REFLECTIONS
The Eurasian countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia have the most stunning and strenuous hiking I’ve ever done. I so appreciate the Transcaucasian Trail NGO organization that makes these supported hikes available. I LOVE their rustic experiences and great guides!
The hospitality was over the top. We were warmly received in each guesthouse and served food that surely took all day to prepare. I so enjoyed the abundant micro-engagements. I made a point of making eye contact, smiling and saying “Hello!” to each person I encountered. Invariably, I would receive a smile and a reciprocal “Hello!”.
I appreciated that Nasir on our last evening brought me a bottle of a smooth flavorful homemade vodka! It was totally worth having to check my bag in spite of the higher risk with international flights with multiple changes losing bags. Happy to report success.
I loved the dogs who would ‘escort’ us when we entered their village. The least I could do was give them a generous tip of food, and I learned to always carry an extra bag of leftovers.
I also learned that I’m physically capable of steep climbs and descents, and that I really enjoy hiking without poles. While I’m aware of the benefits of hiking with poles, I like to utilize what nature provides to support my ascent and I love the feeling of looseness on a descent when I can hop, scramble or slide.
Since returning, I have noticed a difference in my hiking. I now need longer and more challenging hikes than what I usually did on a daily basis. And I have noticed than I’m hiking at a way lower heart rate! The great thing about the two hikes is that we could hike at our own speed which for me is in Zone 2 as much as possible. Because of this, I feel I have reached greater mitochondrial efficiency. This is the fun thing about wearing the Apple watch: to track heart rate in addition to distance and climbing. More information on Zone 2 and mitochondrial efficiency is in the book Longevity Simplified by Dr. Howard Luks.
Travel pushes me into experiences outside the box. I relish the unknown and the challenge of how to navigate it all. May I never languish in my comfort zone too long!
HAPPY TRAVELS!!!