There have been at least three times in the last two days in which I regretfully told myself "No" when my head and my heart wanted to do something but my body didn't want to cooperate.
I wanted to climb up a steel spiral staircase to the top of a tower at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City to get a great view of the mountains without the parking lots in my way. I was all alone. I took about a dozen steps up and realized I'd have to come down again looking through open metal and decided I couldn't do it. Later, I fantasized getting to the top and having to holler and offer a tip for someone at the bottom to come up and help me down.
"Le Weekend" looked like a charming date night movie for older folks. A couple married for 30 years wants to rekindle their relationship by remembering their honeymoon in Paris. It was a half mile walk to the theatre for a 9:05 showing. Jim said he would go with me if I wanted to do it. And when the time came, I felt as if I could not walk another step having walked about five miles that day already. Jim asked me later if I was irritated about something. I admitted I was a bit grumpy and disappointed with myself as I went back to my crossword puzzle and book.
.JPG)
Yesterday we walked about 3/4 of a mile on the hike rated "easy" to the Lower Emerald Pool in Zion National Park. It was lovely and we began the climb to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, hikes rated "moderate." After a steep and winding climb up about 50 slippery steps, I said "Let's go back." Jim was quite agreeable to my suggestion.Later at dinner we agreed that it may be wiser at our age to pace ourselves.
So today, it's another "easy" hike or two and that is just fine with me.
I can relate to all your posts, Mary, and I often want to respond. But most of the time I don't because my normal routine wears me out more than it used to. Yestesrday a friend and I talked about how some things like backpacking are no longer an option because of our aging bodies. I am really starting to feel it. But we agreed we are grateful for what we CAN do. I know you are too.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I watched a young man run boldly and quickly down a trail into Bryce Canyon. On that same trail the previous day, I walked down about 100 yards and then panicked when there were no more rails and a steep drop-off. I wanted to lie down on the trail but I got myself back up to the top where Jim was waiting for me. The view was great from the top however!
ReplyDelete