This weekend has been our first time for company in our new home, so the past couple of days have been a big deal for us. Having family made it easy and so much fun. We had a guided tour of the old prison (freaky in the hanging room and the gas chamber) and discovered that most museums and several stores are closed on Mondays. Even the shooting range was closed. But what we didn’t do was go hiking. I wanted our company to return sometime in the future, and I have certain weaknesses. I get started walking and cannot stop.

If you’ve read many of my posts, you know I’m a hiking fanatic. I have sought out trails since I first learned to walk and my poor mother had to keep up with me to make sure I was safe. Now Mel has to do it. He takes his job seriously.

Last week I told him I’d love to take a “short stroll” in the desert to test out my new backpack (yay!). That short stroll turned out to be maybe six miles–not far by my standards. We even found the signs for the Continental Divide Trail. It was an exciting day for me. For Mel, too, because despite the short distance, his hiking boot flew apart.

Blown hiking boot

We were glad that it was close to the end of the trail, because it’s difficult to hike with a blown boot. Especially bad when pebbles congregate in said boot.

Collecting rocks the hard way

When he emptied out his boot later at home, I felt sorry for him. He had toughed it out like a real man. In fact, he continued to wear those boots–along with the rocks– while we went target practicing immediately after our hike.

Mel now has new boots and so do I. I’m yearning for another stroll out in the desert. Maybe tonight as the sun sets, so I can’t keep him out too long.

When’s the last time you took a stroll on the wild side and explored the wilderness? Check it out and take a few deep breaths. Just remember to wear the right shoes for the occasion.