Close to nature: My Thrilling First Trail Trekking Experience
One morning, I woke up at 9:30 am, with the whole day ahead of me. After a delightful chat with my wife Namni, I contemplated starting work but decided to indulge in some leisurely phone scrolling first. Just as I was getting comfortable, Fuad bhai, Rupam bhai, and Asif bhai called with an intriguing proposition — a trail trek. It was an opportunity for a new experience, something I’d never done before. Without hesitation, I agreed.
I quickly got ready, donning an ash-brown hat, a comfortable blue half-sleeve shirt, summer shorts, and sporty shoes. All I carried was a water bottle, as Rupam and Fuad had taken care of snacks for our journey. Setting out around 10:15 a.m., our route took us through central Eubank via Route 66.
The weather was splendid, with the morning temperature hovering around 70°F, ideal for a trek. Along the way, we treated ourselves to some music from the famous musical road on Route 66. Our destination was the 4th of July Campground.
Upon arrival, we realized that to access the trailhead, we had to venture deeper into the woods to find a suitable parking spot. Once we’d settled at the starting point, we enjoyed our pre-packed snacks — a menu of noodles prepared by Fuad bhai, croissants, chicken from Asif bhai, and boiled eggs. Our upcoming adventure involved a 2-mile trail with a steep incline, taking us to an elevation of 6000 feet.
The initial 15 minutes were a struggle to acclimate to the changing altitude. I felt tired and thirsty, and the weight of the journey seemed overwhelming. It was a dense forest, and every step required caution due to vines, trees, and slippery terrain. That’s when I learned about acclimation. I’d been hiking as if I were on flat terrain, but I realized I needed to slow down and let my body adjust to the new environment.
As I adapted, I began to appreciate the beauty around me. The woods came alive with vibrant colors and the melodious songs of birds. Pink maple trees painted the entire trail area in a riot of colors. After an hour of hiking, we reached the peak, and it was time to descend.
Descending presented its own challenges — maintaining balance on the steep slope was like a controlled fall. To counter this, we took smaller, deliberate steps. Thirty minutes later, we safely descended from the peak. It had been an immensely enjoyable day, one filled with breathtaking natural beauty and the satisfaction of conquering new heights.
