I never did write about my hiking experience at Pisgah National Forest during New Year’s weekend. Nearly three months ago! I won’t ramble on about it too much, but there are some photos I took and didn’t share in my more timely Instagram post, so because this is my personal blog and I pay to be here, I felt it was worth highlighting the trip for this space.
I will start by saying that this hike was way more intense and advanced than I was expecting. That is mostly because I am woefully out of shape. But my friends kept me in check and we made it to all the bluffs, which of course were beautiful.
And honestly it felt so good at the end, coming back down the mountain, knowing that it was a tough hike for me. It really felt like I had worked for it and that probably wouldn’t have happened in the absence of our crew. As introverted and solitary as I can be sometimes, it spoke volumes what I could push myself to do with the right support system. I always worry I’m the weakest link but they never make me feel that way.
Even when things were a bit touch and go for me at one point, so much so that I could feel myself starting to blackout and had to sit down. This was on me. Too many layers, not enough electrolytes, and I was pacing myself too fast, taking too big of steps. Once I corrected those things and found my rhythm, my heart rate adapted and I trekked onward and upward more stably.
The hike was later polished off by a cold, refreshing, much appreciated beer at Fonta Flora Brewery. I love that whenever I hike with my friends this is a mandatory requirement following a successful hiking expedition. A cold beer never tasted so good as it does after conquering a majestic mountain.
10/10 recommend.
xLMB
Lauren Michelle Brock 