Looking back at previous posts I see that I have not written anything since early August, so first I will provide some explanation. I think Mandy and I have only been out hiking twice since then, mostly due to us getting our house ready to put on the market, selling it, buying a place near Bragg Creek, living in a tent trailer in our good friends' shop for three weeks while waiting for possession, and finally moving in here about one week ago. As mentioned, we got out briefly a couple of times - once in Cranbrook before one of the boys' hockey games, and once in Sheep River.
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| Proof 1 of 2 - Cranbrook (September 22, 2019) |
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| Proof 2 of 2 - (October 28, 2019) |
Needless to say we were desperate for an MMHC meeting, and thankful that we weren't released by the other two co-CEOs during our absence.
Today Ken and his buddy Kevin picked us up around 9:15, and we headed to Prairie Mountain, where Mandy and I have never hiked. Kevin and Ken go on regular adventures together (there were some interesting stories told today). I also learned that Kevin is a talented photographer, and drummer, in addition to an accomplished hiker!
The day started quickly when we saw two moose, a mother and young one, running along the road and into the woods. Wow!! It was about a 12-minute drive door-to-trailhead for us, which is really exciting for me. We were first ones there, but would be joined by quite a few before we completed the hike. I could definitely tell that I had lost my trail legs, and hiking lungs. That's OK though, Ken had mercy on us and set a reasonable pace. The day was beautiful, cool, and sunny, and the fresh air helped tremendously with the mental health. It felt great to be back outside after such a long break!
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| Early View |
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| Quick Break to Catch Some Sun |
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| Sun Through The Trees |
With about a kilometre left the trail got steeper, and very icy. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate our traction aides before leaving this morning, and it cost us the summit. Ken and Kevin were much better prepared and pushed on, while Amanda and I started to head back down.
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| Summit Shot - Ken |
I wasn't too upset at myself, as it gives me another reason to go back and attempt it again sometime! When we got back to the car, we crossed the highway and spent some time beside Elbow River.
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| Hangin' Around the Elbow River |
Not too long after that Ken and Kevin returned, and we headed back to our place for a quick coffee and cupcake. A great end to a first day back after our unplanned hiatus!
A couple of observations from today:
1) Being outside after missing it for so long felt amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that being in nature as much as possible allows you to have good physical and mental health. I always feel like a different person after hiking. It is truly therapeutic. I read an article this year that general practitioners in Scotland have been given the OK to prescribe the outdoors for different health issues. I hope the rest of the world is taking note.
2) My friend and co-CEO, Ken, is an inspiration. Despite the fact that he is fighting a lifelong, degenerative disorder, he still manages to do so many amazing things. He is pretty much always game for a walk, climb, snowshoe, paddle, adventure, challenge, etc. He is usually also taking the rest of us out of our comfort zones (most times it's for the better, but sometimes I do curse him under my breath 😁). Amanda and I have been fortunate to be a part of this club with him, and his equally-amazing wife Kirsten, and I know when my time is up I will be recalling some of the many amazing hikes we all did together!
UPDATE: Ken sent me this picture that Kevin took yesterday. What did I tell you???
