bond with friends or meet new people.

Adventure and Exploration: Discover new places and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

People should try hiking for its holistic benefits to both body and mind, fostering overall well-being and happiness.

I hope you appreciate the weather and everything around you. Share with me your experiences with mountain climbing, if any.