As I mentioned a while back, we've postponed joining the Newcomers group—until after we return from New York and some of Adam's family comes to visit—so we can maximize our time as "newbies," the prime benefit being the ability to jump to the top of a waitlisted event. But we figured we might as well test-ride the concept by taking part in the weekly hike that Newcomers organizes with the local trails group. I confirmed ahead of time with the friendly head of the trails group—whom I met doing trailwork—that you need not be a Newcomers member. "Please come!" she replied.
Warned that parking could be difficult, we arrived at the trailhead 10 minutes early. Two women were there, as well as a man, off by himself. Two other women showed up; they already knew the others. Adam and I stood in limbo. We never discussed it, but I suspect we were thinking the same thing. We could go over and introduce ourselves, since it seemed likely everyone was there for the outing. They were all just older enough than us, however, to have us wavering.
"I guess it makes sense that this is who would be able to hike on a weekday," I said, as more folks approached the main group.
"You're going to hate walking that slow," said Adam. "We could just go."
Once you reach that point, does anyone stay? If our stab at being social began as pathetic, it soon shifted into awkward: As we headed down from the main viewpoint, we had to pull over so the Newcomers group could pass. At the same time, another hiker came up behind us; it turns out that she knew one of the Newcomers hikers—the head of the trails organization, who stopped directly across from me.
"Hi," I said sheepishly.
"Oh, hi! Are you hiking with us?"
"Not exactly. We sort of got off to an early start."
Adam and I continued downhill, and he pointed out the bright side: Now I'd have something to blog about. The hike had been pleasant but not satisfying, so we took a spur that led to a waterfall. That part was great: Using a rope strung up along the trail for support, we clambered down a hillside, then bouldered up along the waterfall, posed for photos, and did it all again the other direction.
Soon after the spur rejoined the main trail, we ran right into the Newcomers group, and in particular, the head of the trails organization. She does not have the socialization issues we do, and she couldn't have been lovelier, chatting with me for a bit as we descended, and then with Adam for quite a while (as I talked about yoga with a Newcomer). Consequently, we can say that our first Newcomers event was a qualified success.
P.S. Love this song.
oh Eric, will you please curate the soundtrack to my life? What the hell kind of perfect song is that. Damn and wow. Thank you.
Posted by: lisa | 01 March 2019 at 08:40 AM
Glad you liked it, Leesa!
Posted by: Erik | 01 March 2019 at 10:35 AM