Back on the Trail: Laughs, Lessons & a Little Fur Baby

 

You know what time it is?

It’s hike o'clock! I’ve missed it here I mean, immersing myself in nature, breathing in fresh air, and vibing with the amazing people we meet on the trail. Big shout-out to my Naija Adventurers! Salute.

It’s been two weekends since my last hike, but honestly, it feels like a month. That’s how much I missed it. Nature is second nature to me pun absolutely intended.

I was up as early as 4:30 a.m. (don’t be too impressed), but I dozed off again for “just a few minutes.” I didn’t get my full dose of sleep e get why, and you’ll find out soon. When I finally got up, I said my prayers and read my Qur’an. Then it was time to get ready for the hike.

First things first, I needed food in my belly! I felt weak from fasting the day before and barely eating. So I had some watermelon, dates, groundnuts, and milk. Power combo, yeah?

And then I had to feed one more tiny being guess what? I’m a new mom now o!

I got a kitten as a gift! I brought her home the previous day, and she’s been busy acclimatizing herself to the environment... and to me. She literally wanted me to cradle her to sleep. She left her cozy spot and came straight to my bed.people!

I named her Moori, which means my soft, cuddly light. She’s the exact color combo I wanted white and black, just perfect.

Now, please, nobody should tell my mum I got a cat o! It’s our little secret here. Even my adopted mami doesn’t like cats. We’ll find a way around that later. But first let’s go hiking!

I got dressed and kept it light no all-black today, even though black is my first love. There was this friend I told to join me on the hike. Guess what? I called, they didn’t pick up, and no call back since. Well, their loss!

Naija Adventurers (N.A.) organized a free hike this time, to welcome our Muslim hikers back on the trail and to raise awareness for autism. I got to City Park at 7:40 a.m., our meeting point, and almost everyone was out and ready!

Smiling faces, laughter, and friendly banter filled the air.

I got warm hugs from Bosslady Monic and then from Vivian. I exchanged pleasantries with Adventure Lord, Mr. Emmirine, Peruzzi, Sir Jossie, and many more.

At 8:00 a.m., we moved out. Mr. Sam gave a welcome address, and some fellow hikers helped others navigate toward our destination, near Paradise Valley. We met even more hikers waiting my joy skyrocketed when I saw Sir Henry, our veteran hiker full of wisdom and warm vibes. And let’s not forget Sir Solomon, our fantastic photographer, Miss Niri, and others.

Oh! Almost forgot some couples came along. And I just love seeing couples on the trail. Maybe it’s because someday I’ll be doing the same with my kind, empathetic, tall, handsome, generous, and adventurous husband God when!

Peruzzi and I had to stop the crowd for a headcount. But wait did I tell you about the convoy vibe? We even caused small traffic na we dey run town o!

Adventure Lord ensured everything was organized before he left to attend to pressing matters. We began smoothly smiling faces, good vibes until we met a mountain. It didn’t look scary, but hmm… it showed us pepper.

One person almost slid backward due to poor hiking shoes. The slope was steep, and people were panting. Some were already regretting their life choices. One hiker shouted:

 “Peruzzi, una don dey do like Federal Government una tell us say na easy hike o!”

Lwkmd. I laughed till my stomach hurt. But me? I was loving it! I saw it as a challenge, and I conquered it with a smile. Nothing good comes easy, abi?

Hiking is a full-body exercise. You breathe in the fresh air your lungs beg for all week (thanks to city air pollution). It builds mental strength, emotional resilience, and spiritual clarity.

Some people turned back before we even got to our first rest stop. I couldn’t help thinking if hiking builds mental toughness, maybe those people aren’t seasonal hikers… and maybe in real life, they avoid challenges too. Hiking is therapy, and it teaches emotional management.

At the first resting point, MJ the energizer bunny of our crew gingered people onto the dance floor. While catching our breath, someone spotted a tiny snake slithering past. One person screamed, “Kill it!” but I said no. I reminded them we were the visitors the snake was in its own territory. 

Vivian and I got chatting about toxic relationships and how they mess up your personality. Then Miss Crocs came over with a placard for us to hold for the autism awareness photos.

Forty-five minutes in, we rested for 15 minutes and resumed. About 20 minutes in, my legs slowed down. A fellow hiker said, “Hajiya, let’s keep moving.” I tried, even though some overzealous hikers had taken a different trail which I questioned for safety reasons.

Near the summit, someone felt nauseous and stopped. Another person slowed down to catch his breath. We encouraged him to push through summit in sight o! Someone joked:

 “Save your lungs!”

Victory, Vibes, and a Dash of Drama

Ten minutes later summit achieved!

