The Deer Don't Care: A Reflection on the Unimportance of Hike Days
I spent a night battling no-see-ums, and the thought of a challenging day of climbing ahead of me left me feeling less than enthusiastic. The FarOut map revealed a daunting 5000 feet of elevation gain for the day, and I knew I had to rise to the occasion early on.
The first five miles were a test of my endurance, leading me to the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain. A weather radar station and a grassy field greeted me at the top, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I cruised through the remaining miles.
Sometimes, I question the significance of these hiking days. They are mere steps towards the ultimate goal of reaching Mount Katahdin, but they often feel forgettable. It's interesting how these seemingly insignificant days mirror the mundane moments in our everyday lives.
One revelation that stood out to me was the deer's indifference to my presence. I encountered multiple deer throughout the day, and while some displayed fear, most seemed indifferent or curious. I even got unreasonably close to a buck and doe pair, who followed me to the spring and watched me filter water. It made me wonder if they enjoy our company as well.
Despite the physical challenges and the occasional lack of excitement, I find solace in these moments. The deer's nonchalance towards me serves as a reminder that nature is indifferent to our struggles and triumphs. It's a humbling thought, and one that I find comforting in the midst of a challenging hike.
As I reflect on this experience, I realize that the true beauty of hiking lies not in the destination but in the journey itself. The deer's indifference teaches me to appreciate the small moments and find joy in the process, rather than solely focusing on the end goal.
In the grand scheme of things, these hiking days might seem insignificant, but they are a part of a larger narrative. They shape our character, teach us resilience, and remind us of the beauty that exists in the natural world, even when it doesn't seem to care about our presence.
