What’s in a Word

hike /hīk/ : To go on an extended walk for pleasure or exercise.

Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

On our return trip after reaching our goal, I fell into conversation with one of the attendees. Most had fallen silent on the route back. It can happen when people are tired. I’ve seen it before, and been there myself. Tired, hot and thirsty, many were simply wishing for it to end.

“I wish we had known that this was going to be a strenuous hike” She grumbled. I felt I needed to play devil’s advocate.

“I believe it was labeled strenuous” I said. “It’s difficult to judge what someone might consider easy or difficult.”

When I had signed on for the hike, I remember reading that it was indeed “strenuous” and I was required to send a photo before being accepted.

On the hike, I wore hiking shorts and brought good wool socks, (lightweight summer crews) and a pair of hiking shoes.

I prefer to be prepared, rather than left wanting on the trail.

Cruise ship excursions are usually mild affairs, and I had assumed this would be an easy one. I easily could have brought a small pack, and in fact should have.

Though it was a short walk, (three miles) the terrain was challenging, with loose gravel and rough rocky surfaces underfoot. It was also very warm, and the entire hike was without tree cover, which is very unusual for me, a native of New England. I did bring a big bucket hat for sun protection.

The trail had some prickly shrubs at calf level, and if I’d been smart I would have carried along the bottoms of my zip off trousers.

Many of my companions were less prepared, thinking this would be a leisurely walk along a level footpath.

Some arrived in skirts and pristine white running shoes, more fashion than function. Ankle high socks left little protection from the sharp thorns of the shrubbery, and few escaped without a scratch, or giving blood to the plants that reached for their tender, tanned and moisturized legs.

Several attendees had signed on just to “try” a hike. They were not outdoor enthusiasts, and could not keep up with our modest pace. A few complained the entire trip. I eventually had to change my position in the group to escape the endless drone of misery from several attendees who presumed this to be their death march.

My dialogue with my fellow hiker continued. I noted that one person’s easy was another’s difficult hike. Even with the most detailed review from past attendees, how could one know?

It’s always a bit of a gamble to rely on another’s experience. Better to know one’s ability and err on the side of caution. Smarter to be over prepared than without the proper shoes, clothing, water or headwear.

On a short hike in the easily accessed state park in Italy it made the hike less enjoyable.

In the mountains far from rescue, it can be downright dangerous.