Valley Voices
It was dark and cold when our phone alarm went off at 4 am. We packed up the tent and started hiking, using the light from our headlamps to guide the path.
Rachel Halzel
The climb was tough, but the view and the sense of accomplishment that awaited us at the summit made it worth it. And after the quick walk down, we celebrated with a late lunch at the nearby brewery.
The hike and everything that went into it — the training, the planning, the execution, etc. — offered personal benefits, but it was also a chance for me to bond with my friend Anna, my hiking partner, and was one of many outdoor activities that we did together that ultimately strengthened our friendship and connection.