I headed out early on Sunday for the day’s hike. I knew it was going to be a longish day (and probably even longer until I post about it, since I’m now two hikes behind).
Moreover, the day was positively gorgeous: sunny skies, warm-but-not-too-warm temperatures, light breeze but no gale-force winds and, best of all, exceedingly clear blue skies.
Driving down the street with the low sunlight streaming through the trees, it occured to me: two of the people who are no longer in my life, but that I miss greatly, just so happen to be two of the people who would most have enjoyed being there. In the car. Heading off to the trailhead on a beautiful morning.
Whether that simply means that I’m a hiker to the core, or bespeaks of something deeper and more profound, I haven’t been able to decide…
The GeekHiker 
Quite an evocative post. I have had that kind of reminiscences: they often happen at random moments when you least expect them.
By: k on April 6, 2009
at 11:13 pm
Hiking, or in your case driving to the hike, often gets my mind wondering – often in wonderful directions.
By: Homer-Dog on April 7, 2009
at 7:47 am
It means you ARE capable of having and finding and keeping special people in your life and that even knowing that there are or were people in your life that crave comfortable silences, long drives, heart-stirring views means there is such hope.
You may have been solo this time but some of us? We were there with you pal.
By: Backpackermomma on April 7, 2009
at 4:55 pm
The day will come – probably sooner than you think – when you’ll be looking beside you in the car and seeing someone who will love the beautiful hike you’re headed to.
By: Mel Heth on April 7, 2009
at 9:33 pm
That you were able to still appreciate the beauty of the day and enjoy the hike says that you’ve come a long, long way, my friend.
By: Dingo on April 8, 2009
at 12:52 am
K – Yeah, the randomness bugs, doesn’t it?
Homer-Dog – I don’t know if it’s wonderful, though. Feelings are mixed, actually.
BackPackerMomma – I do believe that’s the nicest comment anyone’s ever left for me! Thanks.
Mel Heth – I dunno, you’ve been saying “sooner” for a while now…. 😉
Dingo – Maybe not as far as you think, as the thoughts went with me on the hike too…
By: geekhiker on April 8, 2009
at 10:08 pm