I’ve been doing more and more day hiking in the Franklin Mountains of El Paso, Texas. When it is warmer, I take a Sunday afternoon to hike a couple of miles up and down the mountain trails.
This opportunity has been absolutely amazing. While I have hiked occasionally for years, this weekly hiking has provided me the chance to take my casual walks more seriously. I would love to take it further and go backpacking, but after doing some research I realize that I don’t have the time to take even an occasional weekend trip because of other priorities (family, work, other hobbies, running, etc.).
Day hiking is becoming the answer and compromise, along with the overnight camping trips with my son. Day hiking gives me time out in nature, weekly hiking gives me a day of cross training from running, it gives me a trip to look forward to, and an adventure to enjoy. I am close enough to have cell phone contact (in most places) and I am able to simply enjoy the wonderful creation a couple of miles from my door.
I look forward to spending more and more time out in the mountains as the weather warms up!