Sludge

In the age of influencers, starting a blog feels pretty retro. It’s been almost three years since I graduated, and recently I have found myself craving some sort of creative writing outlet. No pressure or overthinking, no (serious) editing or rough drafts; just a space to articulate my thoughts and encapsulate my experiences. Kind of like an online journal or digital scrapbook. I have no idea what the outcome of this endeavor will be or if anyone will even read these silly entries, but at the very least, it will allow me to hone in on my writing skills and share bits from my mid-twenties!

I went hiking on Saturday, and the best word I can conjure up to describe the ordeal is ‘sludge.’ Going along with the title of this blog, I consider myself to be crunchy (or else I wouldn’t have the license plate!) and usually welcome any opportunity to play outside. Unfortunately, these were less than ideal circumstances for a day hike, and as I arrived at the trailhead, a light rain began to come down. I considered my options: skip the hike and find something to do around town or push through the elements. I had driven over two hours at this point and am not one to back down from a challenge; besides, I have grit! What’s the worst that could happen?

So I began my hike to Looking Glass Rock, one that I had not completed since my college years. And as anticipated, the rain continued to fall and grew heavier by the minute. After a mile in, I was already completely drenched and painfully aware that I lacked any other clothes. I decided to view it as an opportunity; humans are waterproof, and the cooling effect carried me through the elevation. I continued on my trek and reached the summit in just over an hour. Not bad for a seven miler (out and back). I found a comfortable seat and posted up for a few minutes, enjoying the view and conversation with fellow hikers.

After a half hour, I felt ready to journey back down the mountain. My body had started to shiver from the stillness of my break, and I realized this is where the work would really begin. The refreshing rain had turned downright miserable, and the trail was a muddy mess. My hiking boots were completely saturated and squished with each step; my lower legs were quickly coated with a layer of grime. To motivate myself, I repeated this simple mantra: ‘beer, burger, sweet potato fries.’ I wasn’t sure where, but I knew that would be my reward for finishing this hike. 

I aimed to strike the balance between moving as fast as possible without going so far as to take a misstep. While I embraced the discomfort, I viewed the experience as a metaphor for life: to keep moving forward, even through the sludge. There really was no alternative, and to stay put would have extended my struggle. I had no control over the external circumstances, but I could choose my response. So I pressed on and finished my hike (in a steady two and half hours).

I had never been more relieved to see my Rav-4 waiting for me at trailhead. In an effort to dry myself, I peeled off my outer layers and blasted my car’s heat. I looked like a wet rat and was way too gross to enter any restaurant, so I embarked on my trip back to Greenwood. After driving a while and having some time to dry, I stopped at one of my favorite restaurants in Traveler's Rest, Chicora Alley. It felt fitting, especially considering the quaint town’s namesake. I fulfilled my beer, burger, and sweet potato fries manifestation, which satisfied every food fantasy I could ever imagine. As I cruised the drive home, I reflected on the untapped strength that resides in each of us. The resilience which carries our spirits through the highs and lows and in-betweens. Even the sludge.

Looking Glass Rock, Pisgah National Forest.