Today while I was running Lula alongside my bicycle on the Walkydog, I ran into a smiling, radiant woman wearing a hat. She was walking a cinnamon colored dashhound mix. The dog had long hair, and an intelligent, expressive face. She told me that she is sixty, and is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! (For those who don't know, the PCT runs all the way from Mexico to Canada.) It takes months to complete. She is doing it solo.
I was so impressed, That's something that I've always imagined doing. I told her that I'd read all the books about it, and really admired her. I asked her if she was scared. "No," she replied. "I just stay aware as I do when going to the grocery store at night." I asked her if she had done a lot of camping, and she nodded.
I commented that she looked very stylish for a hiker. They are usually dusty, and lugging these huge backpacks. She laughed and told me that the woman who owns the cabin where she is staying let her shower, do laundry, and that she also lent her some clothes. Her eyes were flashing with joy and adventure. I could see that she was very spiritual.
A little further down the road I ran into one of my neighbors who was out on a walk. I asked her how she was enjoying her retirement. She answered that she had just returned from driving from the West coast to the East coast on her own, staying with different friends along the way. I smiled, nodded, and told her that she looked very happy and jazzed. I think we all love adventure. These women both enjoy their own company. We are all exploring new ways of traveling.
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I bet both these ladies had some wonderful adventure stories about their trips. PCH passes through some beautiful country. It is so nice to see people out and about again. We are just home from visiting our youngest son and his wife in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Anita. I hope you had a wonderful time with your son in Hawaii.
DeleteSome people are just so inspirational. I've met and talked with much older women who have done such interesting things with their lives, and who still are. They do leave such indelible imprints in one's psyche, I find.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're very inspiring, ratnamurti. Doing new things and going places really makes life exciting and stimulating.
DeleteHow wonderful. Two inspirational ladies. I'm looking forward to adventuring more as Lily gets older. X
ReplyDeleteMe too, Jules. I had planned to be traveling right now, but with Covid, I plan to delay my plans and enjoy California for the time being.
DeleteWhat wonderful women you've met, Stephenie. Just walking in the garden would be an adventure for me after my recent bout of sciatica! But, that's OK with me. :)
ReplyDeleteYour garden photos always look so pretty, Bless. I'm sorry to hear that your sciatica has been so painful.
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