Klean Voices: This Weekend, Treat Yourself
The weather forecast was fantastic, so I decided to take the day off this Friday. I didn't want to have a lazy day in the back of my garden; instead, I wanted to fill my lungs with fresh mountain air by going for a long day hike in the mountains.
One of my favorite trekking spots is in the Seceda area. The Alp di Seceda is located on the sunny side of Val Gardena in the center of the Italian Dolomites. This area is about an hour drive from where I live.
I wanted to hit the trail before it was too warm, so I left my home with everything I needed for the day just before 6 a.m. The first part of the trail wound through a dense pine forest, and as I walked through it, I realized how much I love the smell of pinewood, especially during the early morning. After two hours, I reached the treeline at an elevation of 1,850 meters (6,000 feet). From that time on, I had a great view of the mountain range in front of me. As the trail got steeper, my pace got slower, which meant I could take more time to enjoy the mountain flora. Once and I while, I stopped to look around and simply take in all of the beautiful mountains around me.
In my pack, I had carried all of the food and drink I would need for the day, so I sat down in the shadow of a big pine tree to have my lunch. After a seven-hour hike, I enjoyed what was still icy cold water out of my new Insulated Classic and fresh cheese out of my insulated canister. I rested, feeling happy and satisfied.
At 3 p.m. I was back at my car and an hour later I was home, where I started writing this blog. My hope was to share this experience with you before your weekend starts, in order to inspire you to give yourself a treat this weekend that feeds your soul and fills your lungs with fresh air. Now go, and enjoy!
Klean Voice contributor Henry Hoogenveen is a passionate advocate for the outdoors, and represents Klean Kanteen in Europe. As such, he shares events, information, trends and happenings from across the ocean right here on the Klean Blog.