This entry was originally posted in October 2010.

As a young girl, I enjoyed the one-on-one time with my father walking in the Georgia woods. He was always checking out the best hunting spots and I wanted to tag along. Not sure how relaxing it was for my dad because I talked constantly and asked him a lot of questions. We spent many Sunday afternoons doing this. My brother and I hiked the Grand Canyon with our dad when I was just 13. I don’t remember being tired, just remember the togetherness and, of course, the stinky mules on the dusty trails.

Taking a walk outdoors is something I do daily with my dogs in tow. It is probably one of main the reasons I have dogs in the first place.  My fondest memories are definitely of big hikes and simple walks taken with my family.  One of my favorite quotes is “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world” (Paul D. White, M.D.).

My husband and I took hikes with our boys when they were very young. We carried them in a special backpack carrier when they were infants. We still take hikes together on a regular basis. It definitely strengthened our marriage and is a great activity to do together as a family.

There are so many adjectives I can use to describe why I walk whenever possible. Walking is free; doesn’t cost a thing except a little time. It is freedom from the everyday nonsense.