Hiking

Being in California reminded me of hiking.  I was never much of a hiker until my college roommate and I decided to go to New Zealand our senior year of college and hike/kayak our way through the country in 3 weeks.  Not long after, I ended up in Loma Linda for medical school and just about every last classmate of mine was into hiking and/or camping.  Many good trips ensued.  As Eric and I drove west on I-10, I passed three of my "summits": San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, San Bernardino.  It was great to relive the memories, because try as I might I couldn't bring up any bad recollections of how uncomfortable I was during any of those hikes (even though I'm sure there were many such moments).  Moving to Michigan and starting residency was not so good for my hiking hobby.  Moving to Kenya might have been (Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya are impressive multi-day treks) but not with a toddler in tow.  Maybe some day.

I have had the chance to do a few hikes upon our return to the States, though.  Eric and I hiked Lookout Mountain in Phoenix before Christmas (I use the term hike loosely, since it took all of 20 minutes to get to the top).   

 There was the 12th annual Christmas family hike up Camelback.

 And then in California, we were up on the way to Big Bear killing some time and took a "family hike" up a nature trail by Angelus Oaks for all of 10 minutes.  Our first family hike. :)

May the years ahead bring many more such moments.