Hiking Ancient Trails + Aha Moments
We have a long tradition of doing an annual hiking adventure together. But due to the pandemic, our tradition was put off - and this “annual” adventure was three years in the making. We planned, saved and strategized for how to make it happen, because it is such an important priority for both of us.
We just got back from Greece, hiking the Menalon trail in Arcadia. It is a beautiful region of Greece that is steeped in history. Eager to immerse ourselves in the trails, views, and history, we laced up our boots and hiked for 75 kilometers along the trail that took us from village to village - from Stemnitsa to Lagkadia.
We were both surprised that the weather there was cooler than expected. We were also surprised to see that the flora and fauna were very similar to the Pacific Northwest. However, it was the perfect time to hike in Greece because the wildflowers were out. We even saw a wild orchid, a rare dragon lily - called drakondia in its native Greece for the long black/purple spike being viewed as a small dragon hiding in the surrounding flower.
One thing that we both took away is there is something very special to walking along ancient trails. Where you know that many others have followed the same paths for centuries. We have been fortunate enough to walk the Inca Trail in Peru and the Lycian Trail in Turkey, among others. When you experience places that were built so long ago, it can’t help but make you feel like a small part of this life. But also that our time on this beautiful planet is so short… why should we hold ourselves back from doing things or being the person we dreamed?
Of course, we had lots of time for these existential discussions while putting one foot in front of the other. Our goal, other than planning more of these hiking trips, is to make our dreams happen. To live our best lives. To be our best person. Poet, Mary Oliver, said it best, "Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life."
We will keep hiking ancient trails and we will keep pondering that very question.
We are considering adding Greece to our list of RevelEleven Retreats in 2023 or 2024, so please let us know if you’re interested and email monicasmith11@icloud.com if so!
Joanie + Monica