A beautiful, serene mountain top, scattered with comfy rocks. Everyone picked their favorite spots to relax. One hiker said:

 “Being first to the summit gets you the best seat.”

True talk.

I prayed my Duha Salat, drank water, and caught my breath. One gentleman sat in meditation, while Boyante climbed a high rock like a champ. A fellow hiker cheered him on “Weldone!” I laughed because I was eyeing the same rock but needed to recover first.

Did I mention Blazzier and some brave souls took a super steep path just to test their limits? We had to warn others not to follow this wasn't "try-your-luck" hour.

People chilled, ate, and chatted. Some bought smoothies, peppered goat meat, small chops, water, and yogurt parfaits. MJ started an aerobic session. I tried dragging Boyante to lead it, but he was deep into his book “Trading the Mind.” So I climbed that rock I’d been eyeing. Finally!

Couples were bonding with drinks in hand. I had ginger and pineapple juice thanks to a generous hiker. MJ got me a tigernut-coffee drink, and another blessed soul got me parfait. God bless you all in abundance.

Some hikers got even more active doing push-ups and bodyweight squats right there on the summit! I just shook my head like, oga, we get it you’re fit-fit. But honestly, it was fun to watch and added to the wholesome energy of the moment.

Then the fun escalated!

Game time Mr. Sam announced a challenge. We picked colored teams, and I chose Team White. I met a beautiful, bubbly lady named Farida a doctor visiting from Canada who hikes whenever she’s in Nigeria. She was living her best life.

My team members included Oluwadamidare, Mr. Excellent (yes, that’s what he calls himself), Mr. Otus (hope I got that spelling right), Kblack (the king of funny nicknames), and our hilarious team lead who told us:

“We need to be bloody!”

Translation: We must win!

Before the game, we got a mini lecture on autism a powerful reminder not to discriminate. Did you know people on the spectrum are often creative geniuses when properly supported? Sadly, many in Nigeria and Africa still face stigma and neglect.

Here’s a simple definition of autism:

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave. It usually appears before age 3 and lasts a lifetime. It affects people in different ways and degrees.

Back to the game our challenge was to pair up, place a balloon between our stomachs, and walk to a point and back without using our hands. Team White went first me and a fellow lady, and two guys.

Peruzzi said, “Why una dey pair same gender?”

Bombastic side-eye activated.

We played and Team White won!

The other teams protested, we replayed… and we won again! No hand-holding, just teamwork and vibes.

Teamwork truly makes the dream work. Everyone had fun you could see it on every face.

Mr. Sam didn’t give us our prize, sha, but we forgive him.

Descent & Deep Talks

It was time to descend. I was low-key worried about Moori my fur baby left at home.

On our way down, we took a different path and faced some challenges. Hikers helped each other. Some tried taking shortcuts and still met us on the main path again. Farida advised them to stick with the organizers' trail we no wan hear story.

She even brought in geography with an “X-Y axis” explanation. One guy said, “I’m a lawyer o,” and Farida just shook her head. Another guy added:

 “What would the world do without caring women?”

We then challenged one of them to see who’d arrive faster using different trails. Guess what? We left him far behind. When we called him, he was shocked. Lesson learned.

Farida shared that many men in her field have said, “My wife said I should do this,” and it ended up saving their lives. Women’s intuition? 100.

We discussed how people settle for bad relationships because of “what people will say.”

Moral of the story: Choose peace.

Back at the park, people got into their cars and zoomed off. I met Eddie and Favour cooling off with Maltina. A kind hiker gave me a ride saved me both energy and cash. Blessings upon blessings!

And by the way it was just 7,000 steps. Easy hike! Nobody should argue abeg.

I got home, and my kitten was chilling. I had to get her food and treats, did some laundry, cleaned the house and bathroom, and finally rest time! Moori got the memo and joined me for a 45-minute nap.

Later, I called my dear friend to wake me up (because adulting is hard).

I started writing this blog post, and guess what?

Madam Moori decided to sit on my keyboard like a drama queen. I had to feed her again before she allowed me to write in peace. Parenthood, right?

Gratitude Corner

I’m grateful for the strength to hike.

I’m grateful for the smiling faces I saw.

I’m grateful for meeting Farida and my awesome Team White. Let’s do this again!

I’m grateful for doing this hike for me.

I’m grateful for the couples who reminded me not to settle I want adventure and love.

I’m grateful for the growing relationship I have with myself.

I’m grateful for Naija Adventurers. This community will keep growing.next stop: global adventures!

Photos credit goes to Nellobie for capturing these beautiful moments. 

Have a beautiful week ahead, dear people.

Peace.