From Sunrise to Summit: A Journey of Gratitude, Friendship, and Adventure.

 

The brilliant amber sunrise has a way of healing even the most broken hearts when viewed through the lens of gratitude. And truly, which of the favors of my Lord can I deny? None!

I look forward to each day with a heart full of gratitude and love to share. But Saturdays? Oh, they’re just special! They come with a kind of peace and calmness that feels like a warm hug perfect for hiking, exercising, or bonding with loved ones. While some people are busy attending weddings and fun events, we well, we hike over here!

This Saturday, I had planned to wash my hair before hiking because, thanks to work, I missed my hair appointment the previous day. My ever-reliable hike buddy agreed to pick me up, so I got to my hairdresser’s place by 6:48 a.m., hoping to be done in 30 minutes. Well, give or take, we wrapped up in 35 minutes. But just when I thought I was done, my hairdresser surprised me she decided to join me for the hike! I told her she was welcome, and in a flash, she got dressed and tagged along.

Now, the Naija Adventure group had decided to leave early, and I was thrilled about it. They left our meeting point at 7:45 a.m. Guess who arrived late at 8:00 a.m.? Yep, thanks to me!  So drove to catch up with them which we did. We were hiking Dawaki Mountain, so let me quickly gist you about this place in case you don’t know.

A Quick Peek into Dawaki

Dawaki, a growing suburb northwest of Abuja, falls under the Bwari Area Council. It’s a buzzing residential area, offering affordability and proximity to the city center. While primarily residential, businesses are springing up rapidly. Some notable spots include Modern Market, Godfather Lounge, and Tomatoes Pub & Grill. Dawaki is conveniently bordered by Gwarinpa, Katampe, Kubwa, and Karsana, and its road network connects directly to major routes, including the Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. In short, it’s a great place for adventure lovers like me!

The Hike Begins!

We arrived at the hiking destination, parked our cars, tied our shoelaces securely, and got our tickets. A quick exchange of pleasantries followed familiar faces, new faces, different vibes, and let’s not forget the nice fragrances filling the air!

"Good to see you again, Mr. Emmirine!" A gentleman known for looking out for fellow hikers. In his words if you are holding your waist you are wrong.

"Oh wow! My sweet friend is back on the trail after a long break. Welcome back!"

Ten minutes into the hike, some people were already panting heavily. I couldn’t help but laugh pizza and shawarma were clearly making an appearance. Someone jokingly said, "Even tuwo" I added, "And two wraps of eba!" and we all burst into laughter.

The trail was mostly a straight path, but some of us decided to create our own routes just to escape the queue. It worked, but we had to deal with dry trees and grass along the way.

Reunions and The Power of Friendship

About 30 minutes in, we came across a beautiful flat mountain with stunning scenery. While taking pictures, I met Fatima, my sister from another mother!

 We hadn’t seen each other in a year, but we were always chatting on the phone. We hugged tightly before I pulled her along. I paused for a moment since it was her first hiking, I reminded her to go at her own pace. I met ASA and Austine who had to rest a bit to catch her breathe aha! a whole trail pilot

Sixty minutes into the trail, we came across breathtaking mountains. The view was so stunning that it literally took my breath away. Feeling energized, I jogged up the incline, filling my lungs with crisp, fresh air. My legs felt alive! Pure cardio bliss. I nudged my sweet friend to do the same, and despite their long break from hiking, they pushed through and loved it.

As we climbed higher, a fellow hiker joked, "Are we going to see God at the summit?" I smiled and kept moving.

Finally, after 1 hour and 30 minutes, we made it to the top! Everyone picked a spot to relax. Some adventurous folks climbed even higher rocks (tempting, but I wasn’t about to let my village people remember me today). We had yogurt parfait, (thanks to my sweet friend) but I was craving my signature ginger and pineapple juice. Which I got then one felt into the cave. Oh! Yes there a cave. 

