MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024 - HIKING / I CAN'T

 MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024 - I CAN’T

I have a rotating image that pops up when I log on. Last week, it was from “Angel Landing” in Zion National Park. I went to Zion National Park in June 2024, which was beautiful. Ooh - I'd love to hike that trail.

BUT

I CAN’T

***** (from a description of Angels Landing)

Yes, the Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park is considered dangerous:

Trail conditions: The trail is steep, narrow, and uneven, with exposed edges and sheer drop-offs. In some areas, the trail is only a few feet wide.

Summit: The summit is over 1,000 feet above the valley floor and has no guard rails.

Injuries and deaths: People have been injured and even died on the trail.

Here are some tips for hiking Angels Landing:

When to go: The best time to hike is during the shoulder seasons, like early March and mid-November, when there are fewer hikers. Avoid the busy summer season, especially on holidays.

Sunrise or sunset: Sunrise and sunset hikes are good for photographers.

Bring chains: Chains are anchored along the route.

Get a permit: You need a permit to hike Angels Landing.

*****

The hike is 5.4 miles round-trip and gains 1,488 feet in elevation. Most hikers complete it in about four hours.

*****

At one point in my life, I would have considered hiking Angel’’s Landing (and other major hikes). I would have loved to hike the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Coast Trail. I frequently hiked alone. There were a few challenging times - but I made it.

*****

It is part of my aging. I just “can’t” hike 5.4 miles up a steep hill. However, there are several days in a normal month when I will walk (not hike) 5.4 miles. Those are generally a few miles in the morning, maybe a mile in the afternoon, and finish at night.

Now, pretty much all people over 60 have some health problems. I was seventy when I had my major aorta surgery.

I was visiting with a friend over the weekend - and like two women who are getting older, we talked about our medications and ailments. I refilled my medication containers yesterday. At the nursing home, they grind the medications into powder so the residents can take their meds without difficulty swallowing them.

*****

I’ve rarely had vertigo, but there have been a few times when I’m dizzy - especially when I stand up. So, when will I need to have a cane? When will I need to have a walker? And (ugh), when will I need a wheelchair - and a motorized wheelchair?

When will I need to stop driving? Usually, the children of aging parents make that decision. But with estranged children, who is going to tell me to stop driving? A cop? A passenger? I rarely exceed the speed limit - I try to stay in my lane and signal my turns. I think I’m a safe driver - but that’s my view of myself.

*****

There are some mental areas where I’m sharp - and some areas where I’m not. Remembering new names has become an issue for me. I’ve even had some memory issues with spelling words when I write my blogs. (Fortunately, my computer has spell check - but I’ve got to get close to get a good suggestion.)

*****

These are regular aging issues. I’m 77 and love life. But, there are times like "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" is a verse from Philippians 1:21.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER (??)

Karen Anne White, December 2, 2024