hiking solo

When I can combine two of the things I love, Big Sur and hiking, it’s a good day! Just to clarify, while I truly enjoy hiking with friends and family, there is something meditative and restorative about going solo. Much to the consternation of my family, I know there are risks going it alone…but I’m not talking about hiking for days…three to four hours tops!

I always tell someone where I’m going and let them know when I return. This is especially important in Big Sur where cell service is almost non existent. I recently purchased a new backpack for longer hikes. It’s called a Rupumpack and it’s changed my hikes for the better. As unappealing as it sounds, it comes with a “bladder” that holds 2L of water in an insulated pocket. A hose attaches to it and clips on my shoulder pad. No need to stop and fish out my water bottle, I just sip and go! Besides water, my arsenal includes pepper spray, a snack, a whistle (thanks to my friend DD), a lightweight jacket (weather can change quickly), my fully charged cellphone (for pics and a flashlight), tissues, blister Bandaids (life changing!), a hiking pole, and my trusty Salomon hiking boots.

Why do I like to hike by myself? I’m alone with my thoughts in the most beautiful of settings. I’m challenging myself and my 56 year old legs to climb and scale hills and ridges that I would otherwise never see. Instead of being distracted by chatting, I notice so many details and nuances in the nature around me. I’ve said it before, hiking is good for the soul!

And don’t let a little gloomy weather deter you (unless it’s a full on rainstorm). I hiked today in a misty fog that was as thick as pea soup. I couldn’t see the gorgeous distant landscape…or much of anything else for that matter. But it was still beautiful.

What I couldn’t see in the distance, made me focus on the smaller things. Flowers seemed so much brighter in the gray light.

When I came upon a grove of live oaks, I was fascinated by the twisted shapes and ghostly moss hanging from their gnarled branches.

I was grateful for the mist and heavy dew, for I surely would have walked face first into a large spider web that was stretched across the trail.

My other senses were heightened by the fog. I was more aware of the smell of fresh, damp salt air. When I stopped to take in the redwoods, I was struck not only by the sound of my thumping heart, but by how clearly I could hear the water droplets falling from such great heights.

And let’s not forget taste! I was able to find a few wild raspberries that hadn’t yet been picked clean by the birds.

After passing through the redwoods, the trail started meandering through scrubby coastal brush in a kaleidoscope of colors in greens, oranges, and yellows. When I got to the point where I would normally have a 360 degree view of the mountains and sea, there was nothing but gray. Still, I could smell the ocean and hear the waves.

After another mile or so, a miracle of sorts occurred. Although the sun didn’t really come out, the clouds parted just enough for a patch of sky to peek through and turn the ocean from a steely gray to cerulean blue!

As I came to the end of the 7 mile loop, instead of walking the mile back to the car, I decided to walk down to the beach. Mind you, up to this point I had only seen 2 people. It’s a special moment when you have the beach to yourself!

With over 20,000 steps, a feeling of accomplishment, many beautiful photos, and a sense of serenity, a solo hike was well worth it! Go for it!