Hike #1 The Inside scoop!!

One of my clients (Dr. B Charles ) saw me last week and said “we’ve formed a group of exercise enthusiast called IronDocs, who are trying to promote health, fitness and weight loss through activity and we go hiking on Sundays; u should come! Astra in an enthusiastic voice resonated: “Sure, see you on Sunday!!!”

Well Sunday came, and I met the group at the meeting point and we drove convoy style to the starting point. We ventured off from Codrington College. I envisioned a scenic walk in the country side accompanied with maybe some small forays onto nature trails.

Little did I know what I was getting myself into! We set off on a swift pace, running down hills, walking on paths that had not seen human footfall for a long time. We reached Consett Bay for a brief hydration break and there the “hike began”. We climbed STEEP slopes ever watchful for loose and low hanging branches and careful of the slippery terrain up to a newly discovered place (for me), called Windy Hill. We descended the cliff face, more times on all 4’s than on 2 feet. It was slow going but by this time, my body was sending mixed messages to my brain. “This is great”. “What a lovely view”. “Why can’t I breathe?”. “The air is so nice and fresh”. “Are we there yet?”. At this point muscles in my legs were screaming in agony but still we kept on going and yes at a rapid pace. Finally we got off the cliff after sliding down a 5 foot chute to the beach. We walked on the coastline and were soaked by the waves but we also got to see the old railroad tracks. We reached Bath; my breath was regained, my heart resumed a normal beat and I began to feel like the end was near. Alas that was not to be! Our trusted guide, IronDoc Charles, pointed to a steep hill and said that’s Annette Hill and that’s where we’re going. All I could do was groan and say I got this far! I can finish! We climbed this mountain on all fours, mud on my hands, clothes and my shoes were no longer distinguishable. With darkness approaching we began our return to our starting point. We returned to Codrington College at a few minutes after six.

I was tired, beat, sore and wet but EXHILARATED!! I look forward to next week’s hike with excitement and healthy dose of apprehension.