Dam Hike

This past Sunday some of us went hiking, The TinMan, TroyWorks, and BRKVW. The Dam Hike (!) in Glendale. It follows a streambed that, many years ago, 6-8 stone dams were built into it. Going near vertical, climbing with hands, and on knees at some parts, became necessary.





The Tin Man knew the way, as he had been on this hike before. We followed the stream and dams into the valley. After about an hour, the Tin Man says, "This is the furthest I have gone. Last time I turned around here." There is no trail indicating more.

Short consensus, we decide to continue all the way into the valley, making our own trail, with a vague plan to climb out of the valley, to the fire road above us.



Up until recently, hiking new locations posed somewhat of an anxiety opportunity for me. Not knowing where the trail ends, how it ends, what it looks like, 'are we there yet?' etc. I am sure it is a combination of fear of the unknown and lack of control that triggered the anxiety. Though lately, with each new trail, I do not have these feelings/thoughts anymore.

But I was surprised to feel excited about going off trail. I was smiling and giddy. Dare I say...high. It was a cool feeling. I would have never guessed that I would have felt this way. It reminds me that sometimes you don't know how you are going to feel about trying something new and/or different. You just have to do it, then see.

Anyone have a recent experience in which you were surprised by your reactions?

Thank you to TroyWorks for the photo's!