Blog 6

Challenges 8/4/23

Sometimes it’s a weather system. We have faced the fog, pouring rain, freezing cold, and extreme heat. We welcome a challenge like two men who hunger for a test of our body mind and soul. Sometimes the challenge is to “just be” in the face of an aching body, or clouded mind. There is an occasional “I just don’t want to today”. That was rare as we knew that would likely be a let down to our buddy. We had a strong pattern of three or more hikes a week. After many years and hundreds of miles of hikes it became our sacred mission to persist. It was an honorable mission and I have to say less and and less of a challenge. The path had been carved. Just follow it.

I have found myself with health challenges this year and Mark is not here. I had major hand surgery and shorty after came down with RSV. My lungs would not provide the air I needed to get me up to the trail. When I was able to hike I was only able to go half the distance. It has been extremely challenging mentally and physically. Many fits and starts.

I have persisted as best I can without Mark’s presence. Actually I have to correct myself as even though he has moved to the East Coast his spirit is with me every time I hike. I can’t say it’s a challenge without him. I am grateful to have had this lengthy shared experience and feeling he is with me in spirit every time I hike. I will always be greatful for our “accidental transformation”.

Yesterday I made the whole distance to our tree and back. It was an especially good day.

AHO!

Gary

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