Toasty but beautiful

Gang of Eight

 Today I joined the Senior Trailblazers for a around-town walk. We didn't get iner any cars but headed off to Whatcom Falls Park from the Senior Center's parking lot. Another group was headed up to Horseshoe Bend in the Mt. Baker Wilderness, but none of us felt like getting in a car and driving for an hour each way. Instead, we walked around five miles round trip to enjoy the somewhat cooler weather for today. It is about ten degrees cooler than I endured on Sunday's walk.

One mistake I made on Sunday was waiting until after noon to go for a walk, when I discovered that there was no shade anywhere, and the temperature climbed to more than eighty degrees Fahrenheit. That might not sound all that hot for those of you more accustomed to hot weather, but I simply wilted. And I had also forgotten that the buses run on an hourly, rather than a quarter-hour, schedule on that day. So, even though I hoped to catch a bus back home, I missed the two times I tried to catch it. I eventually poured water over my head and managed to make it home in one piece. Today seemed quite moderate in comparison.

Today we started our hike out around 8:30, and even walking at a moderate pace, we were back at the Senior Center before noon. There was also a lovely brisk breeze keeping us cool as we walked, so it was really rather delightful. I met a new member, Yolanda, and enjoyed conversation with the other people I knew from other hikes.  For most of the way, my right hip and leg never began to hurt, so I think I can safely try some harder hikes without too much worry. It's been a long time since that icy fall in February, and I am much, much better now. For awhile I feared I would not be able to walk fast enough (or long enough) to join them any more. I will continue to take it easy and not force myself to take on anything too strenuous. 

Whatcom Falls is just a trickle

Our beautiful waterfall is a bit on the meager side today, since we've had so much warm weather and no rain. And we are now starting the really dry part of our summer, which often doesn't even get started until the 4th of July. This year is different, and I truly hope we can escape the really hot weather. I just don't do all that well in the heat, so I won't be going on long hikes in full sun. Not my favorite time of the year.

Now that I am home and enjoying the cool air inside, with the help of a fan, and moderate temperatures. I just enjoyed a nice sandwich and cold drink and am now ready for maybe a quick catnap. Feeling happy and well exercised.

:-)