It’s been three weeks since undergoing a double surgery for my messed up back. It was worth spending the last two years finding the right doctor as well as trying non-invasive therapy and taking a break from my back to repair my shoulder.
Me and Danny, Late 1980's
Not only am I continuing to cycle but I’m hiking again. I thought my hiking days were over because of my lousy back. I’ve been hiking since the 1970’s to clear my head and find some peace and quiet. Hiking is meditative and allows me the space to gather my thoughts and prepare for the reality of living in a world that is not always easy or kind.
In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s serious financial problems was taking its toll on me. At home I had my wonderful kids to keep me sane while the ex kept saying “what are you going to do about it”. There was never a “we” in that statement that was repeated so many times that it is burned deep into my memory. Hiking more then ever became a source of peace for me. I put my priorities into perspective by taking to the trails. The night hikes especially provided a reality check. From high up on the trail over looking the city lights everything seemed so small down below. The buildings, the streets and the trappings of civilization took on a comical unimportance and nature loomed large and powerful.
Me and Byron, Today
I was prepared to let go of the long hikes and enjoy all the good memories of my days on the trail as I moved onto cycling and creating new memories. But I ain’t done yet. The skilled set of hands that mended my back has given me a reprieve and I’m back on the trail. As I write, Byron is getting himself out of bed and getting ready to take a hike with me. Maybe I can talk Carrie and Leili into joining us. After all Carrie is my best bud and is a “we” kinda person, if you get my drift.
