Lake McMurtry - Orange Trail
March 11, 2016 - 4 of
12
Never hike alone. That’s what we’re always told, especially
if you’re a female. But I do hike alone, I’m a rebel like that. There is just
something about being in nature, totally alone that just puts everything in the
right perspective for me. Besides, hiking alone and hiking with the kidlet are
not that different, except things are a lot quieter when it’s just me.
I’ve
always preferred solo walks, even when I’m walking around my town. It’s my
me time. If I’m struggling with a problem, I can almost always solve it during
a walk. If I can’t figure out a title for my latest WiP, it usually comes to me
on my walk. When my lovely child has a not so lovely day, my solo walk gives me
time to regroup and recharge before the next battle. (Please do not read that as if I leave my child home alone during rough days. I do not. I'm not saying I don't bolt out the door when Daddy gets home, but I never leave my child home alone.)
My hike at Lake McMurtry came at a time when I was just running
myself ragged during my Spring Book Tour. I had actually read my booth packet
wrong and thought I had to have my space for the Spring Into Summer show in
Stillwater, OK ready by 4pm. I got to Stillwater at 2pm, only to see they didn’t
open until 4pm. My room wasn’t ready at the hotel, so I had two hours to kill.
A cove at Lake McMurtry
A quick Google search showed me the hiking trails nearby at
Lake McMurtry and since my tennis shoes were in the car (the kidlet and I had
hiked Gloss/Glass Mountain just a day before) it was a no brainer. By the time
I found the trailhead I had ninety minutes to walk. The place was practically
deserted. In the three miles I hiked, I only ran into one other hiker who was
training his bird dog. His dog actually seemed more surprised to see me then
the gentleman.
I bet this car has a story to tell
I loved the thick woods and ponds. I didn’t see a lot of
wildlife because it was the wrong time of day. But the air was cool due to an
approaching storm and my mood was light. I breathe deeper in the forest, as if breathing fresh air for the first time ever. I went
into my book signing the next day feeling renewed and relaxed. It was a great
signing.
Some tips if you want to hike alone:
1.
Hike
well-known trails. This is not to be confused with crowded trails. I avoid
crowded trails like the plague for a number of reasons. But don’t go off trail
where you could possibly get lost or hurt and no one can find you.
2.
Check in
at the local park office, if they have one. Talk to the rangers on staff,
ask them about the trails, and tell them as discretely as possible which trail
you’re taking. I usually point to it on the map or on my cell if a map isn’t
available, that way someone with malicious intent doesn’t overhear me.
3.
Don’t tell
social media where you’re going and don’t share pics while you’re there.
You can share the pics when you’re safe at home. It’s more relaxing to stay in
the moment anyway.
4.
Do tell a
trusted person where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Make sure
the GPS locator on your phone is turned on. Text your trusted person when you
start your hike and when you finish your hike.
5.
Remember
that most everyone you meet on the trail is there for the same reason as
you are, they want to enjoy nature, not find a victim.
6.
If you do
meet someone on the trail that makes you uncomfortable. Take out your cell
phone and start taking pictures of the scenery, make sure to include them. Give
them a friendly nod and make sure they know you’ve seen them. If you’re really
uncomfortable, pull out your phone and pretend you’ve gotten a call from
someone close by and make it sound like they’re headed your way. Just because
you’re alone, doesn’t mean other need to know you’re alone.
For years I didn’t hike because I didn’t have anyone to hike
with. I had heard the horror stories and was scared. So this year I’m living up
to my motto to be brave. That being said, if your gut says it’s a bad idea to
do a trail alone, listen to it and find a hiking buddy.
