Last weekend, we went on a hiking trip. Even though the weather forecast predicted sunny but crisp weather, the reality was quite different.

We arrived at the start of our trail with excellent weather. The sun was shining through the canopy of the trees with leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Our group moved slowly separating into several smaller groupings. Our footsteps were accompanied by the low murmur of conversations.

On occasion, an owl would hoot from somewhere deep in the forest. A passing bird would screech at us from above and critters would escape with a rustle at our approach. Our advance was followed by the clatter of smaller rocks and bits of ground that were displaced by our boots.

But then the wind suddenly howled through the trees and then dissipated as if nothing had happened. The forest grew quieter as the animals prepared for the coming storm. Within half an hour, the first rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance and the wind picked up its pace. We too picked up our pace, but our route was far from over.

Being smack in the middle of the trail left us with little choice. To go back or to press on. Either way, the outcome would be the same. With vigorous pace, we continued hoping the weather would not catch up to us.

We were out of luck, however, and the storm did follow us the entire way. Even though the trail isn’t difficult to traverse, the added challenge of the storm pushed us to our limits. The bitter wind slapped our faces and the downpour hammered at our windbreakers as we squelched through the muddy pathway.

With the end in sight, no murmur could be heard among us, only the sounds of heavy rain pelting our tiring bodies. Having reached the finish, we sighed in relief as our misery finally came to a closure.

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