Aso Rock Sister Hike The Hard Hike with a Thousand Stories

 

Life is Beautiful with Nature as a Reminder

Peace is always beautiful. And let me tell you, mountain-top peace? It's like peace wearing sunglasses and sipping cold pineapple juice 10/10 recommend.

It’s “high o’clock,” and I have missed hiking! I haven’t been out for a few weeks. Anybody miss me here or should I pretend I didn’t just ghost the mountains?

I woke up later than usual, at 5 a.m. instead of 4 a.m. Yes, your girl was tired tired. But Alhamdulillah, I prayed on time, had a mini cuddle-play session with Her Royal Highness, Miss Moori, and skipped watering my plants (forgiveness, dear leaves 🙏). But my yam is flowering o! Meaning something good is cooking underground. If you see yam and egg sauce on your timeline soon, know you’re invited. But only one bite o don't finish it!

Meeting point

Headed to our usual meeting point at City Park. I called the Founder silent. Called my gee he sounds confident that people were still there. So I dressed up sharp-sharp, left home by 7:45 a.m., reached Banex 8:05 a.m. Called a couple of folks for a ride to the mountain no space. Everyone suddenly has cars, but no leg room for your girl 🙄. I did the next best thing flagged down a random car. Guess what? I saw a familiar face inside. Talk about divine Uber!

We got to Mpape tipper garage. Everybody disembarked, did the classic shoelace tying, car locking, outfit finishing ritual (some people literally dress up inside their cars, lol). Then came warm hugs from the Energy Doc, Miss Valary, and Monic ah, my hug tank dey full! 😊

I saw familiar faces I have missed sir Emeka, Siefiey, Cool Francis, Oladele, Peruzzi, Usman, Eddie, Sadiq, Debbie, and more fine faces. Even met the elusive Founder who claimed “phone wasn’t with me.” Oga, how convenient 😅.

Oh, and guess who I ran into? My hiking buddy and neighbour! We both came separately  imagine that. I had to remind him, “This is not how we used to do it o!” 😂 Some friendships are so used to roll together mode that seeing them solo feels like glitch in the matrix.

Ascending 

We started hiking at 8:40 a.m. Got our tickets checked and water served I stan structure. More hugs followed Chineye and friend, Sir Jossie, Anthony… my heart full. I walked alongside Debbie and Eddie. At some point, we roasted Debbie with Obudu Resort jokes. She caught the joke and flowed along. No one vexed. I love positive-vibe people, abeg ❤️.

The weather? Chef’s kiss! Cloudy, cool, breezy the kind that whispers, “Rain might fall... but maybe not.” Hiking was sweet like puff-puff, no stress.

We passed maize farms and cow poop (the full rural combo). Fulani kids peeked at us with those innocent, curious eyes. You could almost hear them think: “Who are these big people just waka-ing?”

Then I met a baby girl that activated my ovaries 😂. That’s the kind we call “issues” in Nigeria not pikin. If you know, you know. She smiled like an angel. Turned out she’s Mrs Vivian’s cousin. Hug received from Mrs Vivian too (Doctor says 7 hugs a day; I’m covered!). Also exchanged greetings with Mr Solomon and Bala. Plenty smiling faces, I tell you.

We didn’t even rest on this hike na back-to-back. I met my pretty sister and her friend Fatima J.  always glowing, always bright. She demanded a tight hug, and I delivered like DHL 💪🏽.

The Summit

By 10:20 a.m., we hit the summit. Breathtaking views, air that makes you want to write poetry, and landscape like Bob Ross painted it himself.

Debbie and Eddie were surprised I got there before them. Me: “Long story God did it.” Fatima stylishly made me led us through stretches and a bit of calisthenic. We had squats (50 reps!), and the deal was whoever backed out buys juice. Someone backed out and didn’t pay up. Smh! But we forgive. 

Ms Claudia oh my! She held space for me like I have never experienced. If you're reading this, THANK YOU 💓. 

Then came push-up time! A lady suggested we all do it   we did 20 reps, arms screaming but spirits high. Just when I thought I’d served my chest for the day, another lady stepped up and challenged me to go again. Of course, I accepted with grace and warning "Don’t you dare back out!" 😄

She didn’t. We pushed through all 20 reps together. I must say, I haven’t been on my push-up game for a while now, but this feels like a sign  time to return to it. Chest don hear am, but we move 💪🏽

Mr Wealth (aka celebrity trainer) led an energetic aerobic session. Some folks sat and played Ludo or cards (I even learned a new game!). I snuck away for Salat Duha. I’m on a no-negative-thought challenge for 10 days. Catch a negative thought? You restart. Omo, this challenge na mental gym but join me if you dare!

Descending time

After an hour of vibes, we descended. Sadly, my sister’s shoe betrayed her, and she walked down in just socks 😢. We regrouped, shared cold bottle water shoutout to Mr Oladele. We paired up for rides. Miss Valary’s friend gave us a lift. We even stopped at Jabi Park to grab juice God bless you girl.

Post hike

Home at last. Moori leapt on me like I won election. I plugged in my phone, washed laundry, freshened up, and started documenting this goodness. My heart feels full. My mind is at peace. And even while fasting, Allah gave me strength for this hike. Alhamdulillah.

I’m truly grateful for this community ❤️.

💫 Gratitude Corner 💫

1. Grateful for the peaceful and energizing weather no rain, no sun, just good vibes.

2. Grateful for the joyful, hugging community y’all filled my heart and hug quota!

3. Grateful for divine transportation hookups from random cars to familiar faces.

4. Grateful for the strength to hike while fasting Allah’s grace is mighty!

5. Grateful for good energy and positive people  laughter, jokes, and no offense taken.

Your Turn  Let’s Talk!

Have you been on a hike lately or done something that made you feel peaceful and alive?

Are you also trying to get back into a habit like me and my push-ups? 😅

Drop a comment below or share one thing you’re grateful for this week.

Let’s keep spreading good vibes, one step, one smile, one squat at a time.

And hey, if you're up for a no-negative-thoughts challenge or want to join the next hike, holla at your girl  let’s grow together 🌱💚

Peace ✌️