Hiking My Own Hike

At the top of Angel's Landing

Along the Path of the Gods

I love to hike.  It is my favorite form of exercise as well as therapy.  Hiking introduced me to deeper introspection and an expectation of endurance that I've not put on myself in any other area.

I completed a few amazing hikes overseas just a few years ago but I was in the best shape of my life!

Path of the Gods

In 2011, I returned to the Amalfi Coast in Italy specifically so I could hike the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Positano.  It's an amazingly beautiful path with incredible views of the coast!  Not difficult but pure
beauty!

Then in 2012, there were 2 hikes I did in China.  One was "the most dangerous hike in the world", Mount Huashan.  Not only was clinging to the cliff face (called the "Plankwalk In The Sky" and nearly 5,000 feet in the air) a feat for the nerves but it especially is after hiking the thousands

of steep steps carved into the mountain by the insane monks!!  Fatigue and fear make your entire being quake!  Nine hours is how long it took start to finish and I wasn't going slowly!  However, I did have to back track as I missed the temple where the Plankwalk was on the first pass.  The second major hike in China was the MuTienYu section of the Great Wall of China.  My friends, not being hikers themselves,  weren't up to hiking the entire wall as I was, so I pretty much ran most of the Wall as I hated the idea of them having to wait for me. Still, that one took me four hours and, as in all of these hikes, views were amazing but unlike them, the history was humbling!

I had not done a challenging hike in the US until this year...well, with the exception of Angel's Landing in Zion National Park, Utah in 2011 (see top photo)!!  I am woefully out of shape after road tripping for 2 years though!!  The first one was near Julian, California.  I don't even remember how I found out about it...probably a little blurb in one of the many tourist magazines and pamphlets that I picked up along the way.  Three Sisters Falls is the most challenging hike I've ever done.  It is only a 4 mile hike (2 in and 2 out) but the out part is all uphill!  Along this hike, I used every single muscle in my body!  Luckily, it wasn't an overly hot day and I met some folks along the trail to help me make it back!! 

The trail starts at a gradual descent but turns steep then you're rappelling down via 2 ropes tied to trees.  As you continue, you boulder hop, rock climb, and finally reach the waterfalls.  They weren't much as there was a drought going on but pretty just the same.  As it was all downhill, I wanted more so I climbed and rappelled up the existing ropes to make it to the top of the waterfalls.  Go me!!  Uh huh.  Then it was time to head back.  The folks I'd met were taking advantage of the pool of water at the base of the falls so I tried to follow markers for a more difficult trail back.  I only saw markers...no real trail!!  So I headed back to the folks and by that time they were ready to go as well.  Together we helped each other stay on trail.  Once I arrived back at the original 2 ropes, my real workout began!!

I managed to climb with the aide of rope number 1 but couldn't swing over to reach rope number 2!  So I

clawed my way up the dirt hill on hands and knees to a point where I could grasp a small bush.  However, I was on the wrong side to reach the trail!!  One of the young men behind me climbed to where he was anchored by bushes on the correct side and held his hand across for me.  I literally leaped for it and he just barely caught me and pulled me over!  I honestly don't know if I would have made it back without that one moment of help!!  After that, I thought, "NOW I'm almost there!".  Right!!  I hiked on and on...a seeming eternity...uphill!  I doubted making it back to my Jeep many times in that measly 4 hour hike but I pushed on!!  I'd only brought 2 bottles of water and had emptied them.  If you do this trail, bring PLENTY of water for the return hike up!!  Seeing my Jeep was a moment of deepest relief that I won't ever forget!!

