I didn’t believe that I would fit in another free-hike this year because of weather and a host of other reasons, but with weather being the prime deterrent. Today was a sunny day though the temperature was anything but promising. The forecast high was for 13 Celsius with a brisk breeze of 25 km/h. Once I had eaten lunch, I risked a writing break in the backyard. I saw sunshine in the corner by the shed and wondered if it would be worth spending time outside while nude. A half hour in the sunshine was enough to convince me to attempt a free-hike though the temperature had only reached 11 Celsius by three in the afternoon.
I pulled up to my regular departure point, parking my truck in a stubble field. Getting out of the truck, the breeze made me wonder if I was losing my mind. I dithered for a bit before chiding myself for being such a wimp. Off came my clothing which I put into a small bag, along with my keys, wallet, and phone. And then I was off. It was the sunshine that made the decision easier to make.
I walked down the familiar dirt road and turned off at an opening between two hills. I decided to explore the valley I had never walked down before. I stopped every once in a while to make the six kilometre hike last longer. I had all the time I needed to make the most of this golden opportunity. It was with a bit of regret when I reached the turn-around point of my hike. The journey back to my truck would have the sun at my side while I faced the breeze for the three kilometre return hike.
The walk was an unexpected gift from 2020.