Hiking at Al Rabi mountain trail (second time)

So on the 20th of November 2022, I and my two other buddies planned an early morning hike at the infamous Al Rabi mountain trail in Khorfakkan to catch the beautiful sunrise from the summit. Although this is my second time hiking at Rabi, I definitely found this experience to be more challenging and even more serene than my previous time here. check out the video below to have a glimpse of our reward.

Why was it more challenging?

To catch the early sunrise at approx. 6.20 AM, we had to rendezvous at around 4.30 AM. We started the hike at 5.10 AM since we reached a little late. Timing is very crucial if you want to catch the sunrise. Also, We had to navigate with a torch on the rocky trail since the visibility without the torch was close to zero as we ascended higher.

To add icing to the cake, the majority of the trail route was much more rugged with bigger rocks and cracks in our way than usual which made the hike even more strenuous. this happened because of the flash floods and heavy rainfalls that had taken place on 27th July this year (no wonder the previous hike was easier).

False weather anticipation

My backpack was stuffed with a hoodie since we had assumed that the temperatures would eventually drop as we ascended higher BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE.

Usually, the temperature in the mountain areas drops faster in UAE even if it’s summer. at around 5.30 AM the temperature read 24°C with no winds. The hoodie stayed in the backpack. The temperature did drop to around 20°C at the top with a little wind and a pleasant cold. (Note: we are in November 2022)

Energy levels

I ate a decent amount of carbohydrates an hour before heading out, but I didn’t really feel good during the first 20-25 minutes of the hike. The mind was juiced though. I wasn’t feeling sluggish, or sleepy (which folks normally do after they consume a nice meal). My first Rabi hike took place on the 5th of February this year without a hitch, but I felt absolutely wrecked during this hike. something seemed off.

Why??

I realized 3 things:

1. Due to my lack of training and other outdoor activities for several months, my core endurance and fitness were at an all-time low.
2. The body needed some time to adjust to a new type of stimulus since I haven’t worked out in the morning in a while.
3. I got more result oriented than process-oriented (will explain that in a bit)

Connecting with nature

Despite the weather issues and my energy levels, It was so fulfilling to back to this mountain trail after 9 months. And picking up the 5 AM hike to catch the sunrise had to be the best decision. Being hundreds of kilometers away from the metropolitan, with traffic sounds, people buzzing, and keyboards clicking at work, It felt so tranquil to be away from all that and connect with nature. All I could hear were crickets, the munchy rocks from our steps, and our breath.

The best lesson I learned that day

As I was 20 minutes into the hike, I was already exhausted and done. I wanted to go back home. and the most important reason for that was I kept looking up at the summit and telling myself “The is way too far”. The more I looked toward the summit after every lap, the more I was getting tired and discouraged. Funny I didn’t experience this during the first hike.

When I stopped for a drink break, It then dawned upon me that the problem was not only me being physically out of touch or the new stimulus, but mostly the conditioning of my mind. I was looking at the end result (the summit) rather than loving the process.

What’s more important than visualizing success is focusing on the process that gets you there. Usually, when we have a big obstacle in our way after we weigh the challenges, we dream about how great it will be once we get there. It’s only for a moment that we imagine what it’ll feel like once we’ve beaten the hardship and how that moment will look.

The process will help refocus your energy.

After I had this little conversation tape played in my head, Boy I had aced the rest of the hike with absolute ease.

Completing the hike

We completed this hike approx. within an hour and fifteen minutes since ascension and managed to reach before the sun rose. We paced up from the 200km milestone.

Watching the sunrise

Here we are at the summit now, with that sense of achievement and cleared fully from our mental adversities down there. We did it, boys!

Working and earning something makes you appreciate it more, no matter what you say. When we work toward our goals and complete them, it gives us a feeling of validation we can only get by making the effort. Imagine getting anything you wanted without lifting a finger or doing anything and how unappreciative that would make us feel.

It is impossible to appreciate success when it presents itself without being able to cope with failures and setbacks. Our failures and mental adversities make us focus and allow us to be mindful and appreciative of the process at the end.

On your journey through this process, you’ll encounter a lot of trials and tribulations that won’t take from your story but will actually add meaning and purpose.

This is why I love hiking. The mountain and the summit have a lot to teach. I do recommend you try this hike even if you are a beginner. Trust me you will not regret the experience.