The Hike to the Top is Worth the Reward

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The mountains are calling and I must go. – John Muir

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a good long hike to the top of the world. Getting there is half the fun and once on top, there is nothing more rewarding than a spectacular view. I have loved to hike my entire life and here are some of my favorite rewards through my journeys.

The Annapurna Trek 

After ten days of hiking the world-famous Annapurna Trek, we arrived in gorgeous Pokhara, Nepal for a few days rest and enjoyment of the Diwali festival of lights. If only I had started my blog before this trip and understood the power of photography. Looking back my photos do not do Nepal justice as it is by far one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Pokhara, Nepal

Bolivia

I still haven’t finished writing my posts on our four day visit to the sensational Condoriri Valley in the Bolivian Andes. I hope to work on that this month because the photos are tremendous and it is a very special place. The pain of sleeping in a tent at 15,000 feet in below freezing weather was worth the incredible, rewarding views.

Our last day: One last gorgeous look

The French Alps

Hiking the Tour de Vanoise in the Savoie region of France was fantastic. Each morning we would rise early, spend the entire day hiking and the evening eating a delightful meal while savoring a bottle of regional Savoie wine. Not much can be as rewarding as that!

On top of the world in Vanoise National Park, Savoie France.

Xela, Guatemala

Rising at dawn to climb a volcano in the highlands of Guatemala and experiencing the benign eruption of the volcano next door tops the list at exciting rewards.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

An afternoon hike to a lone glacial pond at the end of the world in Patagonia is yet another brilliant day in my book.

Grand Canyon

A solo hike down to Ooh Aah Lookout point was definitely worth the leg burning hike back up. The views were breathtaking.

And then there is the potpourri of rewarding views…

Machu Picchu circa 2001
Reaching Torres del Paine in Chile

Now the question is….where do I go next?

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Reward. To view more entries click here. Please let me know your favorite hikes! A girl must dream…

 

57 thoughts on “The Hike to the Top is Worth the Reward”

  1. Louise Bunting – Lincoln, UK – Louise is a writer, poet and photographer who feels most at home when out and about, watching, photographing, and writing about the flora and fauna to be found along the lanes and in the meadows of her local area. She can happily spend hours lost in a field full of wildflowers.
    afairymind on said:

    Brilliant captures. I’m very envious of the places you’ve visited – though I don’t think I could handle to cold temperatures!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I live in Minnesota so the cold is in my blood! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  2. maamej – Australia – I'm a single white Aussie mum of anglo-celtic background with a teenage son whose dad is from Ghana in West Africa. I’m blogging to share experiences, insights & funny stories about living in a mixed family. I also blog about health, politics, culture, racism and food.
    maamej on said:

    How amazing to see the volcano. These are inspiring pics, thank you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed the photos! Sometimes I reuse them so much for these challenges but I do love to look at them and remember the gorgeous views.

      Reply ↓

  3. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge Rewards | ♥ Blogging in 2015 ♥

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  6. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Everest Base Camp! Either side – the view is better from the north in Tibet, but the hike is better from the south in Nepal. (Obviously, I couldn’t pick just one.)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes, I would like to do the EBC but I had to admit after flying in those small scary planes in Nepal I am irked to get back on one. I would love to go to Tibet though!!

      Reply ↓
  7. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    A stunning collection Nicole! Wow!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! Hope you are well! I’m playing catch up on blogs! Such a busy month!

      Reply ↓
      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        No worries Nicole. Drop in when you can. I never want readers to feel they ‘have’ to keep up with all the posts. It should be relaxing when you come by for a visit. Life is so busy I hope Travel Tales of Life can be a reprieve. 🙂 Happy day to you.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Sue, I never feel like I have to keep up! I want to keep up!!! I wish I had more time as there are so many great blogs out there but life gets busy. I do always try to read yours though because I love it! 🙂

      • Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
        Sue Slaght on said:

        That is so kind of you to say Nicole and I value that feedback more than you can imagine. Just know on my end I welcome you with open arms when you can come by. I seem busy and I don’t have small children! Hugs to you.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Sue! 🙂

  8. scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
    scillagrace on said:

    Fabulous! Thanks for sharing your rewards!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes Nepal was life changing. It is such a beautiful place. Like no where I’ve been.

      Reply ↓

  10. Love your writing. May I say – we have quite a few interests in common. Poetry, travel,hiking & trekking to name but a few. Thanks for the lovely photographs & insights

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! That is great! I will have to swing by and check out your blog! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  11. That photo of Pokhara is incredible – breathtaking. Makes me quite keen to do that trek myself. I had a fantastic time hiking to Macchu Picchu which I see you’ve been to as well. I’ve enjoyed many many hikes in various countries over the years, day walks and longer. Some favourites (with amazing views) are:
    Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, Canada
    Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
    Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile
    National Pass Track, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
    Abel Tasman Track, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
    Mt Herbert, Christchurch, New Zealand
    Kepler Track, Te Anau, New Zealand
    Key Summit, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
    Sealy Tarns Track, Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
    (In other words, if you like hiking, come to New Zealand!)

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! what a fantastic list! I went to NZ in 2000 and we did the North and South Island. I loved it!!! There are so many places I want to go back to and so many more to see. Thanks for inspiring me!

