The Couple That Hikes Together - Round Two

Chris and I have always been close. Like, extra-special close. But, like any other couple, we're also guilty of getting stuck in a rut. Of getting so caught up in and hypnotized by the monotony of everyday life that we fall into an overwhelming state of the doldrums and forget to appreciate. There are days when we all too easily undervalue the little things - waking up next to each other every morning, watching our favorite television shows while curled up on the couch together every night, the half hour or so after Chris gets home from work where we shut off the TV/computer/phone and just sit, share a drink and talk about our day...

Like every couple, there are times when we just forget to appreciate... each other.

And then we go hiking.

Immersing ourselves in nature and sucking in the fresh air of the Pacific Northwest centers us, restores us and, without fail, reminds us what's really important in life. Our concerns and troubles suddenly become less burdensome. We feel positive, hopeful and - dare I say it - even expectant. We're a team, out there on that trail, and just knowing that we have each other's back draws us even closer together.

Yes, more often than not we do come home sunburned, tired, sore, and scratching more bug bites than we can count. But we also come home smiling. And that's really the important thing, isn't it? :)


** A glimpse of what we saw yesterday while hiking the Old Sauk River Trail.

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"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
-- Mignon McLaughlin