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There and back again…eventually!
My hiking partner got back on trail without me today.
Bamboo heading out again (photo by S Metzger)
I’ve decided to wait a few more weeks to return to the trail in order to help my daughter and her family after the arrival of my second grandchild a week ago.
My new grandson is healthy (and adorable of course!), and I am thankful that I get to spend some extra time with him and my granddaughter. At the same time, the delay creates a mental challenge for me, and I’m trying hard to stay motivated to keep working out so that when I DO return I won’t be starting from scratch physically.
I’ve created an (almost) daily routine that seems to be working so far; 2 miles on the hill setting of my elliptical machine, 6 miles of walking with a heavy backpack, and at least 15 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises. I am hoping that it will be enough so that when I start hiking again my body won’t be in shock, and I won’t be slowing my partner down too much.
Bamboo is struggling with challenges of his own by returning to trail without me for a few weeks, and we’ve been texting and calling frequently to give each other support.
Figuring out how to navigate these challenges now will help when I have to get off trail again after another 6 or 7 week stretch of hiking (for the arrival of another grandchild). I knew that the family events of this year would create a few extra hiccups for my hike, and I’m optimistic that I will still be able to complete my thru hike within a year, but I am also coming to terms with the idea that it may take a little longer. I also may have to do some of it solo. That’s ok.
I am grateful. Grateful that I have the ability to be there for my daughters and their families. Grateful for the technology that lets Bamboo and I support each other despite changing plans. Grateful that the trail isn’t going anywhere, and that I’ll be able to return to it when the time is right. Grateful that I can share my thoughts and struggles and joys with you while I process them myself.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for the support and encouragement I’ve received from so many of you. Happy hiking, and I’ll see you again soon!
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Comments 6
Jenn – as a grandma of 6 I totally get it. It’s important to be there for the big occasions and to help out those daughters. I’m glad you are staying in shape and plan to go back to finish whenever. Grandmas doing their duty get an exemption from the 1 year thing – that’s artificial anyway. I look forward to your posts.
Kathy
Thanks Kathy, I appreciate it! I try not to get hung up on the “finish within a year for it to count” thing too – if I hike it all then it counts for me, however long it takes. 🙂
Absolutely – especially when we are doing it at Grandma age!! Not like we are 20 somethings with few responsibilities!!
It’s done when it’s done, as long you’re not procrastinating. And you’re not. 🙂
Thanks Dan! 😊
I was just wondering where you were! Congratulations on the new grandchild and one soon to be born. The trail isn’t going anywhere. It will be there when you are ready. Remember, it’s the journey, not the destination.