Gratitude on the Trail: Adventures, Energy, and a Little Mischief!

 

What a blessed day to be alive! Seriously, waking up in good health and a sound mind is so underrated. We really ought to throw a party for just breathing every morning.

The weather today was pure magic  calm and cool, sweet weather vibes. (Peruzzi, how far?)

And the energy? Electrifying! Everyone on the trail was bubbling with life.

You know Saturdays are made for outdoor adventures, and today's hike hit just the right spot!

I was up earlier than usual  03:30 a.m. instead of 04:00 a.m. Thanks to AEDC for their "drip supply" of electricity. (These guys dey dry cable before they restore light!)

Anyway, I cleaned up, performed ablution (Islamic purification for prayer), said my prayers and dhikr, and even caught a nap from 5:27 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Fed my little queen Moori, whipped up breakfast with my fave coffee, and guess what?

Pro tip: Eating dates (dabino) with bread = healthy combo! You're welcome.

Two of my friends were joining the hike today. We met at the junction and zoomed off to Karu Bridge, already a little behind schedule.

At Karu, the squad was waiting, looking good and smelling better! I exchanged pleasantries: Elder, Emmirine, Ms. Claudia (got my therapist hug!), Oga Musa, Isiak, Vivian...good vibes everywhere.

I exchanged pleasantries with our famous and amazing scenery capturer, Mr Solomon, and Bala with a bit of Goofiness. 

By 8:05 a.m., Francis pulled up, rallying everyone to move before the City Park crew arrived. Those ones later caught up  no wahala, they're sharp drivers.

Let the Hiking Madness Begin!

We got to Angwa-Dadi, parked, laced up our shoes, checked water bottles...

Ran into Legend (good to see you, man!), a quick gist later, we did a headcount. 

Greeted our walking podcast full of wisdom and great coordinator Mr Josie 😀 .

Peruzzi had the trail papers ready  I helped him out  and Bouncer did the ticket check. Time to roll!

The trail welcomed us warmly, and the energy on this hike was different.

Before starting, I had warned my friends:

"No vex if we don't walk together; energy levels differ o! But abeg, no stay for back."

And wow, these guys came out with tanks full of energy!

They were among the first 15 people behind me and Peruzzi. Respect!

Meanwhile, I reconnected with Miss Joy, my long-distance friend I hadn't seen in a year. Technology kept us in touch, but real-life hugs hit different.

She didn’t make it to the top but waited by the car park. (She had already told me she doubted her hiking stamina  but I still begged her to come, and she honored it!)

Angel Zee and Uncle Kayzee also made a comeback to the trail after taking a little break. They're a couple whose synergy and dedication I truly admire more strength to you both!

Water Breaks and Rogue Hikers

At the first resting point, folks grabbed seats. I stood, scouting faces 

caught Mountain Goat gasping for air.

Me: "Oga, this one na warm-up o!"

Him: "Abeg, it's been two months since I last hiked."

We laughed it off.

Triple A and BZ (my new hiking friends) were chilling, sweaty but pretending they weren't. Pro hikers in spirit!

MK and others entertained us with dance moves that would make TikTok jealous.

These guys and energy = 5 & 6!

After a quick 15-minute rest, some rogue hikers already ran far ahead.

Peruzzi decided to spice things up  trail switch!

Sammie, Blazier, and I supported it.

Sammie announced:

"Follow who sabi road o!"

Some sharp brains realized their error and quickly turned around to follow us no one wants to enter bush story.

Jogging, racing, laughter  pure cardio madness.

Oluwadamidare, an old teammate from autism awareness campaigns, recognized me mid-jog and boldly asked if we had met. Yes, boss, you’re right!

Racing to Summits and Breaking Rules

We reached the summit...but some crazy hikers wanted to push further.

Nyanya's mountains are pure temptation  beautiful summits calling your name seductively.

Sammie had to step in:

A few rogue spirits (Mountain Goat included) couldn't resist and went further. Meanwhile, Sammie had to announce:

"If you go further, Naija Adventurers no go take responsibility oh!"

But trust Mountain Goat and four rogue  they when ahead to climbed the summit. Home training flew out the window.

Even my friends were tempted, but respect for rules kept them in check. Lol.

Aerobics, Smoothies, and Small Chops

Sammie organized a mini aerobics session led by our celebrity trainer.

Others refueled with smoothies, peppered goat meat, and other small chops.

I grabbed a pineapple-ginger drink (certified deliciousness).

Switched gears a bit and started interviewing hikers:

"Why do you hike, and what are you grateful for?"

Some agreed, but one guy rejected me because I had an Android phone.

Me:

"God of iPhone, locate your humble servant!"

(Abi make una do GoFundMe for me? Lol!)

OBO brought some really nice cultural shirts for men to sell  if I had a husband, I swear I would have bought one from him on the spot!

I also assisted Zobolicious in selling her delicious drinks. Team spirit on full display!

They say if you want to hide a secret, put it in a book  because “Black people don’t read.” But clearly, they haven’t met some of our adventurous solus like Boyante and a few others who came out with their favourite books, flipping pages while perched on the summit. Bookworms with hiking boots? Now that’s the energy I like!

Ran into OVO and his gang  exchanged more good vibes. Founder blessed me with a doughnut too!

BZ helped people take awesome pictures and videos (hidden talent alert!). guy na correct content creator!

Hugs, Water Hustles, and Goodbyes

Oh! Did I mention I met Alice? I got a hug from her  and in my usual playful spirit, I even lifted her up a bit! She was so shocked we both burst out laughing. She later asked if I could go down with her before the crowd because she brought water to sell (which was already approved).

We had to leave before the rest of the hikers, though some people were already making their way down too. Bosslady, Alice, and I walked briskly, trying to beat the crowd to the car park. At some point, we had to jog because Alice was already running out of gas bless her! I kept jogging for a bit, but a few steps to the car park, I slowed down and walked.

Before that, I had called Joy to help with getting the water out, but it didn’t work out. As I was busy trying to carry the water, Alice came riding up with a bike and brought the water closer. Teamwork always wins!

Met more hikers, interviewed a cute couple with mad vibes. Love sweet o!

Triple A drove us back to the junction, and from there, we all found our way home.

Coming Home to Moori

As I walked in, Moori was at the door, wagging and twirling like a happy ballerina.

Fed her some cucumber while I made lunch, refreshed, edited videos  and wrote this gratitude post straight from a full, joyful heart.

Today, I Am Grateful For:

1. Friends who step out of their comfort zones for growth makes friendship easier and sweeter.

2. Naija Adventurers for creating a platform to explore nature and connect.

3. Amazing people who shared their stories with me during the interviews.

4. My body and mind for working together harmoniously.

5. Vendors who brought zobolicious goodness to fuel our energy tanks.

6. The cool, calm weather that made today's adventure pure bliss.

If you hiked with us today, what are you grateful for?

And you that didn’t hike, what are you grateful for today?

Check out my interview videos on IG: @smilinghabeeba

P.S.

Paintball war loading!

Come out for paintball at Wankanda, Wuse Zone 1  and maybe, just maybe, you'll get a chance to "gun down" Peruzzi for today’s hiking madness! Lol.

Photo credites goes to Mr Solomon for ever capturing these beautiful moments 😍.  Thank you sir. Guys check him out on ig @Dabelle_2018 

Peace out.