Nearing Odessa Lake, RMNP, July Near Finch Lake, RMNP July
This morning I walked to the development kiosk to pick up Friday's paper (I only take the local Sunday) with my sandals on both feet. Then I walked to the street, down to the corner and back--probably a block and one-half all together--with no foot pain! How's gratitude for that from a long-time hiker cut off from the trails for a month after a pickup raced across on-going traffic in front of me almost two weeks ago?
I've been grateful that it was only my car that was totaled that Monday afternoon. But gratitude slips as I search for another car and as I automatically think, "I'll just take a walk" when something frustrates or I feel restless. Not being able to do my usual morning walks has left me realizing how much being able to take half hour to one and one-half hour walks here in Boulder means to me. I know how lucky I am to be able to do mountain hikes, but haven't so much appreciated just being able to walk around the nearby park or the Celestial Seasonings trails across from our complex. And that's not counting driving to other great trails here in Boulder. So my short foray out this morning felt like a minor miracle!
The ortho doc said I'd be back on the trails (perhaps not the steepest at first) by Aspen changing season. That feels a lot closer this morning with the temperature at about 52 when I was out. Shades of fall for sure. I have golden Aspen photos from as early as mid-September, and last year I took photos up above Eldora (up Boulder canyon) as late as October 4th. While I look forward to that time, I'm grateful for each pain-free step I take and for many friends who have commiserated and urged me to be patient.
The car---oh yes a car. My biggest decision has been to give up driving a Subaru. For those of you living where winter snows are infrequent (and that included Boulder last winter), Subarus, all-wheel drives, are by far the vehicle of choice in Boulder. They drive through snow without a hickup. However, here in Boulder where there aren't many steep hills, front-wheel drives work well too. Subarus sell at a premium for cars with over 100,000 miles, an even greater premium for lower mileage. I have bagged having another one.
Another reason for gratitude: a Boulder centering prayer group leader's husband is an automobile wholesaler in Denver. I made this connection through a newer friend who attends that centering group. He is searching for just the right cars for me to drive and check out either tomorrow or Monday--two or three years newer than any Subaru or that I could buy without the wholesale discount.
At next writing I hope to report progress on my "hiking as a spiritual journey tool" book--perahps on a website too.
I am deeply grateful for each of you too! Blessings from Boulder.
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