Jordan Trail Straggler
straggler
noun
/ˈstræɡlə(r)
[usually plural]
a person or an animal that is among the last or the slowest in a group to do something, for example, to finish a race or leave a place
The tour guide came back for the stragglers who were still taking pictures.
Yes, that’s me!
I took this picture during a thru-hike on the Jordan Trail, somewhere between Teletat Al Sofor and Um Ratam. As part of the trek, we hiked a section of the trail from Dana to Petra over 6 days. The entire Jordan Trail stretches over 650 kilometers from northern Jordan at Um Qais to the Red Sea in the south. The part we covered took us through rugged canyons, remote deserts, and ancient ruins, offering incredible views of this dusty, orange, land.
Our group had around 30 people, and I signed up with a good friend. Hiking in such a large group was new to me, as I usually prefer to hike alone or just with a few close people. I enjoy taking my time and absorbing everything around me at my own pace, without feeling rushed. So going into this, I felt curious about how I’d like it. But hiking with a group turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It added a new dynamic to the experience, with conversations and shared moments that wouldn’t have happened if I were hiking solo. I learned that hiking in a group like this can be enjoyable after all.
Heat, blisters, and beautiful scenery
That day on the trail was extremely hot, and I was carrying a pretty heavy backpack with my gear, which didn’t help, and there was little shade in the open landscape. But despite the conditions, the group managed to keep the mood positive, making jokes, and laughing about the struggles that day. The beauty of the place was undeniable–endless stretches of desert with rocky formations, fossils (not us, but in the rocks), and camels.
Throughout the days, I found myself lagging behind the group, not because I couldn’t keep up, but because I was too focused on the landscape and wanted to take all the (mental) pictures I could get. As the group pushed ahead, eager to reach the next bedouin camp, I lingered, caught up in the scenery, searching for details I would otherwise miss. One of the tour guides made it a habit to check in on me, making sure I was still there.
The story behind the photograph
This photograph was taken during one of those moments. The others had already moved on from a rocky outcrop overlooking the desert, and I couldn’t see them anymore. Just a glimpse of my friend, so I knew the rest were not far. I knew I’d catch up with them eventually, so I stayed back to capture this solitary tree standing against the harsh elements. It was crazy to think only just the day before, we had camped down in the valley (the area you see on the left) and made a massive climb to set up camp in Teletar Al Sofor.
I remember thinking that I was slow and perhaps kept the group waiting, or that I'd have to run to catch up again. But then I realized the group was probably fine—everyone had found their own pace by now and was scattered along the trail. Some fast hikers were in front, and the rest were in between. I knew I could take my time, so I ran around a bit with my camera, making sure I captured all the shots I wanted.
If I continued hiking to catch up, I’m sure I’d miss this photograph. I’m happy I forced myself to look back every once in a while, changing my perspective a bit. When I did, just as I passed the tree, I thought, “This looks interesting!” Even though it’s not the most iconic shot of the trail, it’s a reminder that sometimes it’s worth not rushing to keep up. Instead, the real reward is having the patience, look how far you’ve come, and take in the moments that otherwise go unnoticed.