Walking for Miles on Dirt… My Story
By Jessica Shouse
If I had a dollar for every time I get asked what my love affair with walking for miles on dirt
is all about, I’d be rich. I often chuckle & think to myself, “What isn’t it about?”
As a Colorado native, I was blessed to grow up with The Rocky Mountains as my backyard playground. I have spent many summers camping with family & friends. I have dabbled in mountain biking & skiing. I loved soaking in all that magnificence & wonder. As I grew up and became a busy young adult with many commitments, I lost my connection with mother nature. I would not realize for almost a decade how much I missed being outdoors. I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that I did not stop. I neglected myself. I was not practising good self-care. I gained lots of weight. I lacked energy. Not good.
I don’t know why, all of sudden, somewhere around my 30th birthday something drew me to the mountains for a dose of nature. Out of nowhere, I wanted to go for a hike, for a walk on dirt. My son, two at the time, was with me while my husband was at work so it had to be short. We went to Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. This hike is about 2 miles round trip on a nice out and back trail. Once we were on the trail my bubby was so happy, so amazed at all that was around him. There was a sparkle in his eye like I had never seen before. He wanted to stop and touch every speck of dirt, every tree, every pinecone. He laughed when he saw little critters run across the trail. We stood and threw rocks and sticks in the river for what seemed like hours. He was overcome with complete joy and pure innocence. As I stood and watched him take in this new world, memories of my childhood replayed in my mind. That hike, that moment, was exactly what I needed. It was a slap in the face, a true wake up call to get back outdoors. I had quickly rediscovered what being in nature is all about, through the eyes of a two-year-old. I now spend as much time as possible on the trail. I am addicted. Frequent nature injections have become a crucial part of my life and a key part of keeping my sanity.
Do you ever notice how good you feel after you’ve spent some time outside? There are many studies that show spending time in nature helps to improve not only physical health but mental health as well. The stress of the concrete jungle & daily hustle and bustle weighing you down? Need an attitude adjustment? Just want some “me” time? Want a killer leg work out? Seeking some quality family time? Take a hike. Seriously, go walking for miles on dirt. Get some fresh air, some vitamin D therapy. Play in the soil. Put your feet in the water. Breathing in that crisp, clean mountain air & soaking up the sun causes a chemical reaction in the brain that produces higher levels of the “feel good hormone.” Hiking and spending time in nature is also proven to reduce stress & anxiety. Trust me on that one! Getting out and enjoying nature, being in the mountains can help you escape the pressures of life. It helps me sleep better, makes me feel better. Walking for miles on dirt is very, very cathartic. Being up in those peaks takes away all my stress, all my worries. It is my solitude, my peace. The mountains are where I go to seek guidance & find clarity. Exploring in nature allows for a clear mind, a peaceful mind, a joyful mind.
Now, I’m not going to lie, hiking is not all sparkles and glitter, blue skies and sunshine. You’ll probably get blisters at some point. I’ve been taken down in the middle of the trail by a charlie horse so bad that you could see it travelling up and down my calf. Sometimes you have to battle mosquitoes and bugs so thick they fly up your nose and in your mouth. After one adventure I counted almost 15 bites. Yuck! Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate and you have to quickly seek shelter under a big boulder until the storm passes. I recently went on a winter hike where we encountered gusts of 65+ mph winds. That makes it hard to walk and sucks all your energy out with the force of a Dyson vacuum. I’ve been in some sticky situations. There have been many times when I have wanted to turn around, give up, throw in the towel. But I don’t. I can’t let the apprehension and fear stop me from reaching my goals. I keep challenging myself with tougher, longer adventures. You see, it’s all about perspective. All about the right mindset. Hiking is comparable to life in that you must continuously put one foot in front of the other. You must keep going, keep moving forward despite challenges and fear. Sometimes inclines are so steep & the air is so thin that I have to stop what seems like every ten steps to catch my breath. Legs and lungs burning from pure exhaustion. Sometimes you doubt yourself and think you have taken a wrong turn, sometimes you do take a wrong turn. It is in these moments when I often say to myself, “What the hell am I doing here?” “This is crazy, I am crazy!”
Then I look around at all that natural beauty, take a few deep breaths, remind myself of why I do this and push on. There is nothing better than the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching your destination when you doubted yourself or had fear try and get in your way. Pushing through the tough times makes the amazing views at the top that much sweeter. It gives you a sense of confidence that is hard to describe. The feeling that you are on top of the world. It reminds you that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
And that my friends, is what walking for miles on dirt is all about.
Jessy is a 30 something, wife, mother, photographer, blogger, gear reviewer and avid nature lover. Nature, hiking and camping are her game! Jessy is blessed to call colorful Colorado and her beautiful Rocky Mountains home. Jessy lives just 45 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and spends as much of her free time in the park as she can. Frequently visiting the park for Sunday morning sunrise sessions that are truly breathtaking! Jessy is also a volunteer for the US Forest Service and conducts patrols of some of her favorite trails in the Indian and James Peak Wilderness areas.
Jessy believes deeply in and advocates for all the health, mental and physical, benefits that spending time in nature provides. There is more and more scientific, evidence-based, research supporting this. Jessy tries to share that with as many people as she can.
