At trailheads signs indicate distances to places or things. They proclaim, “Lookout Point 12 Miles,” Divide Lake 6 Miles” or “Ribbon Falls 3 Miles.” In our preoccupation with reaching those destinations—what I call the imperative of the trail—we often overlook scores of beautiful and interesting points along the way. A trail is a detour to many destinations. Of course, we want to reach the canyon rim, the glacial lake or the cascade, but we can make many serendipitous discoveries before we get there. Many thoughtful writers have reminded us that it is the journey, not the destination, that counts.
Reefs of Lilliput 