The Perfect Day of the Perfect Month of the Perfect Year (And Why You Shouldn't Wait For It)

By Tyler Marshall

On an early spring afternoon, I pulled up at a local trailhead to run.

This spot is used very frequently by trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. It’s a hub for mountain access.

I got out of my car, and prepared to run. At this same moment, an older gentleman was finishing a hike at his car, which was near mine. We started a casual conversation.

“Beautiful day,” I said.

“Oh heavens yes,” he responded.

We began talking about the trails, and about this gorgeous spot in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. I then said, “You can’t beat this playground” (gesturing at the miles of ridgelines around us.) “There are amazing things to do year round.”

I fully expected him to continue the tone of the conversation. However, his face soured and he smirked. “That’s pretty much true,” he said. “I guess in the next few days, all the insects are going to hatch, and then it’ll be unbearable up here with the bugs.”

I looked at him. He continued:

“Then after the peak season of bugs, it’ll get HOT. Sucks because you can only be out early in the morning, or at dusk.”

I was young, and intensely idealistic at the time. I tried to pull the conversation back to a positive, saying, “I mean, yeah, those summer nights where the sun is out until 9:30 PM or later are amazing. You can be up here all evening! The mornings are good too. Honestly, I don’t even mind the heat of the day…”

He looked up at the hills, and then sighed: “Yeah, yeah, for sure,” he said. “But you only get to enjoy an hour or two per day in that heat. October and November are too cold, and days get real short. December through February just sucks with the snow. I don’t go out hardly at all. Spring is too windy, and unpredictable.” He paused, then said, “But really, there are a few days in September when it’s just wonderful. I live for those, ya know?”

I awkwardly smiled with my mouth, but not my eyes. I nodded slowly. Then I told this man I had to go, and left with a cartoonish puff of smoke behind me. I’m sure he chuckled.

I’ve encountered the irony of this conversation often among runners. When it’s hot, they complain about the heat. They long for fall and winter. In the colder months, these exact same people lament the cold, and also the shorter days. They miss the heat, and the light.

I’m trying not to be harsh. I understand that in a mountain town like ours, the weather is extreme. Our temperatures can range between zero, and 108 degrees throughout the year. The rapidly changing temperatures, and the intense weather here provides challenges to anyone looking to recreate outdoors. This isn’t unique to the Wasatch.

However, this is part of my point. All people that play outdoors here, or anywhere, have two options: stay inside, or don’t.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that people should be starting hikes in 100 degree temps. All outdoor recreators should plan ahead, and be safe. On the flip side, if one waited for the perfect day to be in the mountains, they would only be enjoying “a few days in September.” That leaves 362 perfectly suitable days to enjoy the outdoors!

I won’t advocate for people to pretend. My point isn’t that all should hike, or bike, or play in 14 degrees with a smile. I do think that longing for different circumstances is a dangerous game. There is beauty in every moment.

The reality is that mountains are tumultuous, unpredictable places. To always seek perfect conditions is a bit dishonest. I will advocate for people to enjoy the moment. The key is to be prepared. When playing in the mountains, we are guests of Mother Nature. She sets the table. We get to go out, and try to enjoy what she offers. Or we can stay inside. We don’t have to pretend we love everything about current conditions. But, there’s always something to enjoy.

Last year, a buddy and I climbed a local peak on both the coldest, and warmest days of the year. It was amazing. In January, we summited the mountain while it was four degrees out! In July, we did the same peak while it was 104 degrees. In both cases, we were extremely prepared. In January, we wore layers: hats, gloves, jackets, handwarmers, etc. In July, we had ice, hats, cooling shirts, and we even dipped in the creek throughout the climb. Both days provided their fair share of misery. However, each day was beautiful. The experience reminded me something.

Experiencing Mother Nature’s extremes is part of the beauty. My appreciation for the mountains is increased due to the variety I get to experience. The key is to be prepared, and then just enjoy the moment.

Whatever the conditions, violent or bleak or sublime, you can be certain: It’ll pass.