I recently escaped to the mountains on two separate occasions seeking solace. The first was November 7 when the nation awaited election results. The second was five days after a bomb cyclone left more than 600,000 people in Western Washington without electricity. Despite the contrast in challenging conditions, both outings brought me opportunities for growth, peace, and finding joy. Perhaps some of the suggestions herein will provide you with tips for cultivating a joyful mindset when facing unusual circumstances.
Finding Solitude and Growth: The Election Day Hike
On election day, I hiked 16 miles to Thompson and Granite Lakes from the Granite Creek Trailhead. Mother Nature doled out a little of everything: rain, sleet, hail, snow, wind, and sun. While my nine-year-old dog, Ajax, has been a fantastic trail companion in recent years, I knew he couldn’t do the planned mileage. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure I could when it started to snow.
My hike included moments of joy, from selecting the right gear to connecting with nature in the first snowfall of the year. While I took traction devices with me, I never needed them. I did use my poles as I headed down the steep snow-covered slopes to Thompson Lake. I also borrowed a warm waterproof layer from my husband which, paired with gaiters and waterproof boots, kept me toasty and dry in the sleet and hail. Who knew proper preparation could bring such joy?
At one point, I stopped to study several animal tracks in the fresh snow: deer, snowshoe hair, and perhaps even fox. The silence soothed me. Sleet turned to big, fluffy flakes the higher I ascended. I smiled, as I prefer snow to rain any day of the week. During the 7-hour hike, I only encountered five other solo hikers. Were they escaping for the same reasons I was?
Your Turn
I had done several 12- and 14-mile hikes, but hiking 16 miles in the waning daylight of November was a first. When facing adversity, can you create a solo outing for yourself that feels challenging but manageable?
Consider writing a reflection piece before and after your outing to capture any shifts to your mindset. During your adventure, think of three things that delight you. They can be as small as a fluffy snowflake you catch on your mitten or as big as a rainbow over one of the lakes. I delighted in listening to a pair of downy woodpeckers chirping at each other as they foraged for bugs. What strategies come to mind for finding joy?
Camaraderie and Community: My Mentored Hike
My second illustration of finding joy in unusual circumstances was during my mentored hike with the Mountaineers. On November 19, a bomb cyclone brought high winds into the region that blew down trees and caused massive power outages. Lots of people canceled, leaving me wondering whether I’d have enough people to participate. I only needed three for it to count! At 9:10 a.m. on November 23rd, five of us headed for Big Creek and Otter Falls under spitting skies. What would we find on the trail?
Fortunately, the four women who joined me were all well-prepared for the elements and we experienced a refreshing day of winter-weather hiking. My biggest goals were twofold: to stretch beyond my introverted comfort zone and make sure everyone had fun and to help everyone navigate across high stream crossings so we could all return safely. Not only did we reach both objectives, but we connected in ways that only adversity and shared experiences can provide. After 9 miles and two waterfalls, three of us still had enough energy to visit nearby Garfield Ledges to celebrate completing my mentored lead hike.
Your Turn
It had been years since I’d led climbs and Family Activities outings for the Mountaineers. I was nervous about hiking with strangers, but also excited about the challenge. How might you plan a group activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone while prioritizing safety?
Consider reflecting afterward on moments of connection and joy within your group. When having a snack or lunch, challenge each other to come up with one thing each group member contributed to the experience or one thing you’ve learned from your partners.
Universal Practices for Finding Joy
What I learned from both adventures is strategies for finding joy. Preparing in advance can be a way to develop joyful anticipation. We can’t control election outcomes or storms. But we can control our gear, mindset, destination, and safety. What would a “joy checklist” look like for your next outing?
On Election Day, the snow muffled the sounds and turned the trail white and beautiful. I delighted in the different snow textures, from slushy in one area to icy or crunchy in others. Tracks provided evidence of people and animals who came before, but how long ago? Try embracing any unexpected changes and look for beauty. By seeing setbacks as opportunities, you become more adaptable and experience greater joy in the moment.
As I hiked alone on Election Day, I missed my dog. But I also appreciated the stark fall mountains and lakes. With companions on my mentored lead, we shared stories and selfies. In both cases, I experienced different types of joy. How do you connect to the place or the people you’re hiking with? How might solitude or companionship enrich your experiences?
Finally, in both cases, physical exertion releases feel-good endorphins, whether that’s from the gentle grade of the 9-mile hike to Otter and Big Creek Falls or the strenuous 16-mile hike to Thompson and Granite Lakes. To create joy in your next outing, set a physical goal that feels challenging yet achievable.
Your Turn
What do these two examples evoke for you? Can you think of a recent adventure that taught you something about joy? If you struggled with an outing, how might you cultivate a growth or joy mindset to have a more positive outcome next time?
What are some “unusual circumstances” that might benefit from a new approach to wilderness adventure? How might you apply some of these exercises to your situation? Share your stories of finding joy in unexpected ways in the comments so we can all benefit. I love hearing from readers.