My chest & head cold is almost gone. Today I am hardly coughing.
Two nights ago I found Copper River salmon and bought some for Steve to fix for us. mmm great.
I visited Sun Summit South bike shop run by Chip whom I have known for years. Bob Bergdahl, father of Bowe, is working there. Bob engages in intense intellectual discussions, ones that I enjoy as I learn much. People might have lots to offer if they would get beyond the one line put downs. I became mentally exhausted after awhile.
2 summers ago a huge forest fire burned here. Trails were burned over. Then a 100 year rain fell which eroded the land destroying trails. There is a form of Wood River drama like Sedrama. Not all groups affected by trail reconstruction were consulted and a new one added that added influence. Conflict. I don’t have a dog in the fight and because this time I am here for a short while I did not pursue behind the scenes understanding. The regrowing hillsides are covered in tumble mustard plants lending a particular greenish hue. The plants flower then die later in the summer and break loose from the ground and blows as tumble weed.
Over the years I have spent many days visiting and riding here in the Wood River Valley. It is a pleasnat place but one of big money as seen by very large and expensive homes.
Last night I drove up river to Baker Creek to camp. Great view of the Boulders.
This now all leads to today’s drive to the Ochoco in Oregon to see where I have been contemplating a set down place. I am excited. I am starting w/ clean clothes first here in Hailey @c laundromat which has new machines and maybe new management.
Hot.
Off to dry clothes.
What environments I have experienced in this 30 day month. Water is a common thread: either you have it or you don’t. Some is normal and other is fickle of nature. Ohio was the wettest, the Ochoco will be the driest.
Range of motion is continuing to be gained. Friday is next PT session w/ Dave who treated me last fall. Next stage is assisted range of motion. Hopefully I will be able to add strengthening leading to road riding.
The addition of the carbon stiff foot bed has eliminated hiking knee pain and considerably lessened my foot pain. Today as I drove down river my eyes looked upwards to the peaks and envisioned hiking to the top. I have been biking for years because of the knee & foot pain. I look to add mountaineering back into the mix. Mountain biking requires a tread which is conformity. Mountaineering offers only complying w/ gravity and freedom of choice.
Last night I set my chair up looking full on to the Boulders viewing the above scene. I played EmilyLou and Linda Rhonstadt album and reflected upon my past. I moved to Gig Harbor,WA in time to start 1980. I was back in the big mountain out of doors. For the past 35 years I have played in the out of doors. I backpacked, climbed, back country free heel skied, kayaked, picked huckleberries, mountain biked, and just enmeshed myself in nature. All activities requiring an able body and a driving mind. I am almost 66. Do I rust or just fade away as age affects choices? I become melancholic about my future. Mountain biking has changed so much since I started and the riders are much younger and more competent. May I successfully rehabilitate my shoulder so I can challenge myself
One of the MBO guide (from Bend) told me they have lots of trail riders in their 80s in Bend. Be patient, you have many years of riding still to enjoy.
Did my eyes hear right! You are considering setting roots and leaving “Full-timer” status adventuring. Who will I look to for inspiration (just kidding).
The only fountain of youth is stressing the body. Lift weight and keep that heart rate up.
I’d bet you’ll look for land by a trail head.
The Tim Ferris Podcast has interviews with several people in their 60’s-70 who are doing physical and brain work to keep the flow of life going.