I’m a hiker. That is how I define myself.
I digress. I’m Allison or Allie. I’m a mother and friend. Then I’m a hiker.
Being outdoors, breathing fresh air, makes me whole and when I can’t be on dirt my spirit deflates.
Yet, surprisingly, even when I haven’t hiked or got outside much – my spirits remain high.
Why am I still in great spirits after no hiking for over a month?
No Hiking : Animals Keeping My Spirits High
Today is September 24, 2020 and for most of August I pet-sat. I don’t have any pets. I did. My Maggy dog was a member of our family for 14 years and the best hiking buddy a girl could have. She passed in February 2020 of cancer.
I love animals. They’re true, honest, no frills living beings. And some are super cuddly too!
When my mom asked if I could watch her 2 cats and dog for 3 weeks during her vacation I resoundingly said yes, even though this would certainly keep me off trail during the entirety.
My mom lives in the Mohave desert of northern Arizona where most of the 3 weeks I was there the temperatures hovered around 110 Fahrenheit the whole time, not good hiking weather. Some would say it can be done yet I still struggle with high heat hiking.
Hiking was put off for 3 weeks.
Then I got my break! Mom came back home to her fur friends and I was free to leave.
I packed my RV for California.
<<< FULL STOP >>>
California in September = Fire Season = No Hiking
The unfortunate reality in the Western United States right now is fires ravage the landscape. The threat from the actual fires is just the beginning, unhealthy or sometimes downright hazardous air conditions existed in much of the state at the time of my visit.
So why am I going to this fiery state now?
It’s my son’s birthday.
I recently moved to Arizona from California and my family scattered. My eldest to Sonoma, CA and my youngest to Las Vegas, Nevada. I miss my kids immensely. Though they are young adults now, my need to see them doesn’t falter.
So off I drive the Minnie Winnie Class C to the Bay Area. Luckily for me the smoke has cleared and the weather is gorgeous everyday I’m here.
But wait, still no hiking…
CA Fires Subside But I Still Don’t Hike
It’s been 5 weeks since my last hike. My mind and body yearn for an uphill challenge. Yet I still wait.
Why no hiking?
I’m taking the time to buy a MOTORCYCLE!!
On September 19, 2020 I bought my Yamaha XT250 Dual Sport Motorcycle!
I have never ridden a motorcycle and the last time I was on one (that I can recall) was on the back of my uncle’s when I was maybe 10 years old.
I’m 48 years old and I bought my first motorcycle!
And this is all how I kept my spirits high – animals, seeing my son and getting a vehicle that will take me on new adventures.
Also read : I Bought My First Motorcycle at 48 Years Old
And finally a hike…
The need for dirt and trails persists with every day that passes.
Lucky for me my son’s girlfriend likes to hike and she’s taking me hiking in a few days in beautiful Sonoma! I can get my hiker groove on!
Thank You to My Readers
Thanks for reading my blog, I appreciate everyone stopping by!
I’m looking forward to sharing so many more of my adventures with you on my blog and vlog. Stay tuned for more hiking, backpacking, rving and now motorcycle adventures!!
~Allie
