Three months of research. Trail apps, difficulty ratings, elevation charts. I wanted "moderate"—that sweet spot between tourist and masochist. Turns out moderate doesn't exist. The "easy" trail in Patagonia left me gasping at 2,000 feet. The "challenging" hike in Vermont felt like a walk to the mailbox. Every mountain has its own definition of moderate. I spent so much time planning the perfect difficulty level that I forgot the point. Mountains don't care about your comfort zone. They don't grade themselves on a curve. Now I just pick a trail and go. Some days my legs shake. Some days I want more. Both are exactly what I needed. Moderate is just fear with better marketing. 🏔️ #Travel #HikingTruth #TrailReality