Paradise Valley hike

 There’s something about waking up to brilliant yellow morning sunlight sliding through your window and landing softly on your bed with a cute cat beside you sleeping peacefully. I guess some of you can only imagine it. Don’t worry, enjoy the imaginative experience and smile.

It’s a brilliant and sweet morning in the heart of Abuja. Saturdays are for hiking, and some days are for learning and catching up with family.

I woke as early as 4:15 a.m., with Moori as my alarm. He was already jumping and crying for food. I fed him cucumber first it’s good for his stomach and helps digestion.

I watered my plants; my lettuce and tomatoes are doing well. Glory be to God.

Two friends were hiking with me today. It was serious for them they even got new hiking boots. One was a first-timer, on a mission to see if hiking could become his new hobby because he loves football. The second was an OG in the game but hadn’t hiked in four months (adulthood series).

We agreed to meet by 7:00 a.m. They would move to the muster point at Paradise Valley. I met them by 7:20 a.m. and got to the muster point at 7:45 a.m. We met Epa, Sir Emmirine, Solomon, and Ms. Claudia who gave me a tight hug. And Peruzzi, man of the year, sitting not too far from them.

We exchanged pleasantries. They were having a very interesting current affairs gist and you know when elders are talking, a young champ like me just sits and takes notes. Then the City Park crew drove in. Now the community was complete.

Everyone parked, tied their shoelaces, got their tickets, and greeted familiar faces. Those of us who came fully geared face caps, long trousers, long sleeves were very glad because of the dust and vehicles passing by.

Stay with me, guys.

Before I forget this weather! Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling it. Drink water and mind your business o! This is the time for watermelon, cucumber, and vitamins anything to keep your body hydrated and protected from the dust.

I know some of you cannot relate because once you enter your car, you just wind up shikena.

God when? I need my car too. Lexus 2024 model. White, interior Gold, alloy wheels. Customised plate number. Aameen somebody.

We started hiking with the Trail-Setters and the photographer in front, plus the bouncer checking for those with tickets or not.

We began our journey with Epa leading, myself and Ebuka behind him, while someone else carried the paper trail. Epa came fully prepared headphones on, music blasting. Adventure Lord was trying to tell him something, but Epa didn’t hear anything; he was enjoying his JBL. That man is living his best life.

As the mountain welcomed us omo!

You could hear people breathing heavily into their lungs. The dry grass saying hello with scent and dust. Some people had to stop to catch their breath, while others moved past like nothing was happening. That’s how life works it’s not about who starts first but who has the resilience to keep grinding as you climb up the ladder.

While climbing, I felt my lungs and heart aligning in rhythm. But we didn’t stop. We kept moving.

Fifteen minutes up the mountain, we took our first resting point. Ascending the first mountain wasn’t a child’s play. We rested for 10 minutes while some were still struggling. People got drinks and energy boosters; Energy Doctor Valery was there with chilled ones.

My first-time friend made it, breathing heavily but still smiling.

It was time to continue. I spoke to Epa and we moved, only for Adventure Lord to stop again so we could wait for the others. Some people grumbled that the resting was too much. We waited five more minutes, then continued.

Those we started with had slowed down. One of my friends collected my bag for me. We walked through farms where beans and other crops were planted. One hiker even gave a farmer a bottle of water how kind of him.

Epa slowed down and said, “QueenBeeba, lead the trail, let me catch my breath.”

At this point, some people had already finished their water.

We could see the summit already. One hiker behind me suggested resting again. Another said, “No, let’s finish up.”

We finished strong, while others stopped briefly before ascending.

And then the mountain view serene, amazing, fresh.

There were single rocks standing; some climbable, others not. People took shelter under them. Trees were also accommodating. Couples and friends sat down to drink and eat. Some played games. Others sat alone just connecting with themselves.

Sammie announced it was time for games and the Nuclear aware Africa chit-chat which was fun.

I also met Miss Niri, who showed me a beautiful picture a fellow hiker took of her such a perfect moment captured.

There was a final competition too, a rubber-player challenge with a ₦5,000 prize, anchored by Sammie.

Eniola brought her lovely veils along, plus the beautiful glasses she sells. And Sir Ovo and his crew were having a good time by the side of the mountain, just enjoying the moment and the view.

After almost an hour on the summit, one of my friends got an emergency call. Ladies and gentlemen, that was how the three of us started descending. Unknown to us, others had already begun descending too.

It took less than 30 minutes to come down.

Did I mention that I interviewed a few hikers about why they like hiking? Oh! Now you know. Some said they hike for fitness and socialising. Someone said it’s therapeutic and I couldn’t agree less.

We got rides to our various homes. I stopped to pray my Salat Duha as time was almost passing.

Got home to my royal baby boy, Moori who wasn’t happy. I didn’t change his litter before leaving. My bad. I thought I did.

By the way I need a female cat, 6–8 months old, as a companion for Moori. She must be a virgin and an indoor cat too.

I had fruit salad for lunch, did a little laundry, and clocked out for the day, chilling with Moori.

My Gratitude Corner

I am grateful for Almighty’s mercy on me strength to hike and still do laundry. I almost regretted starting the laundry, but we move.

I am grateful for my Moori, whose companionship constantly teaches me something about myself.

I am grateful for my friends who came out to hike for themselves and with me. Let’s do this again.

I am grateful to those who accepted to answer my questions on camera.

I am grateful for this community Naija Adventure the largest hiking community in West Africa, if not the whole world.

I just remembered I didn’t add this important part.

I met a young man, Mr. Orson hiking with a limp, yet full of courage and joy. I asked why he hikes, and he said he loves challenging himself with what people think is difficult.

It reminded me that disability is not the limitation sometimes, it’s our mind that holds us back.

What did you do this weekend for yourself?

Photo credit to Oluyemi