
Does Everyone Hike In The Hudson Valley, Or Just Say They Do?
I recently moved from Connecticut to the Hudson Valley to pursue a new job here as the co-host of the morning radio show on WRRV, which broadcasts to a wide swath of the Valley. I enjoy living in the Northeast so I’m glad I didn’t get offered a job in a place like Scottsdale, Arizona. They say it’s a "dry heat," but that’s not the kind of climate I want to live in. I like trees. I like the green hills and mountains and driving on the curvy roads that wind through them. I like the snow. I cherish the traditions and familiarity of the changing seasons. It’s not always just hot, dry, and brown like Scottsdale.
Hiking Sucks
I love nature, but I hate hiking. I always joke that it’s because I’m lazy and out of shape, and I am, but that’s not the reason I don’t like hiking. Ok, it’s partially the reason, just not the main reason. I don’t hike because I only go places for a reason. I need to have a destination in mind or a goal I want to accomplish. I want there to be a purpose for my journey.
I Think Hiking Is Boring
I cringe when someone says, “Let’s go for a hike”. Driving to a trail, parking the car, walking around a little, then driving right back to where I started—without really accomplishing anything doesn't really interest me. Plus with my luck, I'll probably twist my ankle, or get bit by ticks, or scratched up from branches. I'll probably get attacked by a bear or even worse, murdered by a serial killer. It happens. I’m definitely not one of those super ambitious folks who love taking their yearly trek on the Appalachian Trail.
Almost Everyone Says They Hike
Here’s my point. Like I said, I’m the co-host of a morning radio show on 92.7/96.9 WRRV. Every morning, we take phone calls from people trying to win concert tickets. Since we just moved to Poughkeepsie and don’t know the local attractions, my co-host and I ask everyone, “What do you do for fun in the Hudson Valley?” Nine out of ten people say "hiking". Hiking? For fun? It's the first thing they say like it’s something they do all the time! I know there are lots of places to hike in NY, but nine out of ten people are regular hikers?
There Can’t Be That Many People That ACTUALLY Hike
To me, it’s like a dating profile that says, “Loves to travel.” Of course you do! Most people do! So do I, but I have a job! I only get a few weeks off a year, and having kids is expensive so I don't get to do it as much as I like. Just like many people saying they "love to hike". Yes, they'd love to be outside enjoying nature, wandering aimlessly through the woods every weekend and sometimes on Wednesday, but they’re not. Most people have busy lives and limited time. I think when we ask "what do you do for fun in the Hudson Valley", they instantly think hiking because that’s what they wish they COULD be doing, but aren't really hiking regularly. Either that or everyone is just out and about in the woods all the time and I'm totally wrong.
I’m taking an anonymous poll, for no reason other than my own curiosity. Do you hike regularly, or just say you hike? Or, are you like me and hate it?
Best Hudson Valley Views, No Hike Needed
Gallery Credit: Google