Okay, so for those of you who live in near really big mountains in the Americas or Europe or South Asia (or anywhere else for that matter) you might laugh at what we in Australia called a "mountain".
Today, while Mister was having an appointment I hiked up the steep hill we call Mount Gravatt.
It's a short, sharp "climb" up a tree covered hill that sits surrounded by suburbia. It's a convenient and easy enough hike as long as you're fit enough. (For those who aren't, there's a sealed road that conveniently goes to a nice café right at the top).
We had walked here before several years ago so I sort of remembered where I was going. There were signs + not too many paths and since I was hiking in the daylight, with my phone in my pocket I wasn't too worried about getting lost.
I know bushwalking scares lots of other people here in Australia but I think because I grew up bushwalking it all feels pretty normal and pretty safe to me. I know what hazards to look out for, e.g. High winds? Branches might fall. Hot day? Keep your eyes open for snakes. Super steep switchbacks? Stay awake from the edges. So because I'm well versed in all-things-Australian-bush I can just kiss my Mister goodbye and wander off on my own.
But I do appreciate how lucky I am that in so many parts of Australia it is safe to do this as a woman. I know there are many places where that just isn't the case.
Within 17 minutes I was at the top and was surprised to see this awesome view of the city. I had seen and appreciated it that last time Mister and I were up there but it was something like four years ago and I had completely forgotten. So it was a nice surprise, as was the fun things the clouds were doing.
Then it was time to head back down the path again. I wanted to take a different route back down but I couldn't find the entrance I wanted quickly and easily, and I wanted to be back before Mister's appointment ended. So I just settled for going back the same way. And for anyone who has walked the same bushwalk in reverse you know that it never really looks the same looking the other way anyway 😉
So, that was my walk on this Wednesday - up and down a "mountain" that was big enough to get my body sweating and my heart pumping.
{All photos taken by me on my humble phone except the last one which is a screenshot courtesy of Garmin.}atralai