Sometimes plans get in the way of enjoying what you love to do. Today was that day. Plans, plans, and more plans. An early start to get to on the trail, but every route seems to have more and more sections for cross country hiking.

At the trailhead, we were greeted by a reporter with the local Salt Lake News and our National Forest guide. Me, being more interested in the guide, I cornered and asked him, what's the mileage, how strenuous, has he ever hiked it before, how long will it take?

He stops, looks, and grins. He said: Why don't you just enjoy where you are and be here in the moment. It took me by surprise and realized that this was my last hike before we met the South Team. The last time I would be hiking with just the other trekkers and I should enjoy every minute possible. So, I tried.

Every stream crossing, odd-shaped tree, rock, was noticed. I tried to absorb as much as I could. It really made a difference. I was in the moment. I think I took more away from that last hike than any other because I didnt think about when I was going to camp, how much further, or how much my body hurt. Time just seemed to stop. It was my best hike ever.

I don't remember the guide's name but his words meant more than he will ever know.