How a hike in the Dolomites, lead me beyond the destination

When I was younger, I was a very active kid enjoying the outdoors and all the scary and dirty activities that came with it. With no care, and no fear. As I got older, caring and fearing started to develop and, interests shifted.

My attraction to the shiny, glitzy and glamourous experiences intensified, and any motivation to purchase camping gear, learn how to read hiking maps, or take myself to a mountainous region that wasn't a populated walking track, that could be accessed by emergencies services easily if required, and no risk of being lost for longer than an hour before coming across another human, disappeared with no acknowledged space for it to nurture and grow.

Fast forward to my late twenties and early thirties, and space was created. Admittedly meeting my boyfriend has helped that space open up, as he came into my life ready to share his know how and love of hikes, cycling and adventure. But beyond having his guidance to tap into my adventure era, it became quickly obvious to me that I never really lost it. My outdoor, adventure self didn't disappear, no more than it was overshadowed by the side of me that loves (current tense still accurate) the shining lights of the city, Rivera coastlines, sea view apartments, and various outfit choices that are Instagram appropriate. By re-discovering my adventure self, I rediscovered the potential of my whole self.

It's been a couple of years now since first leant back outside of the comfortable safe zone, but this post focuses on a recent 5 day jaunt through the Dolomite Mountains in Northern Italy.

Now I say jaunt, because we did 5 days as opposed to our trail's (Alta Via 2) full 14 day length. But those 5 days were no small trip or excursion (Oxford languages defined Jaunt as: a short excursion or journey made for pleasure). Our hike saw us walking for a total of 27hrs, covering 111KM and 5,232m elevation gain.

Was this small? No. Was it pleasing? Hell yes!

You see, though the numbers seem big, the sense of accomplishment is far bigger. Which to me, is the result that wins.

There were days, more days than not, that we were challenged in unexpected ways. But to work through those challenges, overcome those challenges, you're faced with the truth that you deserve the self belief to know you can.

Some times in every day life, it's easy to shy away from a challenge. To shy away, retreating from the potential, to say no that's not for me.

But when you're 3,000m up a mountain and the only way to get out of there is to keep going forward, there is no time for questioning or a 'no' mentality.

And it is this aspect that I love so much about a hike. There has been a couple of instances where in the moment, I absolutely do not like that about a hike, and I'm scared, but also in those moments my heart and mind believe in me. And so I too, believe in me.

Is it ironic that in circumstances removed from from what I know, suddenly I can be sure on my capabilities? In this life that can be so flooded by options, choices and instant answers, a habit to question myself or doubt myself has been fostered. The fullfilment and an ability to be self-inspires, when there is space, away from the clutter of everyday life, to tap into what is truly inside of you.

The ability to walk forward on the hike, and to go back to the normal of life knowing that when faced with adversity or challenges that may feel too large - that it's a feeling and not necessarily the truth. You can do it - whatever it is!

And frankly, how awesome is that!?

I can say from experience, that walking 111km might leave you with a few blisters or a couple of sore muscles but filled to the brim with pride makes it all worthwhile.

Chat soon,

Dani xo