I’ve Never Hiked A Mountain Before, But For Her, I Decided To Try
A true tale of my first mountain climb with the Staves music as our expedition soundtrack
From Rock Bottom To A Mountain Peak
I was only in Arizona for a few days, and most of the time, I spent time with Veronica. Although we had been talking for a handful of months, I felt like I had known her for years.
When we finally met again in northern Arizona, the speedy development of things felt both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Few people I’ve felt this connected with, and even fewer that I’m also physically attracted to.
One of the spots she wanted to show me was this mountain in the area — the tallest one in the state. I don’t have a long history with hiking and was hesitant to try it at first, but I would go to the moon for her, so I said yes immediately when she suggested it.
The picturesque drive to the mountain’s base was filled with our ruminations on forest management and the inherent anarchy of international relations. She helped me understand the former, and I helped her understand the latter.
When we finally got to the mountain’s base, I, without thought, changed the car song to “In The Long Run” by The Staves. I don’t know precisely why I did that. Maybe the rock landscape and neverending hills triggered something in my memory associated with the visuals I always dreamed of for that song.
“In The Long Run” is a sincere acoustic folk song by the English Americana sister trio The Staves. Layered in gorgeous harmonies, it features the harmony masters contemplating the short-term nature of their current relationship while leaving room for a potential future.
As we exited the car, I played the song over my phone speakers.
“You ready?” Veronica said to me, smiling
”Born ready,” I winked.
“Lying, A Dreamer, Dreaming Beside Me”
Veronica was in dentistry school and dreamed of starting her own practice. I supported this dream and was curious how that worked in reality and what steps she would need to take to make it happen.
From what I remember, Veronica mentioned that developing a private dentist’s office was based on early investors and clients. She could get clients by starting at a dentist’s office and building relationships with them. Investors would require meetings with people with pockets and identifying them through banks or friends who’ve made similar business moves.
As she told me this tale, we were climbing up in elevation. It would take us several hours and over 12,000 feet of hiking to summit this great feature of Mother Nature. I bought hiking shoes for the excursion and was glad I had them. The ground was unforgiving and constantly put your ankles at risk.
She said the more we talk, the faster things will go, but to be aware of your breath because the higher in elevation, the shorter of breath you’re bound to be. Thankfully, she remembered to keep asking questions, which distracted me from my shortness of breath as we got above the treeline.
The stories I was telling were about my previous travels. I had described the disastrous end to my study abroad job experience. The professional train crash ended with my company’s reputation at risk due to some of our students blatantly disobeying rules in their host country.
Mix that with some questionable decisions by senior management, and I saw myself out the door. I decided to provide my skills and expertise to an organization with more fleshed-out operations standards and more stable support when work gets highly demanding.
“Wow, that was crazy,” Veronica yelled.
”Ugh, tell me about it,” I frowned.
” Well, I’m glad you made it out and that you’re happier now,” She glared at me with a compassionate smile that made me melt.
”Oh, I couldn’t be happier right now,” I admitted.
”Me too,” She chimed.
“People, They Tell Me I Should Be Careful, That You’ll Worry, And I’m Already Miles Away”
I had told some of my guy friends about Veronica and how I fancied her. They warned me about visiting her so far from where I lived off of just one interaction we had prior. For context, Veronica and I met in a different state through a mutual event at a party. I had agreed with my friend’s logical points, but my heart was saying to risk it.
How can you have someone connect with you on so many philosophical, spiritual, and musical levels? I don’t necessarily believe in fate, but this had to be close to whatever fate really was.
We lived miles away from one another, over 2,000, so there was a slim chance we could pursue this relationship in any serious capacity. However, what we did do was commit to the three days we did have together. We made each hour and each minute count. And when it came to this hike, each minute mattered a ton.
“When we get to this certain height, and there’s a resting cliff area called Hamilton Cliff, we will take a break,” Veronica explained.
”Okay, great,” I responded, panting a little.
”How are you feeling so far?” Veronica asked in wonder.
”Good, good, I was expecting to be more tired by now, actually,” I admitted.
”Yeah, you’re doing much better than I expected,” Veronica noted.
” Haha, thanks! Happy to know I’m exceeding your expectations,” I half smiled flirtlingly.
”yes! In more ways than one,” She blushed.
