LACING UP MY BOOTS AND HITTING THE TRAILS!

Now that I've reached the ripe old age of….is it 100? Well, almost……58 to be precise, I have decided to lace up my boots and hit the trails. Yes, you heard that right – I've taken up hiking.

Why, might you ask? 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 (yuk, yuk yuk!!!).

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

So, if you ever come across a sprightly (almost) centenarian on the trails, don't be surprised. It's just me, embracing the adventure of life one step at a time.

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.

No beating around the bush here. I’m a straight shooter and expect nothing less in return. So, let's cut to the chase……here's to honesty – the actual reason that steers my course in this new direction. Buckle up because it's bound to be one heck of a ride.

There was a time in my life when I feared that an autoimmune disease would eventually render me immobile. It felt like a weight I carried every day, a constant reminder of what might come. So here I am, thanks to Covid really, reclaiming my place as an averagely active somebody.

Yes, the quarantine saga – a tale as old as time, or at least it feels that way. Like many others, I found myself thrust into a scary world of isolation and uncertainty. But amid all the chaos, I stumbled upon a simple yet profound revelation: the healing power of walking. With nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, I began to wander the labyrinth of paths that crisscrossed my apartment complex, one step at a time. Well, to be HONEST, it was more wandering 1 path (a circle aka a lap) that bordered my complex. But walk that lap I did!! Over and over and over and….

At first, it was just a way to pass the time, a temporary escape from the monotony of quarantine life. But as the days turned into weeks, the weeks into months and the months into years, something unexpected happened – I fell in love with walking.

There was a simplicity to it that I found utterly captivating. With each step, I felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity that I hadn't felt in years. And so, I kept walking – around and around the same loop, day in and day out, lost in the rhythm of my own footsteps. And in each step, I find a profound sense of peace and hope.

Looking back, it's strange to think that something as mundane as walking could have such a profound impact on my life.

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.

My two sons, aged 20 and 23 at the time of the pandemic, unexpectedly found their lives turned upside down as well. Now, you might expect tensions to run high with 2 men and a mommy cooped up together, but quite the opposite happened. Instead of succumbing to cabin fever, we embraced the opportunity to reconnect and rediscover the joys of spending time together as a family.

Somehow organically, my walking has recently turned into hiking with either one or both of my little preciouses. What started as a simple stroll around the familiar lap soon morphed into something more adventurous, more exhilarating.

Recently, we found ourselves drawn to nearby trails, eager to explore the great outdoors.

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.

Ah, let me introduce you to Salt and Pepper, my precious little hiking companions – though they don't always come as a pair. You see, unlike some siblings who are inseparable, Salt and Pepper very much march to the beat of their own drum.

There are hikes with my older son Pepper. From the moment his boots hit the trail, it's a race to the finish line, with Pepper leaving a trail of dust in his wake. As annoying as this is, there's a fierce determination in Pepper that's impossible to ignore. He is always striving to reach new heights and conquer new challenges, and he's not about to let anyone – least of all his dear old mom – slow him down.

He's focused and determined, but when it comes to checking on Mom or lending a helping hand, Pepper's attention is elsewhere. It's not that he lacks concern or compassion – far from it. But for Pepper, he's a man on a mission, driven by a relentless desire to conquer the terrain and push the limits of his own endurance.

Every so often, Pepper's gaze softens, his demeanor shifts, and for a fleeting instant, it's as if he sees Mom not as an obstacle to overcome, but as a fellow traveler who might need assistance. But those moments are few and far between. I can't help but wonder – will Pepper ever slow down long enough to truly connect, to forge a bond that goes beyond the adrenaline-fueled rush of the trail?

And then there's Salt, the yin to Pepper's yang. Calm, collected, and as steady as a rock, His presence is like a breath of fresh air, a steady hand to guide me through the twists and turns of the terrain. With him by my side, every step feels like a meditation, a chance to connect with nature and find peace amidst the chaos of the world.

Salt is the epitome of tranquility on the trail. He takes in the sights and sounds of nature with a reverence that's truly awe-inspiring. Salt shows an unwavering devotion to his mom. With every step he takes, he stretches out a hand in silent reassurance, a silent reminder that he's there for her every step of the way.

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 savoring, and every moment is a memory to treasure forever.

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. And as I trudge through mud and scramble over rocks, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness my own strength and capabilities, making not only myself proud but Salt and Pepper too!

After all, there's a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, and I intend to see every last bit of it.