Hiking is fun because it kind of gives you that feeling of freedom and at the same time it gives you excitement. Also, wherever or whatever mountain/hill top you have been to is always an achievement. It does not matter if you have been hiking for 6 hours or 2 hours. As long as you have enjoyed, struggled and conquered, every step is worth it.

My first hiking experience was during my sophomore year in high school in the Philippines. We had a field trip at Mt. Makiling. That experience was one of the most memorable I ever had because it was my first time to see a mountain in real life. For your info I was a city girl. I was born and raced in the metro. The only things that I knew then were the mall, school and home (Blame my over protective parents.).  I got speechless upon seeing the mountain from the bus and when we began walking on the trail I told one of our guides that in 14 years I thought that the paths to the mountains are flat (like asphalt roads) and I thought that it would be an easy trip all the way. So he asked why, I told him that I have only seen mountains in my books. He gave me that “you poor little girl” look and he said that he’s sure that I was going to enjoy the hike. And so we walked into the woods. It was alright in the beginning but suddenly I had to take a break. My feet were killing me. One of the guides checked on me and that’s how he found out that I was not wearing hiking shoes but a pair of 3 inch platform sandals! He scolded at me but we could not do anything because we were already half through our destination. I survived the hike. My feet were swollen and sore but that hike is unforgettable. I had mixed emotions, I was happy and a bit angry at my parents for making me look ignorant. Just kidding! It was my fault for not paying attention to my teachers during the school meeting.

After the trip, I realized that being prepared is essential to hiking. Needs weigh more than wants (and appearance). I learned how to prioritize stuff. So when the next hiking trip came I left my platform sandals at home.

This post is my take on The Daily Post Discover Challenge, Memory.