One time I was on a hike with a person who likes to work out, and he started running up the hill we were on. I stared at him like he was crazy–why was he running? Then he shouted back at me, “Come on! Push yourself, Joy!”

I still don’t understand what this man thought we were doing. This was a hike, not a treadmill. It was about being in nature not… sweating? I don’t know.

Anyway, I love hiking because it’s the kind of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. I understand some people look at hikes as a substitute for the gym. That’s fine. I just don’t want to go on a hike with them.

The perfect hike, for me, is a loop. That way you don’t have to turn around and retrace your steps. You’re seeing new things the whole time.

It’s sunny, but not hot. There’s no one else on the trail. You see wildlife. You see some things you wouldn’t see if you were in your house.

And there’s a beautiful view that you can stare at while you have a picnic.

That last bit is the most important part, actually. As long as you’ve got that, you’re good.