Exeter Township, Berks County – For Nancy Sellers of Exeter Township, Berks County, the call of nature offered solace and companionship during a period of grief. Three years ago, Sellers sought refuge from stress and sought to reconnect with friends after the loss of her husband, Dr. John M. Sellers, in 2019. To reignite her passion for hiking, a cherished activity shared with her late husband since 1998 through the Berks Community Hiking Club, became her beacon of hope.
“We were both working at the time, and it was something we did to spend time together,” Sellers reminisced.
Rediscovering the camaraderie of the hiking group, Sellers, now 70, found a renewed sense of purpose. She discovered that engaging in outdoor activities not only nurtured her physical health but also nourished her emotional well-being. This prompted her to expand her hiking horizons by joining two additional groups.
Balancing between the Terrible Tues, a private Tuesday hiking group, the Thursday Wanderers, a public subset of the Berks Community Hiking Club, and the Club’s Saturday hikes, Sellers typically embarks on one to two hikes weekly.
Sellers finds profound fulfillment in the natural landscapes, preferring the earthy allure over the confines of a gym.
“I like the nature and spirituality of it,” she expressed. “I think we (as a society) have lost a connection to the Earth.”
Her hiking endeavors have blossomed into cherished friendships, bonded by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
“We are all of like mind and have a concern for taking care of the environment,” Sellers remarked. “A lot carry clippers and pick up trash on the hikes — people are conscious of that.”
Inspiration abounds within the hiking community, notably embodied by a sprightly 96-year-old fellow hiker who effortlessly keeps pace with Sellers.
“She can go just as fast as me, and she’s the one who inspires me to keep up my health,” Sellers shared. “To keep moving is her theory.”
Post-hike rituals often extend to shared meals and social outings, fostering a sense of camaraderie beyond the trails.
“Sometimes we’ll go out and see a movie or dinner and a show,” Sellers disclosed.
Venturing beyond local trails, Sellers occasionally joins the Terrible Tues group for more challenging hikes, including an upcoming excursion to the Catskills.
Regardless of the destination or group, Sellers prioritizes sturdy hiking boots, essential for traversing rugged terrain.
“We’re going through streams and mud,” she described. “Last week we went to Blue Marsh and did 7.5 miles, which took us three hours.”
Before each hike, Sellers meticulously assesses the length and difficulty level, ensuring a tailored experience for herself and fellow hikers.
Her passion for exploration extends beyond local trails, with past hikes encompassing landmarks like the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia and Susquehanna State Park.
An upcoming hike at Daniel Boone Homestead, led by Sellers, promises historical insights and scenic vistas.
“My favorite is the Monocacy Hill Trail in Amity Township, Berks County,” Sellers shared. “Everything is blooming, so there are lots of photos taken with flowers coming up.”
With each hike attracting 15 to 20 participants, Sellers relishes the opportunity to immerse herself in nature’s embrace alongside like-minded enthusiasts.
“Especially now since everyone wants to get out with everything blooming,” Sellers noted, emphasizing the collective joy found in shared outdoor experiences.