Hiking just happens to be my all-time favorite eco-friendly hobby. So, it’s just plain bad luck, and bad planning, that I ended up living in Kansas. I could drive 10 hours to Colorado for mountains and a good hike, but somehow I don’t consider that very planet friendly. There aren’t any mountains in Kansas after all, are there?
Earlier this year I really made some of my Seattle, WA friends laugh when I said I was making a resolution to climb Monkey Mountain. “A mountain in Kansas,” they chortled, as they practically fell off their chairs, “that you’ve got to tell us about!” My explanations that Monkey Mountain is actually in Missouri fell on deaf ears. “Just let us know when you’ve climbed it,” they told me as they continued to giggle.
So, here it is, Monkey Mountain, a nature reserve in Jackson County, Missouri, with the survey marker pictured bottom right and me puzzled about where the mountain went on the left. I know, I know, as mountains go it’s not exactly craggy and rugged. I couldn’t even tell you what the elevation is. There’s not even really a view from the top. The point is, I filled my lungs with fresh air, got my blood coursing, and enjoyed nature today in all her beauty. Isn’t that what hiking is about after all?
As mountains go Monkey Mountain is just a blip. The Central Scottish Campsie Fells which I used to see every single week of my childhood, are more mountains than Monkey Mountain is. I’ve climbed Ben Nevis and Scotland’s other highest peaks; I’ve hiked in Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park. If any of these were on my doorstep it would be wonderful. On the whole though, I believe it’s best to be content with what you have. Kansas is magical in different ways. I’m happy with where I’m at, most days.
Are there mountains where you live? What do you love about your spot on the Earth?
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I love this post because I love to hike. If you ever have the chance, hike around St. George, Utah, in the red rock country, the colors are extraordinary and the foliage is amazing.
Utah, now that is a whole lot different from Kansas! I have wonderful memories of the red rocks contrasted with green foliage at Zion National Park.
Glad you liked the post urbangardens. Thanks for visiting
What a wonderful post and a lovely blog! I was directed here from the Problogger 31 Day Challenge and am so glad I came. I will be back often to see what you’re up to!
Wendy
Hi Wendy, I’m glad you stopped by to visit. Thanks for the lovely comment; it’s encouragement like this that keeps me writing
We mainly go hiking in the state forest, which has no mountains but is beautiful. Especially when the prairie flowers are in full bloom and you have to madly run around identifying them.
“Especially when the prairie flowers are in full bloom and you have to madly run around identifying them.”
This image made me LOL! Thanks for sharing Ruralmama.
the Campsie Fells are right where I live, they make the best view!
Just what I needed! This page should be on the first page of the results but it isn’t.
Which was kind of inspiring! Totally surprising. Now I understand what I’m heading to perform tomorrow