My most recent hike, the Manitou Incline Trail, was a completely different but extremely challenging hike.  The trail consists of the ties from an old cable car that ran straight up the mountain in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  The grade is as steep as 68% in places, starts at 6,600 feet and climbs to 2,000 feet within a mile. For this Texan, that's a lot of altitude!!! About 2/3 of the way up, Barr Trail intersects with the Incline.  Just making it to that point, I had impressed myself.  I REALLY wanted to just take the trail down from there.  However, I push myself when I hike like no other time!  So I hiked on, sometimes on all fours!  I had about 5 lbs in the pack on my back (water and camera) which I don't recommend...but water was essential.  The weather was overcast with some light rain which was perfect for this climb!  Unlike any other

hike, I concentrated on my steps.  After a certain point, in order to continue on, I HAD to go slow!  So I would lead with my left leg, count 3 steps, stop, and then lead with the right leg.  Being out of shape and just stair climbing was killer.  I stopped to rest a lot to get my heart rate down.  So did many 20 something year olds! Olympians use this trail to train as does the military.  I made it to the top by sheer will and  I feel in good company!!  I wasn't confident in my legs ability to make it back down that steep incline so I hiked the 4 miles down the Barr Trail after reaching the top.  It took me 2 hours to make it to the top then an hour to hike the 4 miles down.  Oh, did I mention the awesome views??

These are the trails that I search out.  The ones that give me the satisfaction of accomplishment!  They make me reach deep!  All I need is my desire to conquer the difficult hike without need of extra equipment! LOL  Short but tough day hikes so Lillie isn't alone for too long.  My spirit swells and my energy multiplies and I'm in flight!!

Climbing the Manitou Incline Trail

About 2/3 way up the Manitou Incline

I made it to the top of the Incline!

View from Barr Trail on my way down

Three Sisters Falls

Part of the trail to 3 Sisters Falls

The Great Wall of China

Some of the steps of Mount Huashan

Yes, I went over that cliff too!

See??  Insane monks!!!

All of the States?

Like a Stephen King novel, when I arrived in my number 50 state (North Dakota), things got weird!  I saw the insane lightning that appeared to be striking land...buildings even!  I was driving my Jeep, pulling my aluminum Shasta behind and thinking, "Lord, PLEASE don't let lightning strike Shantilly!!".   Well, He heard me.  Then He sent wind.

Newly across the border from Minnesota (state number 49), I was amazed and blown away at the beautiful scenery of Hwy 2 and beyond in North Dakota.  I had no friends, relatives, or FB friends who had been to North Dakota (except for Devils Lake) so had NO idea of what to expect. I thought of the movie "Fargo" when I thought of ND!  Imagine my surprise (yes, it's near end of August) that I wanted to stop every 5 miles to take a picture!!

Well, Stephen King-ish stepped in and I'm wondering if that's because North Dakota is my number 50 state!?  I mean, this area hasn't had rain for 4 weeks.  I enter my final 50 and it's like a fire storm (crazy lightning, heavy rain, massive winds!!).  I didn't really have to drive through much heavy rain....it was mainly drizzle for hours...with crazy wind!!  THEN I realized how low my gas gauge was.

Shortly after leaving Devils Lake, I saw my last gas station!  I had over a half a tank so wasn't worried.  Oh...I should have been very worried!!  I never saw another one!!  So for the first time in my life, I ran out of gas.  The Lord saw to it that I was able to coast to a spot where I was off the highway and very near someone's home.  I filled my 1 gallon can and drove the 8 more miles to a gas station thanks to a generous man at that home!

I've traveled the contiguous United States tent & RV camping over the past 2 years and have seen (as has Lillie) all of those 48 states.  I've NEVER driven into one where I had to deal with storms & I've never run out of gas!!  The campground I'm in is remote and I'm the only camper.  The wind is gusting at 45 mph...I feel like I'm in a Stephen King story!  I'm not quite sure what to make of my number 50 but I think Stephen King could have a hay day  with it!

It's supposed to be continued windy all day tomorrow but no rain.  I hope to get out to take some pictures in the area then see Devils Lake in the forecasted sunny Monday!  For now, I'll sip my cocktail, listen to the swell of the wind before it rocks Shantilly, and find some good dance music!!

Retro Movie Going - Drive-In Theatres

If you haven't been to a drive-in movie theatre lately (or ever), you are completely missing out!!  When I think of them, I remember being a kid and the entire family piling into the station wagon.  Decked out in our pajamas, we'd bring snacks, pillows, blankets, those old mosquito coils, the dog, and even the cat.  Some of the tastiest burgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, and french fries I've ever had were had at the drive-in!

