This past weekend, my husband and I took an afternoon trip to Bowman’s Hill Tower. I wanted to spend the afternoon in a park and after some deliberation, we decided to go here. I had been as a child, and hadn’t been back as an adult.
My memories of this location strayed as I remember walking trails in the past. That was what we were anticipating going into the adventure. A short car ride to the top and then a few hours spent hiking trails with views of the Delaware River.
We arrived knowing the tower would be closed for winter, but we didn’t expect the whole park to be. Others parked at the gate’s entrance so we decided to also. An older lady with a cane was coming down the incline as we were about to make our ascent. “There are two roads,” she hollered. “Stick to the right. The left is steeper. I almost thought I wasn’t going to make it back down.”
Heeding her advice, we took the road to the right. It’s was a pretty intense climb that I would love to do again when I’m in better shape. But after stopping a few times to catch my breath (and enjoy the view) we made it to the top! The old stone building looked instantly familiar. Like seeing an old friend. The views were nice… I’m glad we went in the winter so we could see through the trees. I can’t wait to go back when the tower is open so we can take in the view from above the tree tops. They say on a clear day you can see 14 miles.
After taking in the sights, (and not finding any trails) we decided to make our descent. Even though the road we took up was steep and we had to stop, I was pleased with how quickly I caught my breath (especially given the added elevation and asthma issues I had over the summer). I was feeling really good! My legs have been getting stronger from my physical therapy and we’re really trying to make an effort to go on more walking adventures this year in preparation for our trip to Italy this fall to see friends.
Taking all this into account, I suggested we take the other road back. Hubby agreed and before we knew it, we were on our way. Within a few hundred feet we knew what we had gotten ourselves into, but with us both being stubborn, we carried on. The paved road was so steep that the pavement itself was not smooth, but rather very rocky to help give traction to the many cars that make their yearly drive to the top.
I think we took more breaks going down the mountain then we did going up! Our calves, quads, ankles, knees… everything from our hips down to our toes being pushed into the fronts of our sneakers were hurting. At one point, I shouted, “yoga break!” and proceeded to turn around and do a forward fold where I happily hung and stretched everything out.
During one of our breaks we marveled at the strength, tenacity and courage of that lady we met earlier who warned us of the rough terrain. God bless her.
I have to admit, I thought without a doubt that I would not be able to move the next day. That everything would hurt. I am so happy to report that while my limbs felt heavy, I was fine. I feel so proud of that.
I’m proud of my body and what it accomplished (and grateful!). I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t suggest we go somewhere else when we got there and saw that we would have to hike up the mountain. I’m proud that I was mindful of my body during the hike and gave it the breaks that it needed. And I’m thankful for my husband indulging me with my little afternoon outing. It was a pretty chilly day and I don’t think he was initially in the mindset to spend it outside with a winter storm close on our heels. I’m looking forward to our next adventure and realizing that we don’t necessarily need to wait for the weather to warm up!
Stay warm. Stay grateful. Stay Wonderfull.
