Let it Flow

I teach a Hiking Basics class at Braintree Adult Education in Braintree, MA. I started last fall and it’s been a great success. We start with a 1.5 hour classroom session to discuss the basics of gear, safety, nutrition, outdoor outfitters and places to go. 10 days later we go for a two hour hike at Blue Hills in Canton, MA.

The last 3 hikes I’ve led have been absolutely beautiful with clear blue skies, mild temperatures and a fresh clean fall air that fills your lungs with life and energy. I’ve always guaranteed such a day for my hikes and so far I haven’t been disappointed.

Yesterday was the first rainy hike I’ve led. I can’t say I was disappointed because the event wasn’t canceled. I made it clear to the class that unless we were having severe weather (thunder and lightening, blizzard) the hike would happen rain or shine. That was the purpose of the classroom - to get you prepared for all types of weather and situations.

Of the 13 people who attended the classroom, 7 ended up making it to the top. And that number really surprised me! I expected less because of the rain. For me it meant I had a group who knew what they were getting into and they were ok with that.

They arrived with rain gear, boots, packs, poles and anything else they needed to be comfortable. No one looked incredibly pleased to be standing in the rain, and at the same time they did come - so they had some curiosity.

The hike was, as in the past, a great success. I had the opportunity to talk to folks, Michael was my 2nd guide and he struck up conversations with folks. People were laughing, talking and enjoying the activity - most had never hiked Blue Hills or any hills before.

One hiker even commented to Michael “I’ll have to change my definition of a nice day” because he didn’t realize a walk in the woods in the rain could actually be enjoyable.

That made my day. Stepping out of a comfort zone can open us up to so many possibilities! It’s very liberating to walk in the rain with no worries. Imagine not caring if you get a little wet and being able to have some fun with that!

I’m offering the Basics class again in the Spring (Info can be found here) and I’m offering a Beyond the Basics for those who have completed the Basics course. 2 of them are already signed up and 2 more of them said “See you in the Spring.”

What I’ve learned is that people are looking for some basic information about gear and safety, a guide so they don’t have to worry about where they are going and a community to walk with. If I can provide that, then I’m doing my job. And it is an enjoyable one. I may even have the opportunity to work with a local high school’s hiking/outdoor club.

Here is the happy group at the tower on top of Great Blue Hill:

The rain was coming down, clouds were heavy. We could see a cloud floating through the tower as the picture was being taken. It was very foggy and on this day no views of Boston could be seen.

Thanks to everyone who came out in the rain Saturday. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did and I’ll see you in the Spring!

Tags: Hiking and Outdoor Activities, Let it Flow Events //