A friend calls me up last week and asks if I’m up for an adventure. All she says is we’re going on a hike. So I think, yes I need exercise and fresh air. So here we are, coffee in hand, road-tripping a couple of hours to Pilot Mountain. I’ve never been, had vaguely heard of it but was down to explore the unknown.
Many people drive up to the base of the pinnacle, walk to the overlook, take a few photos and that’s it. However, that lot was full so we parked outside the park and started at the bottom. We both didn’t really know what we signed up for.
As we started climbing up the hill just to get to the beginning of the hike, my body quickly reminded me that we don’t do this. I have been telling God that I need to get in shape so maybe this was Him being funny.
Even though it was challenging hiking 3 miles uphill, the scenic route was so gorgeous. We had to stop a couple of times and just take it in. This display of His artistry. With a sea of trees in reds, yellows and oranges is breathtaking. The more we walked the more I felt my body submitting and becoming stronger.
We climbed to the top and wow it was all worth it with the gorgeous mountain and valleys of rich fall color. After we adored it all and took snaps, I turned to my friend and suggested we ask this friendly ranger for a ride down. She somehow convinced me to continue back another 3.5 miles.
I didn’t think I could make it. The last time I hiked like this was Half Dome, Yosemite almost 9 years ago. I tell myself my body isn’t cut out for endurance, that I’m not in shape but God tells me you are stronger than you think. You have more endurance than you think. Push through, keep putting one step in front of the other. Don’t give up. The view at the top will make it all worth it.
We got to the bottom in one piece, we made it, happy dance. My body was in overdrive but I felt like superwoman.
Leah, want to hike to the top of Mission Peak ? The air might be fresher up there.
Or our mission could be to take a peak from where we live.
I grew up in Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain was down the road! Always beautiful in every season….makes me feel close to home. So glad you got to hike there and enjoys The exquisite beauty of Pilot Mountain!