Shower Walking

Martic Township Park is a nice little area with several hiking trails doubt in Lancaster. The hiking was very steep in certain parts, making it a very good hike to practice for bigger and harder mountains. I took a friend hiking with me, as it was her idea, and at certain parts in the hike, she was left completely out of breath. Parts of the hike where extremely steep in either direction. What won the hike over for me? What made it a very interesting and beautiful challenge was the fact that we did it in the rain.

With me being an Eagle Scout of her being a former Girl Scout, we were rolling Customs to bad weather. But after all, I wasn't going to waste an hour drive out to visit her on not being able to go hiking. and so, we laced up our boots and headed out to the trail.

So instead of power walking, we talked this shower walking. It is not for the faint of heart, but let's face it. You might be alone on the Appalachian Trail, trying to do a thru-hike, then all of a sudden, the heavens open up. you don't have a choice but to continue on Works through the rain or to find shelter under the trees and hope their one does not get struck by lightning and collapse on you (which, mind you, actually has a very slim chance of ever happening, and that you are more likely to win the lottery.) and so, we willingly exposed ourselves to the elements, in the way a true hiker would, or that somebody who is homeless would have to deal with. Shelter was for the weak in this instance, and we were warriors.

Interestingly enough, hiking in the rain was incredibly refreshing. The musty air killed some of the pollen and reduced the heat, so I didn't have to sweat as much. I was quite content enjoying the atmosphere of the forest while rain was falling around us. I was very content with the constant reminder that the ecosystem is still functioning.

And so, you may not do it on purpose very often, and you may not be visiting the same trail in Lancaster that I did, but you should definitely try shower walking. It is an Indescribable and life-altering experience. Nevermind the fact that it is raining, and most people are miserable and wet. Make the best of it and enjoy it for what it is.