There is something special about finding time to simply enjoy the company of a longtime friend. My high school friend and I have shared many years of friendship, but as our lives changed, finding time together became harder. When we decided to take on the Trail Challenge, it gave us something we had been missing: a reason to set aside time, get outdoors, and enjoy being together.

What started as a hiking challenge quickly became something much more meaningful. With every trail, we had time to talk, laugh, share stories, and catch up on all the little things that are sometimes missed in everyday life. We explored beautiful parks and logged plenty of miles, but those were not the things that mattered most. The best part was having time together and realizing that even after all these years, our friendship still feels easy and familiar. The Trail Challenge gave us a reason to make the time for each other. -Nicole