For this weekend’s trek, we decided to head to Orford National Park, about 30 minutes away, to hike up Mont-Chauve. Now, I’m not saying we bit off more than we could chew, but this trek was much harder than our usual walks or hikes.

First off, some stats:

• About 5 hours long
• Just under 11Kms long
• 554 m elevation gain!
• 2412 beneficial METs! (More about what those are HERE)
• 2h42m (54%) spent in the vigorous zone

It was 5kms up, and 5 kms back down, and much of the trail is covered with rocks and roots, making the trek much more difficult and challenging.

The good news is that despite the 554 m elevation gain, neither Claire nor I were sucking air like we used to; we figure all these weekend hikes and walks are paying off, and we are improving endurance!
It’s truly remarkable how consistent effort can lead to tangible results in our physical fitness. Each hike not only challenges us but also reinforces our motivation to push our limits further. We’ve become more adventurous, exploring trails we would have avoided in the past, and it feels rewarding to tackle each ascent with renewed vigor. Our bodies have adapted, becoming stronger and more capable, which encourages us to plan even more ambitious outings. There’s a sense of camaraderie between the two of us as we share these experiences, celebrating small victories along the way, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to conquering even greater heights together!

The top of the mountain offered spectacular views of the surrounding area: Mont-Orford, Lac Stukely, and all the mountains and valleys in the area.

The day was beautiful and warm, albeit with a bit more humidity than I had expected. We were drenched in sweat; somewhat uncomfortable, but it just…feels good.

Of course, my trusty canine companion came along! Luna was a trooper and followed along, her tail wagging with enthusiasm as we set off on our adventure. Just like her humans, she was getting pretty tired on the way back down, her tongue lolling out in a pant as we navigated the rocky path. We took moments to pause and allow Luna to rest, refreshing herself with a quick drink from the water bottles while I caught my breath. Despite the fatigue setting in, her spirit remained unbreakable, and her joyful antics provided a much-needed boost to our energy as we made our way back home.

There is, of course, the physical aspect to all this hiking and walking; there is also the mental aspect. Sometimes on our longer walks (9-11 kms for now), as we start getting tired and then turn a corner and see a l-o-n-g stretch of road ahead, we need to just still our mind and keep going, drawing strength from our surroundings. Each step becomes a meditation, allowing us to connect deeply with nature, the rhythm of our breath, and the sound of our footsteps. We learn to embrace the challenge, pushing past the fatigue, reminding ourselves that the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s in these moments of struggle that we discover our resilience, finding joy in the simple act of moving forward.

Yesterday, it was more the physical exertion, especially during the second half of the descent. We were both getting very tired, but…what are you going to do? You can’t just decide you’ve had enough and say, “Ok, I’m gonna stop, now.” You’re in the middle of the trail, in the forest!

So, just like life, your decisions have led you to where you are, and you just have to keep pushing on, digging in, being resilient, and getting through it, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. Life is a series of trials and tribulations that test our strength and determination, but it is through these very challenges that we grow and evolve. There’s no sense in whining, complaining, or wishing you were in a better place – none of that does anything to move you forward. Instead, focusing on solutions and taking actionable steps is what truly propels you toward improvement. You must accept the situation as it is, acknowledging the realities while also holding onto the belief that you can create a brighter future through your efforts and choices. Remember, it’s not about the setbacks; it’s about how you rise and respond to them that defines your journey.

(The line that came to mind when I saw these roots? “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”)

So, decisions lead you to where you are, right? Each choice you make, no matter how small, can alter the course of your life in unexpected ways. And sometimes, the consequences of these decisions lead you to a tougher place than you expected, filling you with doubt and uncertainty about whether you made the right choice. It’s in these moments of struggle that you often learn the most about yourself, revealing strengths you never knew you had and teaching valuable lessons that can guide you in the future.

You just need to be tougher.