Rosewood Trails : The Sequel

Today’s group consisted of me (obviously) and two other humans with absolutely no shared theme, purpose, or personality overlap.

And yet, as nature politely reminds me, people tend to become compatible once you put trees around them.

Mostly.

"The Friend"

An old walking partner reappeared.

Back in the day, we didn’t “go for walks” - we executed structured outdoor missions.

Precision.

Pace.

Intensity.

So when she resurfaced after years of silence suggesting we “go for a walk and catch up,” I obviously responded with "hills, mountains, or nothing at all."

She agreed immediately - I should have expected that, as we share the same "commitment."

Slightly concerning for humanity in general.

"The Niece"

“The Niece” recently completed a family hike, so she was provisionally approved for future outings.

I had actually messaged her first.

There was no reply within what felt like a deeply offensive two minutes.

So I did what any rational adult would do - I panicked and messaged a backup - "The Friend."

Then - predictably - 2.75 minutes later, The Niece replies “yes.”

At this point, I seamlessly transitioned into pretending this was a well-planned trio and not me aggressively avoiding the possibility of a hike-less day.

Rosewood Trails

I’d been there before with Paprika (human - but powered like a small appliance).

Last time, we technically “did the trails,” but in reality, we just power-walked in the general direction of dirt and called it hiking.

This time, I aimed for structure.

We were met (again) by genuinely friendly staff - and committed to at least two of the three available trails..

The Trail

The trails aren’t long, but you can stack them if you’re feeling ambitious.

Easy overall, with a brief mild incline.

This is for people who want to “be in nature” without nature pushing back.

Also for people who require coffee as a reward system.

The Incident

I was mid - deep reflection to "The Niece" and "The Friend" that while I completely unravel at the sight of creatures in my house, when it comes to creatures in nature - four legs, no legs, questionable legs - I’m basically Dr. Doolittle.

Calm.

Connected.

One with the ecosystem.

I had just finished this TED Talk on how I felt spiritually aligned with anything that doesn’t look like it could eat me, when "The Niece" gets stung by a bee.

For a brief moment, it felt like I had personally triggered the ecosystem.

Luckily, she was fine. And my reputation as “calm wildlife whisperer” remained intact.

Technically.

Overall Experience

It was good.

No overthinking.

No forced bonding.

Just walking in nature.

Somewhere between the barely-there incline and the coffee, everything worked out.

Final Thoughts

We didn’t conquer anything dramatic.

No one found themselves.

But we did show up and walk in nature - and frankly, that’s already above average.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Moreleta

COST

R 30

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy

TRAIL LENGTH

We did around 6 km but you can decide - depending on how committed you feel.

TRAIL MARKERS

Vaguely present, but you’ll survive

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Lovely coffee shop with friendly staff and a beautiful kiddies play area.

NOTE TO SELF

When you think you’ve found a green bean tree, maybe don’t start planning a stew.

Open it first - because there’s a strong chance it’s not a bean

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

No

ON A FINAL NOTE

If I ever start bonding with nature out loud again, immediately stop talking - something is about to sting someone.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO

Works alone. Works in groups.

Works even when the group makes absolutely no sense.