It amazes me that exactly one year from today Cullen and I
started hiking New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers. Now at the time I had virtually
no experience in hiking mountains, and hardly any idea what was required to
take on such a task. While hiking up our first mountain, Mt. Tecumseh, I couldn’t
believe how terribly challenging it was. I found myself struggling with each and
every step up (mind you it’s one of the least challenging of the 4,000
footers). When I imagined hiking in the mountains I pictured a series of inclines
combined with plenty level sections with jaw dropping vistas. However, on my
way up Tecumseh there was hardly any level ground and absolutely no outlooks
that made my jaw drop in the slightest bit, but I did find something more impacting.
As I hiked on, I continued to watch Cullen and witness how
he navigated his way up the mountain. He found such joy taking pleasure in
every single moment spent in the captivating forest. I also noticed how he
never strayed too far ahead turning back frequently to make sure my sorry, unprepared,
weakened body hadn’t collapsed. This gave me the strength to keep moving, to
keep pushing forward, and to not settle.
When we finally reached the summit, which provided a single
outlook over the White Mountains, I was lost in such emotions. We had reached
the summit of our first mountain on our journey that would unexpectedly change
my life. Now at the time of hiking Tecumseh, I was lost in discouragement and
doubting our chances at actually finishing all 48. Reflecting on that hike now,
I realize it was just the start and that there is no sense in looking at the
end when it is only just beginning. Focusing on the present is what is going to
get you through to the end. We currently have 16 mountains left and due to the
winter we will most likely be taking our time with collecting another one until
Mother Nature decides to awake from her sleep and fill these lands with life
and vibrant colors. I am spending a lot of time planning the rest of our hikes
out to make sure we can finish in the most enjoyable way possible. We will
always be out in the woods losing ourselves in nature and the company of each
other, but until the weather warms up we will be playing it safe.
We look forward to our future journeys and sharing our experiences.
It will be in no time at all that Cullen will be the world’s smallest dog to hike
all 48.
