An Unexpected Full Loop

That Saturday, my legs were still sore from a mountain bike tour I had completed the day before. My wife, feeling under the weather from either allergies or a cold, opted to stay home and relax. Overnight rain had left the air humid and the ground damp. Despite all this, I was eager to get out and engage in some physical activity. I chose a nearby mountain for my hike. There’s a nice viewpoint with a bench along the way, which I figured could be a good turning point if my legs started to protest. With a mix of motivation and mild trepidation, I set out.

At the start, the soreness in my legs was evident, but the fresh air and vibrant greenery were invigorating. I soon passed a few hikers and was, in turn, overtaken by some obviously fit young guys. My legs warmed up quickly, and I found myself moving at a good pace. As I made my way up the trail, I noticed a woman sitting near the path. Concerned, I asked if she was alright, and she assured me she was just taking a break. It’s always important to look out for fellow hikers; offering help or even just checking in can make a big difference.

The Climb

As I continued, I began to wonder why my progress felt slower than expected. A quick check of the map revealed that the viewpoint was much higher than I remembered – not halfway up the mountain, but closer to two-thirds of the way. Determined, I continued my ascent and eventually reached the viewpoint. There, I took a break, enjoyed a snack, and soaked in the panoramic views. Feeling rejuvenated and confident, I decided to push on to the summit.

A few minutes later, the woman I had checked on earlier arrived at the viewpoint. We exchanged some friendly words and set off separately, only to find ourselves converging again further up the trail. As it turned out, she was on holiday and had chosen this mountain for her first hike of the trip. We ended up walking together, sharing stories and pacing each other. I even showed her one of the lesser-known viewpoints, and we arrived at the summit together.

At the Summit

The summit was busier than I anticipated, which made finding unique photographic angles a challenge. Though it wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded, it certainly wasn’t a solitary experience. I took in the stunning views and snapped a few shots before deciding to head back down. The bustle at the top didn’t diminish my satisfaction; it simply reminded me of the popularity of this beautiful spot. After capturing some key moments, I felt ready to begin the descent, looking forward to the quieter path ahead.

The Descent

The way down wasn’t particularly remarkable, but I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. I had initially considered a shorter hike but ended up completing the full loop to the summit. The descent via the back of the mountain is my preferred route: it’s less steep, greener, and has softer ground. It’s a gentler way to end a hike, and I always find it more enjoyable. — As I descended, I couldn’t help but reflect on the day. It had been unexpectedly rewarding, from the initial soreness in my legs to the spontaneous camaraderie with a fellow hiker. The trail, though familiar, offered beautiful perspectives and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing oneself a little further than planned.

By the time I reached the bottom, I was both surprised and proud of myself for completing the full loop. What had started as a tentative outing turned into a fulfilling adventure. Despite the initial soreness in my legs and the humid conditions, I had made it to the summit and back, enjoying every step of the way. I was also happy to have recorded a few video clips along the trail. While I usually focus on photography, capturing some footage added a new dimension to the experience. I hoped that the video, along with the photos, would allow you to virtually join me on this hiking experience.