Yeah we still have a few updates to put on the site. Now that the forum is more active and we're back in Scotland we plan to start updating the site again.
In a word though it was an extremely hefty walk. Especially for us when we carry lots of heavy camera equipment and I at least have trouble with hot weather. If I remember correctly I lost a big toe nail on that trip.
The problem with the Newt was that there was only one group and everyone had a different pace. Stuart and I like to take breaks and do photography but there were loads of spots which we had to rush past. Also it was getting to the point in the week where our bodies were still tired from all the previous walks.
Thank-you, for the addition of a smile on my face in an otherwise groggy stupor kind of morning. I’ve been looking forward to the next expression of your passion and my curiosity for those Alps. I’ve been through them three times, a couple of days each. Mostly, they were covered in rain and clouds, creating a tease. Instead of rushes and amazement from vistas, most of the rushes came from the passing of one of many jaw dropping Ferraris and yet another sharp corner.
We like to stop and imbibe the local miracle of nature along the trail, and yet another photo opt. We tend to set goals aside to just follow our instinct, exploring rather than accomplishing a goal. We tend to go as far as the water takes us, or we can just plop down in another facet of Eden. Between my push and DF’s stroll, we come to a comfortable balance. We generally don’t get as far as others, or get as much exercise, and get to such and such peak in a day. We tend to “march” only when necessary, or to get to “the good stuff.” The wandering goat shepard will be led around like the 23rd psalm, only kicking harder when something inside says that it is right. It is a different consciousness. The alternative consciousness tends to be more egocentric and subject to over doing, or missing something incredible, or injuries.
I couldn’t imagine myself carrying 50 pounds on my back and marching 70 miles through the Andes like I used to. I was younger and hiked everywhere, everyday, wandering recklessly, and sometimes having to hustle back to my bed before sunlight disappeared in dangerous areas. These days, I focus on ultralight. My boots were always light weight. I see that the military has finally gotten in step with that, but now I am as barefoot as possible. Geronimo, who out ran the white soldiers and our ancestors who in barefeet just wore down the game, have something to tell us. I have lost my last toenail to a long downward slope.
I just don’t hike with my “to the peak” son, or my mountain goat friend who just needs to burn off tension from living in stress caused by attitude. We just let ‘em play through. Who would want to frustrate them? We don’t totally disregard the fun of exercise, and watching a body do more, but there is balance.
I have also noticed that groups will make more disturbance, and someone seems to always be talking. If I’m concerned and figure a need for stealth, I need to listen. I used to hike with a naturist group. My naturalist friend and I would speed up ahead and then silently see the wildlife, telling the others what they had missed later.
Also, around here, care must be taken in rattler season.
Jbee
