In mid-August, 2013, I hiked up Burke Mountain with two others, with the group intent of it being an enriching communing with nature experience. Instead, as one of them told me soon after, I had ruined the entire trip, because I was hopelessly infatuated with the third party member.

I now hike in solo penitence, searching the forests and hillsides for redemption. I have yet to find it, but in the mean time I am discovering beautiful places.