Lamarine Mountain; Evergreen

 

Hike O’Clock: An Adventure Packed with Gratitude, Goofiness, and Grandma's Wisdom

No Matter the Weather, There Are Green Trees on the Mountain.

Do you know what time it is? It’s hike o’clock! And this wasn’t just any hike; it was a hike that left me energized, inspired, and deeply grateful. The day was a rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and learning moments, and I can’t wait to share every bit of it with you.

Let’s start with the star of this adventure  grandma. Yes, grandma came hiking, and she brought all the energy and charm you could imagine. She looked so youthful that I was tempted to ask her for a skincare routine or a secret elixir. Honestly, if she told me she was in her 40s, I wouldn’t have doubted it. I kept whispering to myself, "Omo, I must be like her when I grow older fit, vibrant, and full of life!"

But, I remember the first time I met grandma. Her name is Mrs, Khadija. I was struck by her energy and passion for books and learning. She’s not only full of wisdom but also a lover of reading. During our first conversation, she recommended a book that stuck with me: The Power of I Am by Joel Osteen. She spoke about how the book helped her reshape her mindset, and from that moment, I was hooked. Her ability to reflect on life and its lessons from a place of positivity and gratitude has stayed with me, and that wisdom is something I carry with me on every hike. I give you guys her biography but not today, keep calm in anticipation. 

Pre-Hike Vibes: The Early Wake-Up Call

The night before the hike, I did something uncharacteristic I slept early. By 2 AM, I was awake, scrolling through my phone. Grandma, whom I’d met on different occasions but never officially, had messaged me, asking for hike details. “Where are we hiking, and what time?” she asked. I replied, “City Park, 7:30 AM take-off,” and she confirmed she’d be there.

By 6:30 AM, another friend messaged me, saying he was joining in. That one message had me fully pumped. It’s always a thrill when friends surprise you by stepping out of their comfort zones.

On the Way to Katampe: Wisdom in Transit

We headed to Katampe, specifically Lamarine Mountain, to honor our fallen heroes. On the way, my friend dropped a profound piece of wisdom:

“Beeba, people want good things in life, but they go about it the wrong way shady deals, cheating, and cutting corners. Then they wonder why they lack blessings.”

It hit me like a bolt of lightning. His words were a wake-up call to embrace integrity and patience in all we do.

And let me just say this: if you haven’t started hiking, now’s the time! Go and experience the beauty of nature before estate developers start selling mountain plots. Imagine seeing a “Mount Katampe Estate Luxury Apartments” sign one day. It’s coming, I promise you.

Starting the Hike: Sandy Slopes and Spidey Moves

The hike began with warm greetings and hugs, including one from grandma. Within 20 minutes, we encountered a sandy incline that turned everyone into Spider-Man. Shoes without grip had no chance here.

A lady ahead of us froze, gripped by her fear of heights. We encouraged her, saying, “You’re doing great! Look up, not down!” Eventually, one of the officials helped her, and she completed that stretch like a champ.

As we moved along, someone was busy snapping pictures. I teased him, “Oga, why aren’t you snapping us? We’re the main characters here!” He laughed and finally took a few shots. Our poses? A blend of goofy and Instagram-worthy.

First Rest Stop: Complaints Turned Laughter

After climbing a rocky incline, we reached the first resting point. Some hikers thought the trek was over. “Over ke?” I burst out laughing, reminding them of their earlier complaints. The vibe was lighthearted, and we took the opportunity to snap more pictures and recharge.

At the Summit: Butterflies, Serenity, and Sujud

The summit was a sight to behold. Grandma and I found a slightly secluded spot close enough to the group for security and took a moment to pray.

Grandma shared her wisdom on connecting with the Almighty: “On my sujud, I praise Him for everything from my head to my toes.” She also reminisced about her previous mountain hikes, spotting vibrant butterflies with colors that resembled Ghanaian kente cloth.

A 21-Gun Salute to Our Heroes

The most emotional part of the day was the 21-gun salute to honor our fallen heroes, though it wasn't exactly 21. Military personnel and civilians came together for this solemn moment. It was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.

Push-Up Challenges and Playful Banter

After a well-deserved break, some groups got into push-up challenges. I surprised myself by doing 40 push-ups despite a long break from push-ups. My friend, however, stole the show with 100 straight push-ups, winning against another guy. And they did abs workouts too.

The playful banter continued, with grandma and me gisting. I played around like a mischievous kid. At one point, I felt an “ahhh!” moment when I got clarity from her wisdom on a life issue I was having. There certain things you need to see, feel it for you to manifest it in your life She said. And she talked about visionboard and her experiencing most what was on her visionboard. Thank you, grandma. More wisdoms to you, ma. 

As if on cue, a beautiful butterfly fluttered past us. Its colors were so mesmerizing that I instinctively wanted to catch it, just to keep it with us for a while. But it gracefully flew on, leaving us in awe of its fleeting beauty.

Lessons in Mindfulness and Problem-Solving

While we were on the trail, grandma made an insightful observation:

“This is why I love hiking. It’s like life you solve problems, find better routes, and rely on others when the trail gets tough.”

She was spot on. Hiking teaches mindfulness and teamwork. You’re hyper-aware of your steps, the people around you, and the beauty of the trail. Even when fear creeps in, the camaraderie keeps you moving.

Why Hiking is a Mental Health Boost

Let’s not forget the mental health benefits of hiking. Being surrounded by nature clears your mind and uplifts your spirit. The physical activity releases endorphins those feel-good hormones that make you forget about stress.

For me, hiking is like therapy. It’s a reminder to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the world around me. Whether it’s the beauty of a butterfly, the wisdom of a seasoned hiker, or the laughter shared with friends, every moment counts.

Shoutout to Naija Adventurers

A big shoutout to the Naija Adventurers team! They create a safe, inclusive community where everyone feels welcome, from first-timers to seasoned hikers. Their dedication and support make every hike a memorable experience.

Post-Hike Hustle: Zobo Runs for the Neighbors

After the hike, I had a meeting. Unfortunately, I arrived late, so it was cut short. But no worries, it was shifted to Monday! On my way back, I passed by the market to buy hibiscus (zobo) leaves for a special treat. But omo! I had cake I took from my mentor but i couldn't eat in the car 😫 because of people and it only one not because I don't want to share but I don't to trigger somebody hunger too you know? 😅 as soon as I got to the market, I quickly got watermelon and coconut. The trader man gave me a space to sit and eat 😅.  Then I could finally buy the zobo leaves and other stuff I was asked to buy.

Booked a ride straight home, called my neighbor to help with the stuff. I got my dracaena spp plant, and it needed to be transplanted immediately. Once I mustered some energy, I got some nutrient soil, added water to it, and transplanted it.

Despite the long day, I still had the energy to make zobo drinks for my neighbors. Moments like these remind me to be grateful for the strength and spirit to give back.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This hike wasn’t just a physical journey it was a spiritual and emotional one too. Having grandma along was a gift, and her energy and wisdom were inspiring. To my friends who joined, especially the one who decided to switch things up this year, thank you!

Now, it’s your turn. If you haven’t tried hiking yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a pair of sturdy shoes, call a friend (or grandma!), and hit the trails next weekend with us. Trust me, the mountains have a way of teaching you lessons, lifting your spirits, and connecting you to something greater.

So, go out there and discover the beauty of nature and maybe even yourself one step at a time.