I think most of us have been encouraged “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” I discovered that it also applies to our water when hiking; especially, if your destination is unfamiliar & doesn’t include a 7-11/refreshment stand. I was recently hiking in the Julian Alps of Slovenia up to the summer pastures for the cattle. The wooden “huts” that the herders live in are quite unique/picturesque. The trail I was on was not only steep but also covered with rocks & roots so I needed to strategically plan every step I made. I took several breaks during my ascent. Unfortunately, one time I didn’t get the lid on my water bottle screwed on right so the net time I bent over a significant amount of my water spilled out. Ooops!…Thus, I found myself rationing my water.
When I got up to my destination, I was preparing to pull out my snacks when I saw three young gals approaching via another trail. I was interested to find out how challenging that trail was as an option for my descent. As they pulled out a map of the area, I realized that I had only researched the destination & not the details of getting there. I had assumed it was just a simple get-to destination vs an expansive network of alpine meadow. (We all know what happens when we get caught assuming…) From their description, I decided to stick to the same trail- at least I knew where it ended in relation to where my car was parked. Speaking of getting there, I was disappointed the cattle had yet to arrive since it was just the end of April. Oh well, I didn’t have to worry about stepping in any “pies”.
During our conversation I shared about my water spill. Next thing I knew one gal offered me an extra water bottle that she had & another offered me snacks. Their offers were so generous to me, a stranger. I didn’t need the snacks; however, I was very grateful for the water.
Their generosity reminded me of the song “reach out & touch somebody’s hand,…make this world a better place if you can”…I hope I can pass it on & challenge you to reach out as well…