Beyond the Trail, Beneath the Sky

 

Chasing Sunshine: A Refreshing Hike

There's something amazing about chasing sunshine it’s refreshing, energizing, and a perfect way to start the weekend.

It was Saturday, and that meant one thing: hike o’clock!

I woke up at 4:30 a.m., then promptly dozed off again. Woke up 30 minutes later, prayed, and tended to my plants. A quick visit to the restroom turned into a mini-marathon, but let’s not dwell on that. Just as I was getting ready, my phone rang. Guess who? My neighbor, Beca, called to ask if we were jogging. I said no, but hiking? Oh yes! She decided to join us.

We grabbed a bike to our junction wete we boarded a ride meet at our muster point Beca’s apartment in Katampe Extension. Midway, our ride broke down. Just as we were figuring out Plan B, a car pulled up. The driver asked where we were headed. Turns out, he was going to the same place! He said I looked familiar talk about the goodness of community.

Meet and Greet

We arrived at the muster point at 7:45 a.m. The squad was already there: Adventure Lord, Peruzzi, Jossie, and more. I got a warm bear hug from Monic. Soon after, Mr. Eddie, Sadiq, Musa, Alice, and my dear Miss Croc (showing off her new hiking boots) joined us. We had to wait for others since our usual meeting spot, City Park, was unavailable due to a running competition.

By 8:15 a.m., it was go-time! Those with cars paired up with those without Naija Adventure style (yes, cars were packed like sardines). On our way, someone admired the serene environment, and I casually declared, “I’m getting a house here too!” Feeling a bit wild, I stuck my head out the window to soak in the convoy vibe.

At the destination, we tied our shoelaces, grabbed water and tickets, and got checked in by the bouncers big, muscular guys with "do-not-annoy-me" faces. Elder was leading the pack with his daughter, Lola. She looked excited but slightly worried, so I reassured her that the hike would be fun (I just didn’t promise it wouldn’t be challenging!).

The Trail Begins

We debated which route to take. Elder suggested an easier path, but some of us (myself included) thought a challenge would be fun. Lola playfully warned, “Beeba, mind yourself o!” Another hiker chimed in, “Abeg, I came for fun, don’t stress me!” We all burst into laughter and pressed on.

Forty minutes in, we reached our first resting point. Some gulped water, others recharged with juice and energy drinks. I let my adventurous side take over and moved ahead to observe from a distance. Watching people panting, sipping drinks, and catching their breath was amusing yet beautiful hiking, the great equalizer! We came across ruga settlement. 

Then came MKay and his dance crew. Their energy was contagious, and soon, others joined in. A fellow hiker approached me, and we discussed the importance of moving together for safety. He confessed that hiking in numbers gave him confidence. Speaking of numbers 341 people turned out for this hike! Community at its finest.

Conquering the Summit

We resumed the climb. Elder had to stay back with his daughter, so I took the lead. Oustin and I surged ahead, and soon there was a gap between us and the main crowd. At one point, Peruzzi and Jossie called out, asking us to wait for others. Musa took it upon himself to block the path, ensuring we regrouped. Some hikers, eager for shortcuts, strayed off-track and struggled but hey, they pulled through. Kudos!

As we neared the summit, I picked up the pace, joined by some equally crazy hikers. Someone joked, “Does this girl even have a stomach?” I just smiled and kept moving. Then, there it was the breathtaking, serene summit. The crisp air, the peace, the sheer beauty it was worth every step.

Conversations & Reflections

As we soaked in the scenery, a fellow hiker struck up a conversation about my blog. I explained my passion for gratitude and promoting positivity in a world drowning in negativity. He appreciated it and shared his dream of helping underprivileged children read one step at a time. Inspiring!

Then came a group of armed locals, possibly hunters. We exchanged pleasantries and moved on. I met Alice, who generously shared her biscuits. Adventure Lord and Mr. Emmirine were taking off their shoes. When someone questioned why, we all responded, “To feel the earth and stay grounded.” Before we knew it, we all ditched our boots nature therapy at its best.

Zobolicious Zeebee brought drinks (I got two, thanks to a kind friend more money to their pocket!). MKay rallied the group for a dance workout. One lady matched his energy what a dancer! Meanwhile, couples bonded, friends laughed, and some enjoyed quiet reading moments. The atmosphere was magical.

Then I met the famous Boyante. The man radiates energy! We talked fitness, mindset, and longevity. 

I told him about my argument with someone who claimed that at 38, the body weakens. “Not if you train it well!” I argued. He agreed, saying he feels stronger now than ten years ago. The body becomes what we condition it to be. Life is what you make of it.

 Self-Image and Mindset

The self-image you hold in your mind dictates how you show up in the world. What is self-image? It’s the mental picture of yourself that shapes your actions, confidence, and mindset. If you see yourself as strong, capable, and adventurous, you will live that reality.

Your perspective influences everything from fitness to personal growth. If you believe in your strength and potential, you will achieve great things. So, what mental picture do you carry of yourself? It’s time to shape it with positivity!

Descending & Wrapping Up

As we descended, joy and fulfillment were written on everyone’s faces. Some almost got lost mentally home already, perhaps? Some plucked fresh cashews, while others helped their fellow hikers navigate tricky paths.

By now, I was starving. Thankfully, a friend agreed to give me a lift home. First stop? Roasted plantain with pkomo sauce instant life-saver! After a refreshing shower, I noticed my window-neighbor, Mrs. Pigeon, had hatched her eggs. A well-rested me then began to write.

I decided to name this place Serene Mountain because serenity lives here.

Lessons from the Hike

1. Community is Strength – Whether it was hitching rides, waiting for fellow hikers, or sharing food, the power of community shone through.

2. Challenge is Growth – Pushing beyond comfort zones makes us stronger. Struggling hikers still made it to the top.

3. Nature Heals – The peace and fresh air were unmatched. There’s a reason people feel grounded when barefoot on the earth.

4. Gratitude Changes Perspective – From the ability to hike to the kindness of strangers, gratitude made every moment richer.

5. Life is What You Make It – Whether fitness, mindset, or personal goals, you shape your reality by how you approach it.

6. Your Self-Image Shapes Your Reality - See yourself as strong, and you will act accordingly.

Call to Action

Life is an adventure embrace it! Find gratitude in everyday moments, challenge yourself, and cherish the community around you. Whether it’s a hike, a jog, or a simple walk, step outside and chase the sunshine!

Another adventure, another lesson. Until the next chase for sunshine!

What’s one little moment of gratitude you’ve experienced today? Share in the comments! 🌞

Photos credits goes to Dabelle our amazing photography.