The Hike With Susan — Jasmine D. Lowe

The world around us was filled with the symphony of nature sounds sweetly singing as we climbed the path newly washed with a slurry of rain and snow. The dewy greenery plushly lined the once barren and dirt-packed trail to transport any traveler from the city streets below into a magical fairytale existence. The friend, who I had invited along for the day’s hike, was enjoying the conversation and scenery that came with the ascent of the Southern California mountain when we reached the halfway point along the trail. They had no idea what would follow after coming to this point.

The sun at this section of the trail was steadily rising overhead. The cool spring air was beginning to warm as the sun’s rays broke free from behind the barrier of thinly veiled clouds. Turning back to go to the beginning of the trail would have tallied a 5-mile trip. However, continuing to the next peak would push our hike to 10 miles.

“I thought we were going to the top,” my friend said, looking at the next section of the trail. “I’m ready to do the whole thing.” It was at this time that a petite older woman in brightly colored hiking gear walked up to us. “Are you guys going to the top?” She asked as we hovered by the path that would transport us another couple of miles to the next peak. “Do you know the way? Could I tag along with you?”