I did not go on my first hike until my mid-30s. I could blame it on the fact that I grew up on the Great Plains of South Dakota and North Dakota. But mostly, to be honest, I just wasn't interested. 【小题1】

I went on my first hike a few years back while living in Vernont. At the urging of my wife, and with my two young kids, we walked a beautiful forest path on a cool August morning. 【小题2】 When we reached the top, we ate lunch together overlooking a perfectly still pond and a scenic Vermont.

A few weeks ago, my 11-year-old son, my 61-year-old dad, and I hiked Camelbeack Mountain in Phoenix. 【小题3】 And later this week, my wife and daughter will join us to walk the Waterfall Trail in the White Tank Mountains. Most of our hikes only last 2 hours.

Now, just to be clear, by no means would I classify myself as an expert hiker. I love the stillness and calm of an empty path 【小题4】 But waking early on a Saturday morning to walk 3-5 miles along a forest path with lunch in the backpack is a journey I'd recommend to anyone.

【小题5】 It provides an opportunity to slow down and disconnect. And given the chance, hiking teaches us important truths about life.