Yes, Reader. I (more or less) scaled this very large hill in Minnesota today. I was able to utilize my rugged abilities and hike on unpaved mountainous non-trails around a bluff (small mountain / large hill). Here are only a few of the misconceptions I had about hiking:

Pre-Hiking Misconception #1: “Hiking is going to be leisure strolling on a paved road with manicured trees on either side.”
Truth: Hiking is intentionally getting lost in the wilderness and then having to find the way back to your car.

Pre-Hiking Misconception #2: “People only walk on flat land.”
Truth: False. This experience was the exact opposite of walking on flat land. I have biffed it down a flight of carpeted stairs at my apartment. I am grateful to have made it out of this hiking trip alive (and, might I add, with no injuries.) In case you were wondering, there are very, very large hills in MN.

Pre-Hiking Misconception #3: “I am hardcore.”
Truth: I am hardcore. But only more so now. Yeah, that’s right. What now.

LOVE,

Rachel

P.S. Just in case you were wondering, after our rugged hiking experience, Ashley and I found an apple orchard and bought farm-fresh apples, apple cider, caramel apples, and pumpkins. Yeah, that’s right. I’m going to take a knife to a 14lb pumpkin tomorrow. Stay tuned.