Saturday Hikes: Gratitude, Growth, and Giggles on Mpape Mountain

 

Saturdays mean different things to different people. Some see them as a day to sleep in, catch up on chores, or binge-watch their favourite shows. For me? Saturdays are hike o’clock! Some Saturday 😉  And on this particular Saturday, the ever-reliable sun 🌞 rose with its usual brilliance, painting the dawn sky with shades of gold. The cool morning breeze greeted my face, and the promise of a beautiful day filled my heart with joy as I geared up for an exciting hike to Mpape Mountain.

This wasn’t just any hike it was a chance to reconnect with nature, bond with friends, and gather memories worth treasuring. Little did I know, the journey would also teach me patience, gratitude, and the occasional value of letting go.

Morning Mishaps: The Neighbour Chronicles

The plan was simple: meet at 7:00 a.m., leave at 7:30 a.m., and head to the mountain together. But plans and reality have an interesting relationship, don’t they? My neighbour decided to spice things up. The day before, he casually mentioned he wasn’t sure about joining the hike. Then, at 5:54 a.m. on the hike day, he declared, “I’m coming.”

By 6:55 a.m., I was ready. Shoes laced, water bottle packed, oh! Wait no water bottle. excitement levels at 100%. My neighbour? Not so much. And since he was the designated driver, I had no choice but to wait. Patience: 1, Me: 0. Meanwhile, another friend of mine was already on the way with his sibling for a family bonding session (which I found heart-warming God bless families who adventure together!

Finally, at 7:25 a.m., we left the estate, fashionably late. Of course, by then, our crew had already taken off, leaving us to find our way solo. As frustrating as it was, I had to laugh at the situation. After all, what’s a hike without a little pre-adventure chaos?

Greeting the Mountain

When we arrived, Mpape Mountain welcomed us with its dry grass, scattered trees 🌳, and an unspoken challenge. The incline wasted no time reminding us that hiking isn’t for the faint of heart. “Let’s do this,” I thought, and off we went.

Not everyone shared my enthusiasm, though. Early into the hike, one hiker announced, “I don’t think I want to continue.” But as the unofficial team motivator, I wasn’t about to let him quit. “We’re almost there!” I said confidently despite knowing we had a long way to go. (Pro tip: When hiking, never believe anyone who says, “We’re almost there.” It’s almost always a lie.)

To keep things interesting, I occasionally walked backward, convincing myself it was a great way to work my legs. Truth be told, I had mossed my leg workout previous day. Spoiler alert: it worked.

Lessons from a Teen

Our group included a teenage girl who had joined with her family. Her infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm were contagious. Every time I looked at her, I felt a renewed sense of energy. Watching her reminded me of the simple joys in life and how the smallest sparks of positivity can light up a room or, in this case, a mountain.

A View Worth the Climb

When we finally reached the summit, the view took my breath away. Imagine a panoramic view of Abuja, with the city stretched out like a beautifully crafted painting. The breeze was cool, the air felt fresher, and for a moment, all was right in the world.

At the top, some adventurous souls organized a cardio challenge. Naturally, I couldn’t resist joining. Among the participants was a lively 57-year-old man who insisted on having his workout recorded. “I can’t do this without the cameras,” he joked, laughing as we captured his enthusiasm on video.

I quipped, “Some of life’s greatest moments aren’t on camera.” He replied with a cheeky grin, “Not for me!” Laughter erupted, and the mood became even lighter. Moments like these remind me of the joy that comes from shared experiences.

Fear, Courage, and Gratitude

While exploring the mountain , I noticed a smaller rock nearby with an incredibly steep incline about 70°. People were climbing it, taking pictures, and celebrating their bravery. “I can do this,” I thought, fuelled by adrenaline and the energy of the crowd.

But as I approached, my legs began trembling, and my heart raced. The fear of heights kicked in, and suddenly, climbing that mini-rock felt impossible. I tried again, but each step closer only amplified my fear. Instead of pushing through, I took a different role: cheering others on as they ascended and descended safely.

Eventually, I heard someone say, “If you’re scared, don’t proceed.” Another voice echoed the same advice. And in that moment, I realized how important it is to surround yourself with people who encourage you not to ignore your fears, but to help you face them when you’re ready.

I am deeply grateful for those who push me to grow, but I’m equally grateful for myself for knowing when to pause, reflect, and honour my limits. Climbing that mini rock wasn’t in the cards that day, but I made a promise to myself: next time, I’ll ascend with pride.

A Gentle Reminder

As we descended Mpape Mountain, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events. Each step felt like a gentle reminder of the things I’m grateful for:

 The beauty of nature, which never fails to inspire awe.

 The strength to climb, even when the journey gets tough.

 The cheerful teenager whose energy was a beacon of positivity.

 Friends, neighbours, and strangers who turned an ordinary hike into an unforgettable adventure.

 The lessons learned from fear, courage, and the importance of pacing oneself.

A Call to Action

If you’ve been putting off an adventure, let this be your sign to go for it. Whether it’s a hike, a new hobby, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, every step counts. Surround yourself with people who encourage growth, but also remember to listen to your inner voice.

And if you’re ever in Abuja, Mpape Mountain is a must-visit. The views alone are worth the climb, but the experience offers so much more: connection, reflection, and perhaps a little cardio. Oh, and if you happen to spot a steep mini-rock, climb it for me, will you?

What’s your next adventure? Share it in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to keep moving, keep growing, and most importantly, keep expressing gratitude for life’s journey one step at a time.