Wedding Song - God Knew That I Needed You

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

4 MILE HIKE IN 3 PARTS

Recommendations from health and fitness experts is that one should walk 5 miles daily – even at 60+; I can’t do that with my gimpy leg.

WALKING BENEFITS: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-walking-speed#takeaway

But I think I should be able to handle 4-miles without inflaming that piriformis muscle.

So that is what my starting point is … and I got that underway this morning.

I stopped at the Short Stop Store, across from the Boondox, to grab a quick bite; it’s been a while since I’ve been there. It was strange walking into that store without Bob – I’d always been with Bob and the kids (all the kids; grands, includes). For 44 years, Bob and I had stopped there, off-n-on; getting from point A to point B along Ocean Beach Highway. Walking through the door went okay: my stomach did not get queasy, and tears did not sting my eyes. I found I could speak without a shaky voice while the cashier checked me. My heart is healing.

It was 60-degrees outside, and the Plan was to walk Lake Sacajawea, because that is a guaranteed 4-mile hike if one walks the entire Lake Trail. The trail was workable today (flood waters had abated)parking was not. I drove around the lake three times hoping for open spot to slide into, before going elsewhere to do my 4-mile walk. There was curb-side parking, but I would rather park off-road, in the little off-road parking lot.

I left downtown Longview, and parked in the parking lot on 30th and Pacific Way; to walk that end of the Pacific Way Trail.

I didn’t get very far into the hike (31 minutes – 15 minutes walking, turn around; 15 minutes back), before I had to leave due to drifting smoke on the air.

30th & Pacific Way.
A bedraggled fuzzy-wuzzy; did not look healthy, at all.
Mating Mallard Ducks.
“We’re Having a Baby, My Baby & Me”
Goldeneye Ducks.
The Dike Hike ended after 31 minutes; due to brush burn smoke.
Brush burn with drifting smoke.

I was really beginning to think my walking aspirations were jinxed: no parking at the Lake … and now being run off the Pacific Way Trail by smoke.

But I was determined to get my 4-miles in!

So far, I’d only managed 1½ miles.

After the drifting smoke clouds forced me into the Highlander; I drove to Willow Grove, which is closer to home.

I added 2 more miles to my goal 😊

Exiting the Highlander at Willow Grove, I saw Mt. St. Helens - and a fluttering kite.
High tide.
The covered picnic areas are finished; last time I was here, the construction hadn't even begun yet - the founation was being laid.
The play area gym has been freed up - no more asinine covid barrier.
Kite man.
Snow-topped Mt. St. Helen's showing herself.
Busy Ocean Beach Highway - seen across Willow Grove's width.
All that is left of the white kite from 2019, is shredded tatters.
”Kites” 1969 song:
Winter's sun in an afternoon sky.
Activities at Willow Grove.
Another reason masks are not a good idea.
The sun sliding over the horizon.
Moving into phase 3 of this 4-mile goal.
Willow Grove from Heron Pointe; 8 minutes.
The moon making an appearance.
Mt. St. Helens dominates the skyline; 3 mins to home.

After collecting the mail, and parking in the carport at home; I decided to relax my leg a bit. I balanced the checkbook, shredded the junk mail, and checked social media messages before putting my coat on and walking the final mile around the Park.

It was close to the dusking hour, but still light enough to walk without a light source.

The setting sun was lovely at the far end of the Park.

Sunset at the upper end of Heron Pointe; Industrial Way Rd in background.
Sunset over the Columbia; seen near my street.

Walking a daily 4 miles is doable without stressing that gimpy leg – and if necessary, I can even break it down into a 2-mile walk/twice a day 😉

HELPING HANDS

For 3 years I’ve been the recipient of unconditional love, acceptance, and unlimited help … from the occasional family member, steady loyal friends, and sometimes from absolute strangers; today was the start of my “getting back into the swing of things”, on a local level.

I’ve always been a helper – I honestly never needed help of any sort, until I became a widow; being in the position of need was an unfamiliar feeling. I am thankful that those who stepped in to help me, knew me, and were kind in the ways they offered – and gave – their help (easing my discomfort of neediness). They helped me out of the goodness of their hearts; I owe them a debt I can never repay. And they won’t ask me to recompence them.

But I can be kind.

And I can pay that kindness forward.

That is payment enough for my friends 😊

I’ve always been a helper.

I have missed that part of myself.

Today my helping hands were busy for two hours, across town: it felt good to be actively engaged in helping again. Afterwards, I ate an early supper at El Ranchero, and visited with the owners; they were happy to see me again, and I was happy to see them again.

Cute ice rounds.
Mural artwork reminds me of the Jewel Quest Game I play on my laptop.

I will be using my helping hands at that end of town on a regular basis … and I will be visiting with my friends, more frequently, again.

I can also be helpful on a national level, too.

I like to keep my hands busy 😉

But not just busy for the sake of being busy – I like my hands to be busy with a purpose.

Another source of lending my hands to help, is Angel Blankets for families dealing with infant loss.

MOD Baby Blanket; Angel Baby Size 21-inch x 21-inch.

Widowhood has taught me quite a bit about things I did not know.

I did not know grief could be so hard to come to terms with: I did not know how important little mementoes would be. I did not understand that missingness would last a lifetime. I was unaware of the struggle between self-reliance and needing the support of others.

I could not have come this far without the help and support of my lifelong-friends; and strangers who have become cherished friends.

Friends with helping hands.

I am glad my hands are being put to use again.