Through her honest and authentic writing on her Colorado Mountain Momma blog, accompanied by her nature photography, Dragonfly Colorado, Jessy aims to share how nature has been one of the, if not the most, powerful healing tools for her in overcoming her mental health struggles. By opening a very candid and personal door into her own journey and life experiences Jessy hopes to show others that they too can benefit from all nature has to offer. Jessy aims to guide others how to find a healthy balance between catering to life’s responsibilities and caring for one's self and one’s deep passions.
“Her religion is the Earth. The mountains, the air, the water, the fire and the soil are her sanctuary. They live in her as she lives in them.” -Colorado Mountain Momma, Jessy Shouse-
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
- Jessica Shousehttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/jessica-shouse/
Love this and I feel the sparkle come back into my eyes everytime I head out in nature as well! It has such a positive affect on us and our overall wellbeing
Laura x
You are very lucky living near the Rocky Mountains. I am a hiker too and try to go on a hike wherever I travel too. I also love wild camping and going on multi day hikes with camping equipment. The Rocky Mountains are still on my bucket list.
I cannot stress enough how lucky you are to live near Rocky Mountain. It is a treasure trove that got my attention for decades that I have not had the chance to visit. You should take care of yourself more often. Life happens sometimes.
I am glad that you had the chance to get out of it and explore Alberta Falls. It is a true gem in nature. I will take your advice to hike in nature as it helps to improve physical health and mental health. Spot on.
I resonate with your story because I love going hiking as well. I try to go as often as I can around my home, on weekends, but I also include it when I go travelling abroad. I just came back from Canada where I spent a good amount of time on trails. I even saw a bear, which was exciting. Being outside, in nature, is one of the best ways to combat stress and find peace within yourself.
Your post on walking for miles on dirt is very inspiring! Nothing can beat a dose of fresh air while camping or hiking outdoors and soak the beauty of nature. We have the same feeling when we go outdoors into the forest trails and listening to the tinkling sound of the water in the brooks. It’s good to know that your son also has acquired the similar passion for outdoors.
Great story! You are so right about soaking in nature and feeling good about it. All our driving holidays are in places to see waterfalls, gorges, beaches, nature parks and lakes and almost never in a busy city. Yes, in tropical seasons, mosquitoes and bugs have to be dealt with. We love to go in Autumn or Spring when the weather a bit nippy and flies do not like that. Nature definitely energizes and relaxes you. 🙂
It is easy sometimes to let life take over and lose the opportunities to be out in nature. Great to introduce your son to nature and get such a positive response. A reminder of the joy we can get from nature. We are not serious hikers but we get out whenever we can at home or on our travels. And we have had some of those times when we probably should not have walked! But that never stops us from heading out again.
Though I’m personally not a hiker, I can absolutely attest to how nature can clear my mind and make me feel renewed! I love the concept of calling it a ‘nature injection’! Living in the big city, I have to be intentional sometimes about getting out and touching some grass.
Aaahhh yes, very few experiences beat that, for me. It’s always best when I walk on my bare soles, to feel more connected with what’s on the ground.
My daughter loves hiking and running cross country, so she could definitely relate to this article.
Wow, what an epic story. Nature really is beautiful, reminds us how small we are.
I loved reading about your experiences connecting with nature in your beautiful state! It sounds like you are in the perfect place for doing what you love most — immersing yourself fully in nature’s majesty. I love that you can do this whenever you want; I have to travel a bit to reach nature, and I often miss it.
I miss the mountains of Colorado. I went there several years as a kid and it was so fun. I’d love to visit one day but I don’t have time off from work. Maybe once my son graduates I might move to Colorado. Not sure though.
I do love spending time outdoors. I need to do more walking on dirt.
I don’t mind being outside in doses. It can be very calming. I can walk a few miles and then I’m finished and need a Diet Coke.
I feel like in your 30s, everyone has a little bit of a re-awakeness. Going back to the mountains is a fantastic way to explore it.
I looooove the outdoors, love it especially in Fall. I’ve never been to Colorado, I would love to explore it and I should.
I love how you captured the joy of seeing the world through your son’s eyes—it’s such a reminder of the simple pleasures that can rejuvenate us.
Your story is wonderful to read. Spending time in nature is awesome in so many ways!
And you are in the right state! Colorado has great outdoors!
Your post on walking for miles on dirt is both inspiring and practical for outdoor enthusiasts! I love how you offer helpful tips for making long hikes more enjoyable and comfortable—thanks for sharing this valuable advice for hikers!
I am not sure about camping, but I do love hiking. Staying outdoors in a tent scares me, but I would be all about something with more protection.
Walking on dirt paths sounds so refreshing and peaceful. I love how you described the feeling of being in nature.
I can totally relate! There’s something so special about walking directly on the earth and feeling that beautiful connection to nature. I love walking through forests, mountains, along rivers…it’s a magical experience.
Hiking gives me such calmness. It’s a time where I can really think straight.
Nature is amazing. It can heal you, energize you, or relax you. I really enjoyed this.
I really loved reading your story. I never really thought about hiking outside of taking a trail for a few miles.