LACING UP MY BOOTS AND HITTING THE TRAILS!

Hiking at 58

Now that I've reached the ripe old age of….is it 100? Well, almost……58 to be precise, I have decided to take up hiking.

Why? Well, it’s invigorating when you are surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, and fresh air that's untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life.

It's a reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, regardless of how many candles are on your birthday cake.

Oh damn, let’s not sugar coat the reason for this new chapter!

My number 1 Rule is HONESTY. So, if you're looking for sugar-coated fluff, you're in the wrong place. I deal in truth, even if it stings a bit.

Honesty? For years, I lived with the quiet fear that an autoimmune disease would eventually rob me of movement. That one day, my body would decide it was done cooperating. That fear sat heavy. Constant. Uninvited.

COVID, Quarantine, and the Accidental Power of Walking

Then came COVID.

Ah yes, quarantine - the era where time lost all meaning and sweatpants became formal wear. Like everyone else, I was stuck, scared, and isolated.

So I walked.

And by “walked,” I mean I circled one sad little loop around my complex.

Over. And over.

And over again.

Not exactly scenic. But I showed up.

Every day.

What started as boredom slowly turned into something deeper.

Walking cleared my head.

Calmed my nerves.

Gave me back a sense of control over my body.

I find a profound sense of peace and hope.

So, here's to the quarantine nonsense and all the isolation that came with it. Without them, I might never have discovered the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other and walking – just walking.

From Walking to Hiking: Escalation Was Inevitable

Eventually, walking wasn’t enough.

The loop became trails.

Trails became hikes.

And somehow, without planning it, hiking became my thing.

Even better? My two sons joined me.

They were 20 and 23 during the pandemic, and shockingly, being locked down together didn’t end in murder.

Instead, it brought connection. Conversation. Actual enjoyment of each other’s company.

Now we hike together—sometimes.

Now, let's turn our attention to my two sons, the dynamic duo known affectionately as "Salt" and "Pepper."

Why the seasoning-inspired pet names, you might ask?

Well, it's not just a matter of privacy – though that certainly plays a part.

You see, I've referred to them as Salt and Pepper in previous blogs, and the names have stuck ever since.

Meet Salt and Pepper

Ah, let me introduce you to Salt and Pepper, my precious little hiking companions – though they don't always come as a pair.

Unlike some siblings who are inseparable, Salt and Pepper very much march to the beat of their own drum.

Pepper: The Human Mountain Goat

Hiking with Pepper is less “bonding experience” and more endurance test.

He bolts ahead like the trail personally offended him.

Focused.

Determined.

On a mission.

Does he check on Mom? Occasionally.

Briefly.

Blink and you’ll miss it.

Pepper hikes to conquer. Feelings can wait.

Salt: The Steady Soul

Salt is the opposite.

Calm.

Present.

A human walking meditation.

He notices everything - the trees, the birds, the terrain - and most importantly, me.

He walks beside me. Offers a hand. Never rushes. With Salt, hiking feels like connection, not competition.

So, here's to Salt and Pepper, my dynamic duo of hiking companions. With them by my side, every step of the journey is an adventure worth savouring, and every moment is a memory to treasure forever.

Hiking as Resilience

I can’t help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place.

What had started as a simple desire to stay active has blossomed into a full-fledged passion for hiking – and it is infectious!!

In many ways, hiking has become more than just a way for me to stay sane – it has become a symbol of resilience, a testament to my ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.

It’s proof that I’m still capable. Still strong. Still moving forward - even when the terrain gets rough.

And yes, I’m proud.

Proud of myself.

Proud that Salt and Pepper see their mom pushing limits instead of shrinking from them.

There’s a whole world out there, and I plan to walk - no, hike - straight through it.

One honest, unsugarcoated step at a time