Before they fall . . .

This morning I went out in search of some fall colors. With the winds we’ve had lately, it won’t be long before the leaves have all fallen off the trees. I grabbed my cell phone and captured a few images.

I also discovered some of the prettiest colors right in my front yard.

Alas, I find myself sidelined once again.  Aging can definitely be a challenge.  I have a tendency to overdo when I’m healthy, and now my hip is suffering the consequences.

While my hiking may be on hold, it has not hindered my love of fall.  Here’s hoping that if you are in the same season, you are being treated to some of nature’s natural beauty.

And if you live in the U.S. please make sure you VOTE on Tuesday!

 

 

Absentee

Yes, we had a city wide election this week, and yes, all my favorites won, and yes, I worked the polls from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. , and yes, I celebrated with the winners – but no, that’s not what I’m writing about today.

This is my car, all ready to go, with both pairs of hiking boots, socks, bug spray, hiking stick, and alas, my body has failed me yet again.  I have been an absentee from the trails for a couple of weeks.  It figures, now that spring is finally here and there are lovely days ahead, I’m temporarily sitting on the bench.  This time it’s my back.

But the good news is, I’m in Physical Therapy and water aerobics, and I hope to be out in nature again soon.  Meanwhile, I will live vicariously through all of you.

Happy Spring!

 

On the Mend

This week I went back to the doctor and got an injection in my hip.  I also changed my exercise routine from floor aerobics to water aerobics.   I am happy to report I have been pain free for 3 days now, and I am cautiously optimistic that the worst is behind me.

Heading to Iowa for a few days to visit family while my bathroom gets remodeled. Expect to see some hiking adventures when I return.

Here is where I want to be. . .

just hanging out on top of a mountain!

 

M.I.A.

A couple of years ago, a dear friend gave me a ten year diary for my birthday.  I was completely freaked out by it, thinking I would have to fill these pages with trivial bits of my life.  But it turned out to be a wonderful way to keep track of my hiking experiences along with other pieces of my daily routine.

Now it sits here mocking me.

As faithful as I have been to my PT exercises, I can’t seem to get my body back to hiking quality. If my knee is feeling well, my back is out, if my back and knee are okay, my hip is out – I cannot get them to coordinate so that they all three work at once.  I’m missing my women’s hiking club and I know they are missing their leader.  Several of them are older than me and in much better shape.

This is what I should be doing right now:

Instead I sit here having a pity party for one.

However, having just finished reading “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead, I came to the realization that my life is amazing and I need to get over myself.  I have a great family, wonderful, supportive friends, and most importantly, freedom.

The mountains will be there when I’m ready – and I will be ready someday (hopefully in the not too distant future).

Please share your hiking experiences so I can enjoy your adventures!

Baby Steps

It’s really criminal that we have had such perfect hiking weather and I’ve been stuck in rehab.  Today, I decided to throw caution to the wind, and just try a “baby” hike.  Heading out this morning, I wasn’t really thinking about a big hike, but it was such a gorgeous day, I really wanted to be on a trail somewhere.

We discovered a trail that had recently been cleared out for hikers, and learned that several other trails are currently being readied for summer.

Located inside of Gatewood Park, this trail takes you over a few creek crossings to get to some nice views of the lake, and it certainly lives up to its name.

You can see that beavers have been chewing on the trees.

We did have to cross the creek a few times, but it was pretty easy.

And the lake was really beautiful!

The thing I liked most about this trail, was the orange markings.  It is so well marked that I think I could bring my hiking women here and not worry (too much) about getting us lost.

These markings were well positioned.

But it really didn’t matter where we were, just being back in the woods was enough to bring me joy!

Fingers crossed that my body stays as happy as my frame of mind.

This is Winter??

Last week I finished physical therapy. That’s the good news.  The not so great news is that I’m not ready for a big hike.  Even though I am faithfully continuing my daily exercises for my hip, back and knee, my body is still in the healing process.  Progress is being made, I’ve been able to go for 2-3 mile walks, as long as I do it on flat ground. I’m back in my fitness class, albeit not quite at full strength.  This would not bother me so much if it weren’t for the fact that we have been having such warm temperatures and the mountains are calling me.

This past weekend, my husband and I decided to explore the top of a mountain that we have hiked in the past.

You can drive to the top, so we planned to walk along the ridge and see what was there. There was a bit of an incline and it felt so natural to be back on a trail again. We probably walked just over a half a mile.  Unfortunately, after we got home, my hip let me know I’m not quite ready for uphill.

So bring on some winter weather and give me a reason to be indoors, because I have big hiking plans in my future and I want to be ready!

Absent Hiker

It’s been too long since I’ve been on a trail, I hope to remedy that by the end of the year. The fires are out thanks to some much needed rain, but my body is not cooperating with my desire to be in the woods.

About 3 weeks ago, I injured my right hip while attempting the very daring task of descending to our basement.  Not sure how I got twisted on the stairs, but I had to be helped into a chair, given lots of Ibuprofen and an ice bag.  Since then, the slightest turn can set off the pain.  I believe the fact that I have knee issues (left knee) has made my right side vulnerable, so it was just a matter of time.

I’m exercising and stretching daily, and seem to be getting stronger, but have unfortunately missed out on some perfect hiking weather.  Now it’s cold.

Not really looking for sympathy, just letting you know I have not abandoned hiking or blogging.

Wishing all of you a very happy holiday season – whatever you celebrate!