Some people brought food and small chops, while others played cards and danced. Some brought their favourite books to read 📚  and some got clear head to strategy for the month. I did 100 pushed up and squats and sat down to meditate 🧘‍♀️. 

My sweet friend and I gisted about emotional intelligence and how important it is for us to have such knowledge.

Random Encounters and Heartfelt Moments

I met Mr. Henry and his children a beautiful young lady and a handsome young man. He introduced me to his daughter, saying, "She’s the one who wrote that article I told you about!" She mentioned that she had trouble accessing my blog, so I reassured her it was probably a network issue. I appreciated their kind words it’s moments like these that make writing worthwhile.

I also noticed some couples hiking together, bonding, and sharing laughter. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of shared values in relationships. A strong bond is essential.

Meanwhile, my hairdresser made new friends! She was following me about and playfully told her to go socialize. Mission accomplished.

Then there was Blazzier, who looked like he had been forced to attend the hike. "Can you smile, please?" I teased. He looked at me and said, "That’s just how my face is." But before he knew it, he broke into a beautiful smile.

 Mr. Francis thanks for the smoothie and photos 📸. This guy loves challenge, so he tackled every steep incline that others hesitated to climb.

Then, I met Adventure lord! Always lively, full of live, and the kind of person whose presence lights up the trail. We had a brief chat, you will finding him assisting others on the trail, and as always, his energy was contagious. It’s always a pleasure crossing paths with fellow hiking enthusiasts who embody the true spirit of adventure.

A Gentle Reminder: Stay Sober, Stay Present

A friend in today's hike asked me to pass a message to those who smoke or use substances while hiking though not just hiking: "Being sober helps you truly appreciate nature. You feel more connected, more grateful, and most importantly healthier."

So, what does it mean to be sober?

It’s not just about avoiding alcohol or substances. True sobriety is about transforming your lifestyle, mindset, and behaviors for a healthier, more fulfilling life. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. You are not alone.

As I sat, taking in the scenery, my heart swelled with gratitude. Hiking with Naija Adventures is never just about exercise it’s about community, wisdom from fellow hikers, and moments that make you appreciate life deeply.

After an hour of rest, we started descending.

The Mountain Goat Himself (yes, that’s his nickname) joked to Peruzzi that the hike wasn’t challenging enough. I told him to keep it down before the first-timers start panicking! A girl whispered, “I wish I was home already.” I felt her pain some shoes had no grip, making it harder to navigate the descent. Luckily, she and others got assisted. Those with cars helped some of us to nearby junctions. Thank you to everyone who looked out for others.

Lessons From the Trail

As we descended (in less than an hour), I reflected on everything I had learned from this hike:

1. Shared values matter in relationships. Dear future hubby, I hope you love hiking, exercise, and healthy living. Some things I just can’t compromise on!

2. Family bonding is priceless. It doesn’t have to be hiking just find activities that bring you closer. We are not promised tomorrow. Cherish your loved ones today.

3. Good friendships uplift you. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow.

4. Stay away from harmful substances. It’s not about "flexing " it’s about your well-being. May we never be victims of our own choices.

5. Eating healthy isn’t expensive. Stop chasing only foreign meals Nigeria is blessed with nutrient-rich local foods.

6. Invest in proper hiking shoes. A good grip can save you from unnecessary falls!

Shoutout to Mr. Solomon and a fellow hiker who captured moments on the trail. 👣 And to my sweet friend 🧡 nice to have you back on the trail! Thanks to my hiking buddy for giving me a ride.

Post-Hike

After stopping by the market for fresh tomatoes, I got home to meet my laundry waiting for me. Imagine! But my energy was still high, so I washed clothes while cooking multitasking at its finest.

And lastly, let’s build the gratitude habit one step at a time. Start now by thanking your eyes for reading this and your hands for typing your next message. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Now, it’s time to rest.

Oh! Before I go Happy New Month! May it be filled with love, peace, and success. To my Muslim friends preparing for Ramadan, may we witness it in good health and reap its rewards.

Until next time stay grateful, stay adventurous, and keep moving forward!