Can't Mountain-top that

Did two amazing hikes to high-mountain lagoons nestles at the foot of white peaks. I felt like I was 63 the whole time. Even on level ground 4000 metres makes you wheeze. And inevitably, a pack of ill-equipped, poorly dressed Peruvians, likely children, will pass you nearly running. On our climb to Churup lake, we watched a group of 6 overtake us with 2L of Inka Cola (yellow bubble gum flavoured pop), a shitzu that moved quicker than us with only 1inch legs, and one singular lime. Not to mention they were braving the fog and rain in cotton sweaters and jeans. Classic. And so demoralizing.

It also was one of the best days of my trip, up there in best days of my life. It's hard to quantify the best day of one's life. For some people it's getting married, others its the birth of a child. Or maybe reaching the "senior's discount" age when you get free cookies and water at the Langford's drugstore. When I think about it, the best days of my life have been a combination of several things: fantastic homemade food (or just food when travelling & hiking), great company, spending the day outdoors, laughing, plus a small quantity of both 'challenge' and 'no expectations.' 

Also,sometimes you meet people, and you enjoy their company because you’re lonely or because they actually understand the words coming out of your mouth. And you appreciate those times. Other times, you meet someone who you’re sure you’ve known before. Something about their spirit, their laugh, their peacefulness. And there is a sureness that you were meant to know that person. As if the last few months or years of your life, each decision made, the earlier bus you chose to take, the day-later tour … was slowing moving you towards this person with precision and intention. These are the most beautiful parts of travel. They are the little pieces that make you feel so whole, you could burst. A person that reaffirms every part of your identity, even the seemingly insignificant parts, and inspires you to be even more. And two days feel like months.

And then they go. But there is an ease to saying goodbye, because you both know you will encounter each other again, in some other normal, exceptional circumstances. And maybe in it will be in a different form, but in the same energy of simplicity and uninhabited joy. It’s easier to let go of someone special when there isn’t anything left to improve, or anything left unsaid. That is a fulfilling feeling. Couple this with being on a mountaintop or in the trees, and there’s isn’t much more to want in life.