There are a few things you need to be okay with when setting out for an adventure. And, of course, hitchhiking in the pouring rain is one of them. But we’ll get to that later.

Plan for the unplanned.

Saturday morning my friends and I set out on a hike that promised a nice view and a cliff jumping spot at the peak of the summit. The elevation was a breeze but as we reached the site, only to find that the reservoir suited for our cliff jumping was less like a spring and more like a puddle, I found myself feeling a bit lackluster.

Our next stop, High Point, called for following a far less forgiving trail up steep rocks and poorly marked trees. We finally reached an open outlook. At the time, it probably seemed like a view from the heavens. Looking back, it wasn't the view that made me stop, it was more likely my sore quadriceps getting to my head and telling me it was time for a break.

After some cold water, good conversation and a couple of pictures, we found ourselves realizing that the trail we were on wasn’t High Point. And, believe me, at that point I shamed myself for not downloading that free trail map at the parking site.

Mother Nature is unpredictable, dare to be as spontaneous as her.

Now, we knew it was going to rain in the afternoon, but we would have never thought it would be down pouring by mile five, otherwise known as the most vigorous uphill section of our hike. But, with the knowledge that there was no way out of the forest but up and around the mountain, a couple of farce one–liners, and soaking wet clothes, we proceeded up the unsteady trail of rapid murky water that ran downhill at us.

We reached the last climb before the summit. As the thunder and lightening crushed the once blue sky, along with any hope we had of reaching the top, we had to choose the path we would regret not taking if we chose to climb further. So there we were, rain pelting down us, without a map and water up to our ankles, the only thing we could do was humor ourselves—and that we did. At that moment, I felt the most free I had been all day. After all, why not make the most of these huge puddles and splash around a bit?

Talk to strangers. (Even if that is the opposite of what you were told in grade school)

With help from our high spirits and sense of willingness, we made it out of the unknown trail. Only half of the battle was over as we soon realized that we stepped off the mountain on the opposite end. Having pruned toes and shivering bodies, we walked down the seven-mile road. With each step by sloshy-step, our parked car seemed further away than the next.

Thumb up and arm out to the road became a last Hail Mary for us. Thank goodness for our saving grace, a mother with three children in her car who stopped to help us. Not only did she drive us back to our car, she offered us some hot coffee for the road.

You are only as burdened as you want to be.

Despite the series of misadventures that fell in the way of our path (not pun intended), a wonderful day was spent with amazing friends. It wasn't the most ideal situation, but we sure did transform it into one.

So, sure, you could be sipping a drink on the beach with your toes in the sand, but dancing in the rain in the middle of a forest with some of your closest friends holds a different kind of glamour. For me, I'll always choose the latter.