Wolwespruit MTB and Trail Park

jeeksparties8
Oct 7, 2024
2 min read

So hear me out... I tend to get a bit intense about everything I do. Hard to believe, I know.

Hiking? Oh, you mean being at one with nature, recharging your soul on the weekend, leisurely strolling along scenic trails? Ummm, no.

For me, it's become a full-blown competition (with myself obviously).

The most breathtaking views, the steepest climbs, the most remote trails—basically, I've managed to turn what’s supposed to be a peaceful, zen hobby into a high-stakes endurance test. Because, of course, why relax when you can stress yourself out in nature instead?

Zen who? I don’t know her.

Take the previous hike at Avianto. It was scenic, therapeutic even—one of those “easy breezy” outings because I brought along my friend Oregano (“No-Hills Harriett”). I knew that wasn't going to be one of those soul-sucking, sweat-drenched marathons.

But then again, I complain about those too. I know, never happy.

But honestly, ALWAYS happy on a hike because, deep down, I genuinely believe every hike is a gift.

That said... today’s "gift" was kind of like socks on Christmas—nice, but not exactly thrilling.

The trail was buzzing—mostly with mountain bikers and trail runners who clearly skipped a day at the gym because they decided to torture themselves on the trail instead.

This time, my hiking bud was Mountaineer McWanderlust (my son Pepper), and a few others. The trail? 4.7 km (which is basically child’s play for me right now... don’t forget, I’m practically an Olympic-level hiker at this point).

There’s a 6.5 km option, or you can combine them for a solid 10 km.

So Pepper and I decided, we'll carry on once everyone is done. But by the time we wrapped up the 4.7, Pepper was already giving me that “Can we go now?” vibe. It was getting hotter, and we’d started later than I would’ve liked, so ... I caved.

The beginning? Kinda blah, any hopes of a peaceful, nature-filled soundscape were quickly crushed by the relentless hum of highway traffic.

But then, it actually started getting, dare I say, charming—quieter, more scenic, with the classic trees-and-streams combo. All the right ingredients for a laid-back Sunday reset.