On my 30th birthday I was hiking with my sister in California and she took this photo on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). As I used film back then (an ice age ago in digital time), this is a photo of the photo that has been hanging on my refrigerator (or various refrigerators) for the last decade... its intended purpose at the time still remains--to inspire me to hike (whether I hike the 2,655 miles from Mexico to Canada or not).
And today I went hiking with my sister again--and her husband and baby and Emily... in Colorado, and we ended up on the Colorado Trail. In 2002 I was dreaming of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (which I have not yet done) and in 2012 I was celebrating 40 years and the fact that I at least DID hike the Colorado Trail in 2003 (with my sister and dog Cassy end to end, 500 miles. Yep.)
Now there is a tiny niece and hikes have to be shorter and it can't be too hot and my life is busier. But I still get immense joy out of being in the woods looking at or climbing 14ers, watching for moose or deer or grouse, daydreaming through sweaty days and starry nights, and dreaming of long days and weeks and months on the trail.
40 years is the blink of an eye and there are still many more adventures to come. I have so many interesting things to do at the loom and in the woods and with my family. I am grateful and still very very lucky. Happy Birthday!
Indeed, Happy Birthday, my Young blog friend!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes. May I say here that each decade seems better than the last, despite the occasional failing of the flesh. LOL
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your marriage. I wish you both well. It sounded like a lovely trip.
Happy Birthday (a little late), Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I thought 40 was one of my best birthdays & 50 was even better-- both celebrated in the Grand Canyon (40 on a rim to rim hike & 50, as you know, in residency at the North Rim).
Embrace growing older, it is so much better than what it felt like to be 20 & worried about what everyone thought of you, or worried that you weren't cool enough (at least, that's what my experience was like & I think it's similar for most women). There's a feeling that comes on slowly as the years accrue... a feeling of comfort & confidence, of not being afraid to be who you are, a deeper enjoyment of life!
I wish I was 40 again. My 40's were the best time of my life, I think. Enjoy :)
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