My Favorite Pastime

    Among all kinds of activities, going hiking is the one I like the best and do the most often. Since my family all live near Yangmingshan, the park serves as a nice getaway to relieve pent-up pressure from our daily lives. Most of the time, we do not bring along any special equipment; if anything, what keeps us company is our joyful frame of mind. We always shoot the breeze while enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air up on the way to the peak. But if we run across something fascinating along the way, such as a garden where the flowers are in full bloom, we stop by and take some pictures and have a little break.
    The reason why I love hiking so much is that it helps me truly unwind. We all lead a stressful life of some kind, get sick of daily routines, and want to have someone to talk to sometimes. Hiking has it all! Not only does it help us get away from the hustle and bustle, but it also strengthens the bond between family members. As for its influence on me, I would say it enables me to realize the importance of family--they have been my best support behind my success and my loyal refuge on stormy days. I am happy to see how this outdoor activity brings my family closer and I believe it will continue to play a vital role in my life.