 |
| The Senior Trailblazers (click to enlarge) |
Last Thursday when the Senior Trailblazers met to discuss where we would be going that day, Mike (also known as Mikey Poppins, since he often uses a full-sized umbrella on rainy days) gave me a memory stick (flash drive) with a couple dozen pictures on it. I had complained to him that he takes pictures of us quite often and we never get to see any of them. When we went up Heliotrope Ridge last July, he ran ahead and took lots and lots of pictures of the group. This picture is one of three similar ones he had on that drive.
And then in October when we hiked up Rainbow Ridge, Mike took a couple of pictures with his self-timer. That's him on the left, Mt. Baker in the background, and the rest of us smiling on a gorgeous sunny day. We hike rain or shine every Thursday, year round, but during the winter months we stay close to home and don't venture into the High Country, which is everybody's favorite place to go. However, we are planning to take some snowshoe trips this year, since snow is in the forecast. A fairly strong La Niña is occurring through the 2010-11 winter months, which usually brings more snow. Last year, as anybody who watched the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC knows, we were pretty free of snowpack. I'm ready, with virgin snowshoes waiting for an opportunity to be broken in.
This picture was taken last Thursday by Fred, with the Twin Sisters in the background. I like it especially because it shows me wearing (and using) my new batik scarf. I set the camera to use the fill-in flash option so that my face would not be in shadow, and it worked pretty well.
It's now been more than two years since I started these hikes, and they have not only added a high point to my week, but I've learned about so many wonderful places to hike around Bellingham. Not to mention that I've made some really good friendships, which as we all know, adds life to your years. In less than a month, I will turn 68, and I am one of the callow youth in this group, with Frank our oldest at 80, Dan not far behind at 77, and most of the group well into their seventies. This makes me look forward to the years ahead. Rather than bemoaning the approach of my eighth decade, I'm looking forward to it!
:-)
smiles. i hope to be just like that when i get a little older...and the scarf looks very nice..smiles.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous scenery and a terrific pic of you!
ReplyDeleteAs usual you look great! And the scenery... I can't drool over it enough!
ReplyDeleteI got a laugh at the Poppins reference... 'cause I actually pulled out my umbrella last week, fed up with the rain at the beginning of my hike! And I swear if it rains tomorrow I will do the same thing!@!@
Damn, I'm running behind on my hiking posts! Am off tomorrow early for what will probably be the last hike of the "Fall" (I'm just hoping -other than no rain- that there will still be pretty leaves on trees!-) and I have 2 other hikes to recount! Not to mention I've started Fishy Fridays up again... argh!!! (sound of me going crazy)
I hope I've got half your energy when I reach half your age... I don't know how you do it!
ENJOY!!!
Your hiking adventures are a delight to read about and you inspire the rest of us seniors. You look great and your attitude is awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful, all of you. Can I just say that you fairly glow with vitality and (might I presume) happiness? I enjoy all of your posts and the variety of subject matter, but the Thursday posts are some of my favorites. I love nature photography, and you've got great shots. Still, that's not all that appeals to me. I think it may have something to do with the proof that there is invigorating and challenging fun to be found for those that are looking, and there's not necessarily a 'use by' date on our bodies.
ReplyDeleteFun! Love the photographs! Makes me want to grab my camera bag and head out.
ReplyDeletePS. Don't think of it as turning 68. Think of it as celebrating the anniversary of your 48th birthday. :)
What a happy looking group! The background in all of the photos is fabulous, I love seeing the forest and mountains of that area. DJan, that is a great shot of you with a very pretty scarf.
ReplyDeleteI just looked at the weather for the coming week and it looks like our snow levels are dropping. I wonder what your area will get?
I love your spunky outlook on life and aging, and you look great in your photo.
ReplyDeleteYour attitude about retirement is wonderful and the choices you've made are even better. You've done a fantastic job making a new life in retirement. What a role model!
ReplyDeleteThe group photo is a great shot. Everyone should have a large, friendly group to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm following right behind you DJan, maybe not on a mountain trail, but in age and my paths in the woods. Love your attitude and energy!
ReplyDeleteYour scarf choice was a good one, DJan!
I didn't see any sisters in the background. What are you smoking?
ReplyDeleteJan, you really do have a very nice blog here. I love the blue mountainous background and the changing header shots. And yet, your blog still downloads quickly. Some blogs take forever to load because of their large pics.
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that exercise is the best cure for depression, because it releases endorphins in the brain. Keep it up.
I like the pictures of you all together. You all look so happy. I love the scarf, it suits you and your aura perfectly. So glad you're enjoying yourself and having fun.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
Good for you, DJan. They certainly are the trailblazers in more ways than one. Great photos.. great times.
ReplyDeleteYour young spirit glows through. You are beautiful and inspiring. I loved the comment you left on my blog and I couldn't agree more. I knew there was more than one reason I'm drawn to your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see the whole group! I applaud you all..next time you are on a hike tell them that someone in Minnesota gave them a standing ovation! :)
ReplyDelete