The President's Corner
Sweat was steadily dripping from Jim's forehead and burning his eyes. In addition to the blister on his toe, his thighs were now aching. He forced a smile as he glanced at other hikers to see if they were laboring as much as he. "Don't these people ever stop and rest?", he thought to himself. For the past five years, Jim had walked 4 miles daily in his neighborhood, and felt he was in good condition. Wanting to meet people and enjoy nature in different locations, he found the hiking club on the internet and quickly decided to give it a try.
This is just a 10 mile hike at Tory's Den, a piece of cake. 25 Adults from PHOC on the hike but no one verbally complaining. What planet are these people from? "Maybe this was not a good idea. If I live through this hike, I will never do this again. If I can just get to the top of this hill, then my legs can recover and I can get my breath back". As he came to what he hoped was the top, his heart sank as he realized the uphill continued for several hundred yards more. Finally, in an act of resignation, Jim stepped off the trail and to the side, gasping heavily for a moment, trying to recover some energy. As he looked back, Nicole and Susan walked by him and smiled as they continued their conversation. At that moment, Jim realized "that is the type of conditioning I want to achieve."
That was me four years ago on my first hike led by Susan Getty. I am sure a lot of you have had similar experiences. We are not all natural born hikers, but with a little dedication and a lot of practice, wondrous things happen. I now talk to others on hikes, sometimes even when I am going uphill. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to hike, eat and socialize with the most wonderful group of adults in the Triad. Still today, on some of the hikes, I think of being at home on my recliner with a beer watching a ballgame and napping. Somehow, I always survive the outing and make it safely back home for a great night's sleep. The next morning I awake and my first thoughts are "What hike is coming up next?"
As time passes, it is not the difficult conditions of the hike I remember, it is the natural beauty and wonder of the mountains, the camaraderie and conversation with new friends, quiet moments in reflection, the laughter, a memorable dinner with stimulating topics, and the trivial question games on the ride home.
I want to thank all who put their trust in me as President. Thanks to Nicole, Jill, Jon, Ken and all the Past 29 years of officers, PHOC is a "well oiled" group of 400 adults who love the out of doors, love to eat, and love to be social. My goal is to listen to each of you and ensure we have outings each week that allows participation at all levels.
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir
I hope to see each of you on the trail.
Jim
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