Walkers are busy. They have paths to travel, woods to explore, miles to rack up. Which means that most of the time (unless there’s a fox on a rock in the stream) they don’t have time to stop and chat, or even the breath to say hello. Maybe this is why they’ve perfected the nod.

Sometimes it’s just a dip of the chin. Other times the whole head may be involved, and a smile may peek out. Occasionally, I’ll get a wave, thumbs up or peace sign.

I appreciate the nonverbal communication of walkers on the trail. It’s an acknowledgement that another human is passing by — proof that, although many of us walk solo because we relish the time alone, we realize that others are doing the same. And in that case, it’s best not to disturb but to just … give a nod.