The cane made all the difference

Since most of you know how I feel about the cane, I hoped I could entice you in with the title.  It’s so true, but it wasn’t really like the canes we sometimes talk about here. It was more like a stick. And Nick didn’t use it on me. I was the one using it.

Let me explain. Earlier this year Nick and I headed up in the mountains and he lured me on a hike in the woods.  Here’s what I wrote about it, complete with pictures, back in July.

We took a day to ride up into the mountains and I always enjoy that – the riding part. Hiking is not my thing. I can walk quite well on reasonable flat smooth ground.  Picking my want through toe snagging roots and climbing up rocks, not so much.

I desperately needed my walking stick, which I didn’t have but I did make it up one trail to a place Mollie had suggested. She said it was a short easy hike. She lied. I told her later, “Try this again when you’re sixty.” To which she replied “I will. And I’ll let you know what I think.” 

It actually wouldn’t have been all that bad if I had had that good walking stick and for all my complaining I’ve told Nick I’d go back with him again this fall when the leaves turn. It should be specular. Here are a few pictures of what I thought was a rough trail, but a great reward at the end.

We started with toe grabbing roots.

This was the smooth easy part.

These looked even steeper in real life and they

turned near the top to the left and kept going.  

Not fun going up or down with nothing to hold on to.

But I have to admit the view was incredible.

This is why I'm willing to try it again in the fall.

We went again this past Saturday. And I had my walking stick – that’s what made all the difference! It wasn’t like I was flying up the path or anything, but I did it! Nick was often far ahead. He’s in great shape and trots up those hills like a mountain goat. But he didn’t lose me and the view was still great. The clouds were hanging low in the valley giving it a whole different look and the fall colors are a little behind this year. 

I just wanted to show you I’m not sitting on my butt writing all the time. And I’m sure Ronnie will be pleased to know I’ve finally found a use for at least one kind of cane!