*fellow hikes come towards us in the opposite direction*
“Howdy you two, good day!” The hiker said.
“Good morning! Hey, do you know how close we are to Hamilton’s cliff,” Veronica asked.
”Oh, you’re some ways away, half a mile or so,” The hiker stated matter of factly.
At that point, I looked at Veronica. Although she wore sunglasses, I could tell by her lip movement that she was mildly concerned.
”Ahh, okay, thanks. Have a good rest of your day.” Veronica said.
”Of course, enjoy the rest of your hike!” The hiker said with a hint of pity in his tone.
“But We Can’t Be Lovers, ’Cause I’m Still Afraid, Of Leaving The Things I Love Dearly.”
Although we confessed our feelings for one another, we hadn’t kissed yet. I think I was just being overly cautious. What if she changed her mind, or what if it’s a bad kiss? I was getting way too into my head. So I decided: When we summited, I would kiss her. No holding back, just going for it. I told her I moved slowly the day before, and she said she liked that and even preferred it.
During our hike, she told me she had a surprise for me. She said she would reveal it when we summited, too. This could complement or counter my summit plan. However, I didn’t reveal my surprise and just accepted hers with ease and great enthusiasm.
When we reached the resting point, we ran into a solo traveler. His name was Peter, and he was from San Diego. Like me, Peter was sitting on a rock at Hamilton Cliff while Veronica was lying on the ground, arms and legs extended. As she was basking in the sun, Peter and I began conversing.
He had initially planned to do this hike with a friend, but that friend got out at the last minute. Already on his way to northern Arizona from Phoenix, where he lived, Peter decided to go on this hike anyway. He’d done it three or four times before and enjoyed meeting new people on his journey. We promised to see him at the summit and went to the most challenging part of the climb.
At this point, I realized how high we were, probably 10,000 feet above elevation. Down below, on the ground, objects like cars, trees, or people looked microscopically tiny.
”Ready for the hard part now?” Veronica looked at me with worried puppy eyes.
*swallows* “Do I have much of a choice?” I quested.
”Don’t worry, just stay close behind me and keep your eyes on the next steps; you don’t want to slip.” She said sternly, regaining enough confidence in both of us.
”what happens if I slip?” I paused.
Veronica looked ahead and confirmed, “You don’t want to know.”
“I’ll See You Again In The Long Run”
Summiting the mountain was far scarier than I would have ever imagined. The rocks were giving out from under us; we were finally at the exhaustion level she was warning us about, and there was no clear peak. At one point, we weren’t even talking. All that could be heard was the sound of the wind whistling past us as we inched closer and closer to the top.
And then we made it.
“Yay! We did it!!” Veronica screamed.
”Fuck yeah, that was amazing,” I replied. *proceeds to take a seat on a rock*
”Well, now it’s time,” Veronica said, looking at me.
”oh yes! My gift,” I said, blushing.
As. she rummaged through her bag, I could see her struggling to hold back an ear-to-ear smile. The expression made her even more attractive. She grabbed something huge with both hands and then took out a watermelon.
We both cracked up, laughing with our backs hunched over. This was an inside joke from the previous days about my funny way of pronouncing “water.” She found it so amusing that she constantly found new ways to get me to say it so she could hear it repeatedly.
I found the gag gifts exceptionally precious and very cute. While we were sitting down and eating, we noticed a tin box. Veronica noted that people who summit the mountain take notes and put them in the box for the next weary traveler to read. She encouraged me to write something. I took a pen and started writing on a piece of paper she gave me about how happy I felt at the moment and the lengths one goes to impress a girl. Smiling probably way too much, Veronica asked if she could read it before I put it in the box. I said of course and let her while I walked around the summit to take in the momentous occasion and extraordinary view.
As Veronica giggled and held the card close to her heart, I walked over to her, making flirtatious eye contact.
”Hey,” I cheesily said.
“Hi,” She whispered.
“Can I give you my gift now?” I asked.
”Yes, please,” She replied.
At that moment, I moved in for the kiss and held on for what felt like an eternity. She kissed me back with the same vigor and passion.
Although our future was unpredictable at that moment, we were connected for what felt like a lifetime.
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Stanley I feel like I'm reading a scene from a movie! I hope this isn't the end for you two.