Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail

May 18, 2023

Alone together and walking in silence: the sound of a scattering chipmunk or the inhales of two dudes in their 30’s hiking through the wilderness of the Allegheny National Forest breaking the loud silence of nature. Getting out and away from our lives to process and think about our own situations. The vastness of the forest becoming a bubble for reflection, companionship and the occasional joke. Hoping to get some clarity and closure before returning to the world where our phones will be connected and the conversations (or lack thereof) begin. Those thoughts on hikes enabled by the isolation give way to catharsis and understanding of what has to happen.

That is where we found ourselves on yesterday’s hike: two old friends needing a break from our lives.