I did it! It is AMAZING!
Packin’
With my pack fully loaded, I huffed and puffed up the winding dirt path. Exquisite views passed on either side of me as I became acquainted with my new trekking poles — compliments of my forgetting the ones I’d borrowed.
Like on those long runs where you suddenly find that the miles are passing quickly and with ease, I suddenly found myself in a groove.
Flick – plant – pull… it was effortless and exhausting at the same time. And I couldn’t help but think how sweet my triceps would be looking if I make this backpacking thing a habit. You think these things when you’re trying to make it up a giant mountain and no wimp out.
I was quietly celebrating the little success of the day as we pulled the packs off of our backs and began setting up camp. For on this 1st day of this grand adventure, I pat myself on the back, then immediately begin psyching myself up for the hike up Half Dome. I am more excited than ever. This place is far more beautiful than I’d imagined. I am surprised to feel a new sense of confidence — one that I’ve not known before.
Going AWOL
I’m a little nervous. The pack is pretty darn heavy and not everything is in there yet. We’re planning to cover as much of Yosemite as we reasonably can in the few days we have. Fortunately, not all will be with the pack.
Of course I’m most excited about Half Dome. I’m also most nervous about it. Let’s just say that I have a healthy respect for heights. I’ve done my upper-body strengthening hoping to be prepared for the cables. I also ditched the week’s long run for two quick 6-7 milers yesterday and today. Fingers crossed it all works in my favor.
Amazed and astounded
Surely the idea of sharing the cooking load amongst families is not new. I love this about our camping trips with Mark and Lisa. Not only does it help offset the cooking duties, but it also allows you to sample new meals and, in our case, great new wines too.
Although, like last year, the roasted bananas with dark chocolate was a hit, this year’s omelette-in-a-bag definitely topped the likability chart. I was amazed and astounded at the process.
Check it out…
Happy HALF Birthday to me
It is not uncommon for those lucky enough to be born in December to celebrate a half-birthday in lieu of the actual birthday itself. My practice of secretly observing my half-birthday began after Tom’s death. With his birthday falling a few days shy of 6 months after mine, I created an excuse to buy myself a gift each year on HIS birthday. A little something for me helped me get through the day.
This year I jokingly posted something on my FB wall “for those who missed my (often forgotten) birthday…” Honestly, I meant it as a joke. So you can imagine my surprise when, while out to dinner, I found myself surrounded by waiters singing the familiar tune while carrying a pretty glass filled with sweet red liquid, an unhealthy dollop of whipped cream, and a single candle.
“Happy HALF Birthday!” YaYa and my fun-loving friend chimed after the singers exited stage-right. I laughed and blushed with embarrassment. “Make a wish,” they said with their big we-gotcha smiles. Then one of them corrected themselves by adding, with another playful laugh, “Make that a HALF wish.”
Of course, I made a whole wish. I’d tell you what it is but I can’t because I REALLY want it to come true.