Hiking for beginners or: she got up off the couch

Three months into what was supposed to be a four-week "break" from school, I had finally had enough of being alone in my house. I am an introvert and couch potato by nature: I prefer books to people and can read in one spot for hours, I recharge myself by being alone, and I hate anything that makes me sweat. But I had had it. Officially. Relaxation wasn't relaxing anymore. I needed to do something but wasn't quite sure what. Since it was the spring of 2020, there weren't many options.

On a whim, I searched online for hiking trails near me.

After months of being cooped up in my house (and a lifetime of loafing), it felt so freeing to experience a brand new world for me. I suddenly wanted to know what birds were twittering above me, what plants I was walking near and through (was it POISON IVY??), and how much I could challenge myself physically and mentally to try something completely out of my comfort zone.

Two years later, and I am now actively seeking new trails and outdoor adventures.  I am still a novice hiker, a tenderfoot, but I am learning. I am growing. And I'm having a lot of fun doing it.

The serene views at Pine Lake State Park make the South Trail a great hiking trail for beginners. This is the trail that started it all.

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