I have always thought that I wouldn’t be able to climb Saint Catherine or Jabal Mousa as a beginner, let alone hike for 3 days. To my surprise, that is exactly what I did.
So, here are 5 things I learned while going on a 3-day hiking trip as a beginner:
Backpack 101
I made the mistake of overpacking with a week’s worth of snacks and water for a 3 day hike. By the end of the first day, my back wanted to crawl out of my body. So, make sure to pack the essentials only.
Aside from the delicious food you’ll have with the bedouins. You should pack nuts, granola bars, dates, chocolates; everything that could provide you with enough energy and protein. They should also be small and easy to eat because you’ll always be on the go. As for the water, one bottle is essential and the other can be filled from natural springs along the way. Lastly, make sure to pack tissues and wipes in case you need the bathroom.
Fresh Buzz is your Best Friend
Na’ga Mountain was our first destination so we had to camp on our way there. On any hike, you should always stay hydrated and that means nature calls. Fresh Buzz should definitely be in your backpack as it makes the process much easier.
Shoes
The shoes you’ll use for hiking shouldn’t be smooth. It should be light in weight with good support to your body. Your shoes should also be functional, stable, stiff but cushioning, and breathable. When you climb up and down the steps on the mountain, you need to stabilize yourself on the heel first so you don’t hurt your back or knees.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Alone
Hiking is not just good for the body but also for the soul. It is a way to disconnect from the world. There was no service for three days and social media didn’t exist. The entire experience is purely based on human interaction and it was beautiful. So, my advice to you is to not be afraid to go on your own. It was scary for me too, but it turned out to be the perfect way to have some alone time and disconnect from the world.
How Blessed we Are
Blessings are all around us. We have roofs over our heads, access to education, transportation to anywhere when we need it. We have many luxuries like the luxury of social media and electricity, the luxury to layer up when it’s cold.
Hiking wasn’t easy but the cold and discomfort all made me realize all the blessings I have in my life and I’m very thankful for that.
I hope my little journey has encouraged you to go on an adventure as a goodbye to 2021 or as a welcome to the new year. I promise you it will be the perfect start!