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When it happened I knew it would never be the same. We were not friends, just a group of older ladies who liked walking and hiking. We met once or twice a month and explored different areas together. Summer or winter, sunshine or snow, we enjoyed nature.
Did I like them all? No, I didn’t but it didn’t matter, because we never walked as a group, but split up by speed and interest. When I started taking our dog Vader with me, I walked either in front or behind everybody else. When I began taking photos along the way, I let myself fall back, so the butterfly had enough time to finally land on the flower I had in mind.
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The faster our world seems to turn, the more people are drawn back to nature. It’s no different for me, outside I find peace and new energy. I am not going for a hike to be hit with more reality and more negativity. To be honest, I never cared much for conversation during our hikes either.
Everyday life can be cruel and often does not leave us alone even when we are looking for relaxation. For me, a walk in nature can work wonders. Admittedly, sometimes it takes a little longer, but at some point, the carousel of thoughts comes to a standstill.
For me, that’s the main reason why I often separated myself from the group. I shut down completely and am alone with myself. It’s simply a soothing form of relaxation and an efficient way to recharge my battery.
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That day, on our last hike together, two women had an argument, and it quickly escalated. It’s almost magical how it works, it’s the ultimate turnoff. More ladies got into it, and the rest of us stayed quiet. We distanced ourselves mentally, and we showed it when the space between us grew more significant with every step we took.
I stayed calm, which might come as a surprise. 🙂
That day I was in front and Vader and I kicked it up a notch until we weren’t in listening distance anymore. I realized that I didn’t have a phone number of any of the women. Like the rest of us, I had gotten an email with the location, day, and time and I either showed up, or I skipped the meeting. I was wondering if it would continue.
I didn’t wait for the others when I made it to the parking lot. Another lady arrived shortly after me and she too went straight to her car. There was no goodbye. We simply left, and I assume so did others.
It happened in the last week of winter when the group split up. I haven’t gotten an email since and I assume the silence will continue. I wish I could contact one or two of them and perhaps somehow, someday, some of us will find each other.
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I am grateful for the good times we had and I am looking forward to all the outdoorsy adventures I will have now with Vader.
So Goodbye hiking group. May you all stay well and healthy enough to take a lot of hikes and walks in the future.
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Who knows, I might start my own hiking group.
Hope this works out.
Gwen.
It is a shame it did not work out, but it also sounds like you really didn’t click with any or the ladies. I am sure you and Vader will have lots to see and do on your own though. Enjoy the quiet!
I noticed that as well. But there was never really time. We parked, said Hello and started walking. 🙂
I envy you your beautiful scenery and have so enjoyed your photos. As I may have said, given the opportunity, I am very social and lively but, having grown up as a single child, find it very comfortable to be just with myself. And, :), you have your pup anyways. Grouping comes and goes – if there had been no need or desire to exchange personal information one-with-the-other perchance there weren’t close friendships in the making anyways ? Let the days pass and see what the future has in store !!!
Knowing that you enjoyed the pictures, made me smile.
I am an only child as well and I have no problem being alone. The universe gave me a heavy dose of curiosity and a wild imagination, so I am easily entertained for hours.
You have truly made me laugh and I am just having breakfast 🙂 ! Curiosity and imagination just about sum me up too ! I do not even think in terms of entertainment . . . I just always seem to have a hundred things I want to do next . . , 🙂 !
This is interesting (and a bit sad) for many reasons. I like that you didn’t all hike as a pack. I hate going hiking with someone who talks a lot. Nature and animals often transcend things that people tend argue about. But then some people seem to like to stir things up. If the group ever reorganizes, maybe some ground rules would help. But at least you have Vader. Dogs can make the best hiking partners.
Dogs make great hiking partners as long as you don’t try to take pictures of wildlife or a picture of fresh fallen snow before it shows a circle of paw prints.
Yeah, those things can be challenging with dogs along. Marley goes nuts when he sees a deer,
I suppose the “mature” way to see it is that it fulfilled a very special space for a time. Not all seasons last. But I’d probably struggle for a while with wondering what happened. It must have been very uncomfortable to witness an argument as you describe it. Maybe you can find one other compatible person and start your own walking group–or maybe you’d just prefer your own company. I know I often do! 🤷♀️
I like your ‘mature’ way of thinking and I agree. The hiking group was fun when it lasted. It was a great way to group after the COVID lockdown, but I have always (or mostly) hiked alone, so I will continue my journeys alone. Good to see you, Debra.
Solo hiking is wonderful, give it a try. I like to hike with one or two friends, or different friends on different days!
I have always been hiking alone or with one person, but when I got older, I thought it might be safer to not go alone all the time.
I always find that the trees, birds, and animals make perfect companions and will stay silent when required!
Personally I’ve never liked walking in the woods with a large group. You don’t get to see the things you’d see if it’s only one or two. I went to an “owl walk” one evening, put on by the park, and there were 60+ people. It was cool to walk in the woods in the dark, but seriously, do you think an owl was going to fly by a whole gang of people marching around? One person had on a snowsuit that made that annoying sound when her legs moved. It was all laughable. Having said all that, your group would have been too big for me…and inevitably in these times (and maybe in any times) there would be discourse. It’s sad, because the pictures looked like you had fun. And I’m surprised no one collected the phone numbers or emails of a few of their favorite people. But if you want to find a walking buddy beyond the dog I’m sure you’ll find someone. Meanwhile my favorite walking companion is Penny. Your pup will be yours too.
My husband belongs to a motorcycle group, invariably there is an argument and some leave and create their own group. I am always amazed that adults can’t get along, even in a motorcycle group. I walk with just my dogs. They don’t argue.
Yes! Start a new group! 🙂 Keep it small!
With every sad ending a bright beginning unfolds. Vader is the perfect companion for walks in solitude. Good luck Bridget.
You were wise to distance yourself. Enjoy your walks with Vader! 🙂
Oh dear, what a sad commentary on what the toxic divisiveness south of the border has become if it even hits a ladies’ walking group. I’m really sorry.
Honestly, I think the same would have happened if one would have started to bring “religion” up or foreign policies. I think most of us want it quiet when we hike and we showed it openly when we separated ourselves. I just wish I would have some of the ladies numbers. However, I will have fun alone. I enjoy being alone outside.
I believe women behave differently in groups than men do. It seems it’s easier for men to fight, then laugh it off, but women lose their sense of humors within the group. I know this is a generalization, but I’ve been in both. In any case, I don’t think walking and talking mix well. As I get older, I prefer to breathe.
Can you email them?
I will wait a while. Now it’s summer and many of them will have their hands full babysitting grandchildren. I think I wait until fall and then I might send an email.