Though there are few who still have the original speakers (that always seemed to have a tinny sound) some do and it's a joy to see.  Most only have the poles sans speakers.  You just tune your radio to the station listed at the entrance.  The poles remain simply as a parking guideline...if they actually even left the poles.

Back in December 2004, I was ecstatic to find out that a three screen drive-in theatre had opened in Ennis, TX which is only 20 miles from Dallas.  My children and I went often and so did our dogs!  Galaxy Drive-In has since expanded to six screens. 

While looking for things to do in and around Joplin, MO, where I recently decided to visit, I found the last surviving drive-in movie theatre on the famous US Route 66, 66 Drive-In, in Carthage, MO.  Since I was pulling Shantilly and planned to find someplace to park for free in the area, I emailed the drive-in to find out if I could bring Shantilly in with me.  I received an immediate welcoming response!  I, however, couldn't stay overnight.  That was fine by me so I found an overnight RV friendly Walmart in Carthage and planned my route once the movies were over.

This is a very popular theatre even though it offers only one screen.  I was informed that people come from all over the world!  I couldn't get over the lines waiting to get in and it wasn't even full.  There were cars parked and waiting for entrance as early as 4pm!!  The gates didn't open until 7:30pm and the movie didn't

Barely made the driveway!

begin until 8:30pm!  I arrived about 6pm and was the last to make it INTO the driveway!  The teens and children played various games on the lawn while waiting.  I took photos, facebooked, talked to neighbors, and just people watched.  Everyone fired up their engines once the owner and his son showed up at the gates.  Just at that moment, an off-duty police officer, Derrick, approached and told me to drive straight to

the back once I was in and go to where he'd be standing to park.  I was actually pleased to be in the back, grassy area so that Lillie wasn't freaked out by people running by and could wander around.  Nor was I scrutinized between movies when I went into Shantilly to make a sandwich. 


I do have to say that being so far in the back does take away from the experience though.  During intermission, Lillie and I walked up to the front where children were in the playground directly in front of the screen.  The other movie goers were sitting in their lawn chairs with blankets, their truck beds, or in the

vehicle cabs.  However, the activity level and the sounds were multiplied!  So many speakers in close proximity truly adds to the festive atmosphere and movie experience! 

It was 2am before I arrived at the Walmart parking lot to sleep as we waited on most everyone else to leave.  If there is one in your vicinity, you should load up the family and pets and get there EARLY this weekend!  Here is a list of drive-in theatres to see if there is one near you!!

They are renewing the sign on the back of the screen.

That's just from ONE direction!

Missing speakers!

Fantastic moon!

Play area at intermission.

Drive-In food!

Retro commercials at intermission!

Still Here

Staying near Dallas for the imminent birth of first grandchild (a girl!), I've been camped at Lake Texoma, along the Oklahoma Texas border.  I need an ark!!  Since the day I arrived, it's rained with many tornado warnings with the exception of one day...yesterday!!  So I've had a lot of "think time".

Twenty years ago, I knew I was unhappy.  I was severely lacking in energy, I couldn't connect to anyone in anyway.  This is very difficult to write about...who knew?  Going to keep it simple.

The facts:  I had little energy, I feared lung cancer as the cause as I was a smoker, I was in a controlling relationship and had lost me.  The reality:  my blood was too thick to pull through a syringe, I was within days of a stroke, I had an extremely rare disease that I, to this day, believe was simply a wake up call!

When the rare bone marrow disease was diagnosed, I began to live!  I realized that I hadn't been living....at all.  I did massive research, actually taught my oncologist a few things from that research, and suddenly my life had a purpose.  To live!!  To live more!!  Guess what?  I did and this...this disease went away!

Then to now...HA!!  I can't begin to recount the journey.  So much bad...some good!!  Now IS where I was headed...amen.  If it wasn't, what a blessed detour!!

I live...without the work stress or financial stress.....with simplicity of expectation, finance, and lifestyle.  With the extremely short life expectancy given by my diagnosis (which I have now exceeded by more than 3 years), I recommend LIVING!!  Live as if you will die tomorrow...because you could!  I may die tomorrow...but now I can honestly say I've lived!  Every year is a new world, a new experience.

Life is good, people! Put music to it and it's epic!!!!