My Experience with Hiking That Led to Love

After finalizing my divorce in 2019, I found myself uncertain about meeting someone new. During those transitional months between separation and divorce, I often pondered my potential dating life. If you had asked me about dating before the pandemic hit, I would have admitted that I was clueless about finding someone new. A colleague once predicted that I'd be dating again in just half a year after learning about my divorce, but six months later, I was still single.

When the divorce was legally completed, the thought of 'getting back on track' in the dating scene frequently crossed my mind. However, the emergence of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdowns promptly closed that chapter of curiosity.

Taking Up Hiking as a New Adventure

In the initial days of the pandemic, like so many others, I spent my time either alone or within my social bubble, seeking solace in the outdoors. Previously not much of a nature enthusiast, I decided to explore hiking, and to my surprise, found it quite enjoyable. During this time, my mother offered a piece of advice that stuck with me; she was adamant that I shouldn't go hiking by myself, afraid I might have an accident and be stranded alone. Her concern, though exasperating at the time, was something I couldn't entirely disregard.

Following my mother's advice, I started hiking with friends within my circle or familiar acquaintances. Romance wasn't my focus; instead, I was concentrating on my own personal growth. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a captivating post from a college friend who was also a hiker. His photographs were inspiring, capturing stunning landscapes, and I was instantly intrigued to visit those places myself.

The Courage to Reach Out

One laid-back workday in September, I mustered the courage to reach out to him through a private message. As I was typing, I contemplated the worst-case scenario: what if he said no? But then I realized that if he declined, nothing would change, and if he accepted, an exciting adventure awaited. I composed a straightforward message, explaining that my mom had forbidden me from hiking solo and asked if I could join him. I even offered to adhere to social distancing measures for his comfort.

To my relief, he responded positively, and we shared a laugh over the peculiarities of parental worries. We arranged a date and venue for our hike, and I was thrilled. Unfortunately, our plans were disrupted by widespread wildfires ravaging the state, enveloping the landscape in a smoky, orange haze that made any outdoor activity uncomfortable.

A Second Attempt and a New Beginning

Once the fires subsided, my focus returned to personal pursuits and a significant work project. Attempts to arrange a new hiking date were repeatedly thwarted by life's unpredictable nature. Yet, on a busy December day, the thought of our missed connection resurfaced. Recalling my earlier conversation with myself in September, I realized that another attempt couldn't hurt. I contacted him once more, and, serendipitously, he was available.

We agreed to meet the day after Christmas. Despite warnings of potential rain and muddy trails, I assured him that I was ready for whatever nature threw our way. Our hike led us along a trail I had never traversed, allowing us to reconnect and share stories of the years that had lapsed since our last meeting. We dreamed aloud of future travels in a post-pandemic world, both expressing a mutual desire to visit Hawaii.

A Walk That Changed Everything

Amidst the beauty of nature, as I clocked miles on my hiking shoes, I found myself unexpectedly falling for him. Reflecting on my mother's caution reminded me that her concern inadvertently orchestrated my first hike with the man who would become my husband. On the day following our wedding, we revisited that same meaningful trail, appreciating how far we had come together.