      Reply ↓
  12. Les Petits Pas de Juls – Holbox, Mexico – I am a French sign language interpreter, based ... worldwide! The world is my playground. Home is wherever my backpack is, wherever the wind and my whims take me. Curious traveler (39 countries visited so far), crazy about heights, amateur photographer, newbe yogi, motivated trekker, passionate (sky)diver, clumsy writer, I'm always looking for the next happy moment! On an eco-friendly journey where I become every day more conscious of the consequences of my actions on the environment, I also avidly learn about any trick I can live by and share, to make the world a better, greener and safer place for everyone. Currently based back in southern France, looking for a job, learning Japanese and permaculture, I'm also planning my next getaway!
    Les Petits Pas de Juls on said:

    I’m with you, everywhere!!! Always so rewarding when you arrive up there. Gorgeous pictures and great memories, thanks for the ride!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Now I want to go hiking again! 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Les Petits Pas de Juls – Holbox, Mexico – I am a French sign language interpreter, based ... worldwide! The world is my playground. Home is wherever my backpack is, wherever the wind and my whims take me. Curious traveler (39 countries visited so far), crazy about heights, amateur photographer, newbe yogi, motivated trekker, passionate (sky)diver, clumsy writer, I'm always looking for the next happy moment! On an eco-friendly journey where I become every day more conscious of the consequences of my actions on the environment, I also avidly learn about any trick I can live by and share, to make the world a better, greener and safer place for everyone. Currently based back in southern France, looking for a job, learning Japanese and permaculture, I'm also planning my next getaway!
        Les Petits Pas de Juls on said:

        So do I!!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! I did go to Switzerland but only for a few days and very brief hikes. It is amazing and beautiful!!!

      Reply ↓
  14. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Always the question, isn’t it Nicole?! Our wanderlust offers its own rewards, some quite astonishing. You’ve captured so many so beautifully. Well done!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! Problem is my wanderlust never seems to stop, it only gets worse!

      Reply ↓
  15. Lola Jane – Monterey Peninsula, California – Advocate for planet Earth, grandmother, Philippine born, US Air Force Veteran. I blog about topics related to conservation and the environment, living in the California Central Coast, and Philippine-related development topics, to understand challenges faced by developing nations like my home country. I believe we are all connected -- no matter what part of the world we live in -- and positive that we have the capacity to solve our problems…if we know what they are.
    Lola Jane on said:

    One word for all the photos…. WOW! Great rewards, indeed!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lola Jane!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Me too! That made the hike!

      Reply ↓
  17. GodWith3n – Hi everyone, My name is Akea Brown, and I am 25 years old. I am new to the travel blogging community and have desired to travel for a lonnnng time. My desire to travel began when I was in college. At the time, I was suffering from depression and a lot of changes took place in my life that I had no control over. I would get lost in books, nature, and movies like Eat Pray Love (yes I know its cliché) to help keep my sanity. It was during that time that I began to really soul search and ask myself all of life's deep and pressing questions. Since then, I have grown a lot as a person and have developed a passion for life. Like many, I had a timeline set for myself......you know the usual "go to college, graduate, go to law school, graduate, get married, have kids, and so on." But God had others plans and mine didn't go as planned. Actually, I graduated college in 2012 and have been working in the corporate world since then. It sounds bad but in hindsight I am glad things happened the way they did because now I have matured spiritually and my perspective of life has improved tremendously with the help of my church family. I no longer have a timeline for where I should be at this point in my life and I am more open to God's plan. I still desire to go to law school but I'd rather live my life before being forced to work like a Hebrew slave. Sorry, I have a weird sense of humor sometimes. :-) So I created a bucket list and set a goal to start living out that list even if it starts off as one trip a year. I will be creating a blog soon giving more details about what traveling means to me (from a beginner’s standpoint), how I developed a passion for it, and documenting my adventures. Through my travels, I hope to take my experiences with God to another level and to become a well-rounded person. So here it goes!
    GodWith3n on said:

    Reblogged this on God With3n and commented:
    Great adventures to try!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Andrew! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  19. So many breathtaking views…lucky girl! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! Yes need to always count our blessings!

      Reply ↓

  20. Really a wonderful post ! Understand what you mean, it’s the same for me in my trip…
    Ciao ciao
    Max

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! My son’s name is Max. Great name! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  22. RoarLoud – My love of nature has always drawn me outdoors. Being curious like a cat has lead to various adventures and travels. This blog highlights my travels, adventures, gear and random interesting tidbits of my life roaring loudly. The story behind my nickname (Wildcat) and my roaring can be read here. http://wp.me/p5yqsL-4m
    wildcatroars on said:

    Beautiful hikes that I will add to my wish list of hikes! So many of your hikes are roar moments – great accomplishments! I’m heading to Kilimanjaro in September, this blog is only making me more excited!!
    http://roarloud.net/

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Wonderful about Kilimanjaro! Are you going alone or with a trekking group? That has been on my list for over 15 years now but it still just has not happened. I will get there but I need to plan a long time as I want to do some other things in Tanzania and Kenya and it is hard to get away for long with two kids but I will do it! How cool!

      Reply ↓
      • RoarLoud – My love of nature has always drawn me outdoors. Being curious like a cat has lead to various adventures and travels. This blog highlights my travels, adventures, gear and random interesting tidbits of my life roaring loudly. The story behind my nickname (Wildcat) and my roaring can be read here. http://wp.me/p5yqsL-4m
        wildcatroars on said:

        I am going with a group, ten of us in all. I would love to spend more time there but the climb will be 7 days and the safari 4. With travel that will be the max for this mom of 4 kids, 6 combined with boyfriend! Looking forward to roaring from the summit! Roarloud.net

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Sounds awesome!!!

  23. Beautiful photos of all the amazing hikes you have been on! The French Alps is on my list of places to go-what amazing views! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for reblog!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was even better to do it with my 72-year-old dad! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  26. Pingback: A Delightful Surprise [“Risking Exposure”; a paperback gift from the author] | Ramisa the Authoress

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