Virtual Hike

I ran across a CD my husband and I purchased a number of years ago. Fifty Virtual Hikes of the Mount Hood National Forest. It offers detailed hike descriptions, panoramic views that can be seen along the way, length and elevation changes, and a difficulty level calculator. At first I thought it a good idea, this tool that would enable us to see firsthand, even before we tie our hiking shoe-laces, over 2300 photographs and details pertaining to our future adventures. At the time, it did not occur to me that studying, examining, and perusing the 360' panoramic views would kill the thrill before it even began. I wanted so badly to see ahead of time, to chart the course of the unexpected, to map out our quest before the key went into the ignition, that my passion for hiking wilted into a yearning for long walks. I don't think I like the CD anymore. In the unexpected and unknown territory life happens. It's in the surprises and twists, the craggy hills and sprawling meadows dotted with wildflowers, that offer us the greatest view. I think if Jesus were sitting next to me right now, he would nod his head toward the CD, and in that quiet way of his, he would affirm what I've come to believe. Life's most awesome experiences are found in the unfamiliar, in the uncharted domain, and in the present moment.