A few years ago I read that one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves is to take a walk with a friend. Good for the soul, good for the body, good for the earth, and a little free therapy for everyone involved.

Each week I try to fit a walk or hike into my schedule. There are trails close to my house that have stolen my heart, and others further afield. One local favorite winds through a small island of fiercely protected land nestled so close to the local shopping mall that in the winter you can see the side entrance to Target from the creek. Park next to the dumpster, veer around the side of an apartment building and enter a hushed forest where old-growth trees tower quietly above.

A few years ago, to mark a notable birthday I thought about what it was that I really wanted (besides complete peace on earth and a woman’s right to make all decisions for herself). What I yearned for was time in nature, with people I love… so I rented a cabin in some nearby woods. The first night my family joined me and the second two girlfriends extracted themselves from their busy lives so that we could laugh and stroll and soak in the hot tub. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever given myself. 

This year, with another birthday looming I decided to head to one of our glorious Indiana state parks and invited some friends to join me. Saturday dawned sunny and crisp, with just enough coolness in the air that clothing layers could be added and subtracted as needed. 

The arrival of my four friends ended up being staggered throughout the day so we took a series of hikes. Walking together along paths lined with bare trees, we noted clusters of white sycamore trunks flashing against the dark hillsides, wildflowers peeking through layers of leaf rot, and waterfalls swollen with spring rain.

Later we gathered fireside at the inn (seven Indiana State Parks feature rustically designed inns, each with a common room where people gather around a glowing hearth, play games and spend time connecting). We laughed, discussed our lives, and savored the delicious mocktails with grapefruit syrup and Humboldt Fog cheese gifted to me by my friends. Sighing with contentment in my rocking chair, I reminded myself that quality friendship and time outside are the most valuable of gifts.

Oh, and cheese helps too.