Hiking, Heartfelt Talks, and the Sweet Taste of Gratitude

 I can feel gratitude running through my veins as I type this.

There’s something deeply satisfying about doing what you love not just for yourself but for others to enjoy too. Being a lightworker, not a light slave, is a blessing. We all deserve the good things life has to offer if we’re clear on what we need and want.

Today was nothing short of amazing! Time in nature, spent with some incredible folks who are gradually stealing my heart with their kindness, honesty, and affection. ❣️

Guess what time it is? Trail Pilot O’clock! And time spent in nature is pure goodness replenishing for the soul and great for the body.

Thursday: Setting the Trail for Saturday’s Hike

We agreed to meet at 6:30 a.m. and move to our destination by 7:00 a.m. Yours truly was up by 4:00 a.m., then went back to bed (because let’s be honest, why not?), and finally woke up again at 5:00 a.m. After my morning prayers, I flushed my stomach because, well, you need a light body for easy movement. 😂

By 6:20 a.m., I was ready to leave. My hiking buddy called to ask if I was set, and I said yes. The dawn was yet to fully break as I got a ride to meet my buddy so we could join the rest at our meeting point.

We were 10 minutes late, and Mr Maxy called to inform us that they were already leaving. He dropped a WhatsApp live location, so we could catch up. Trail pilots don’t joke with time!

By 7:28 a.m., thanks to traffic (shoutout to hardworking Nigerians heading to work 😏), we finally arrived.

The Ascent: Mountains, Cardio & Unexpected House-Hunting

As we walked toward the majestic-looking mountain (which looked small from afar but up close, e choke!), we noticed some young men sleeping at its foot completely at ease. They had 10 dogs around them! It made me pause and ask myself, When last did I thank the Almighty for the roof over my head? And so, I whispered, “Thank You, Almighty, for shelter.”

The mountain welcomed us with some serious cardio (good for the heart, bad for the unprepared). Just 5 minutes into climbing, Evelyn who hadn’t hiked in seven months was already panting like she had just run a marathon. Others were ahead, but we stopped to encourage her.

Mountain Goat Himself said, “Aha! This one enter body.” We were 11 in number, and during our first rest stop, lovely Miss Otes shared some chin-chin with us and took pictures of our shoes.

As we continued, we stumbled upon estate developers already building at the mountain’s base. Someone “You want a house close to the mountain? Say no more developers got you covered!”

Then came a heated debate about Nigeria. One person boldly declared, “Nigeria has never done anything for me!” I disagreed. He mentioned unfavorable policies, and while a few defended his statement, the discussion soon drifted to hiking beyond Abuja.

Cashew Crew Chronicles: Feasting in the Wild

Enter the Cashew Plantation or, as I call it, the land flowing with sweet, juicy blessings!

Everywhere we turned, there was cashew. Mr. Maxy, Josy, Peruzzi, Austine, and Evelyn aka The Cashew Crew went all in! I ate so many cashew fruits that I might as well have turned into one but Mr Maxy didn't turn into one. 😆 Mr Henry declared, “This thing is sweet like honey!”

A bit further in, we met some Fulani women plucking cashew fruits to harvest the seeds for sale.

Meanwhile, Mr. Austin excitedly shared a new recipe he had discovered egg and beef sauce with no MSG, just herbs and spices. You could hear the joy in his voice as he described it.

As we neared the summit, we couldn't resist plucking one last cashew. Our Mountain Goat patiently waited though he doesn’t eat cashew fruits, only the nuts. (He really must love cracking things open.)

Fun moment: Mr Maxy climbed a tree and plucked the first fruit, which was given to Elder Henry. He blessed me in return, saying, “You will live long to enjoy the joy of being an elder.” I shouted, "Aameen!"

The Summit: Serenity, Prayers & Some Relationship Hot Takes

Finally, we reached the summit. The view? Breathtaking. The peace? Unmatched.

While everyone found a comfortable resting spot, I climbed a little higher to say my voluntary prayers. Connecting with my Maker in such a serene place felt deeply fulfilling.

Back at the rest stop, an interesting conversation sparked about marriage and relationships.

Some swore off marriage entirely.

Others had toxic relationships and decided they were done.

Some just weren’t interested anymore.

Elder Henry shared his wisdom: “Marry early so you can grow old with your kids and see your grandkids.”

Then, someone shared a touching story about his late mom, who never met his wife-to-be but had told her best friend to bless whoever he brought home. Another spoke about a missed connection he waited too long to express his feelings, so the lady married someone else. The marriage didn’t last, and she remains single today.

To lighten things up, Elder Henry made a dare: “If two of you get married this year, I will buy a cow for each of you in fact, I’ll buy two cows for one particular person.” We all burst into laughter and cheered them on! Mr Hercule ever lively dude also promised to pay for the hall for one of the guys being dared. I promised to be the MC. 

Life is too short to be too serious but also too precious to waste.

The Descent: A Dance, a Hug & a Beautiful Smile

On our way down, we passed a Ruga settlement, where I played music. One of the Fulani elderly ladies started dancing with pure joy. She had the sweetest smile, and then unexpectedly she hugged me!

We exchanged greetings in Hausa, and that moment alone made my day.

After three hours, our trail was completed security checked, summit conquered, and cashew savoured!

Lessons from Today’s Hike

✅ Gratitude for Shelter: I will always consciously thank the Almighty for the roof over my head. 🙏🏽

✅ Surrounding Yourself with the Right People is Priceless.

✅ Communication is VERY important in relationships. Say what you mean, and be clear about your intentions.

✅ Marry when you find the right person don’t overthink it.

✅ Contentment is a gift. The people we met were genuinely happy and fulfilled, despite not having all the luxuries we often take for granted.

What Are You Grateful for Today?

I’m grateful for shelter and the social amenities I enjoy.

I am grateful for trail pilots that are amazing.

shoutout to you all today was awesome with you guys. 

Get your hiking shoe and dress set, as we will see you on Saturday.

Peace!