Monday, July 19, 2010

68+ Miles, 55lbs, 11 Days

I just finished a Philmont hike with my son and others from his Troop. That's where I've been. Apologies for comments and visits that have gone unnoticed, for comments unapproved for so long, for the absence of posts. Between digging ditches in Costa Rica and the hike through the Northern New Mexico mountains, this Summer has almost killed me. But it wasn't me that had to be carted off the mountain. Nor was it me, who opted out of certain hikes (though I thought seriously about it- and often) Yes, my knees gave out the last half mile or so and I hobbled through the gate, but I did it with a full pack with no one's help. I am officially old. And the Tooth of Time has indeed chewed on me. Here are some pictures. More details later.


8 comments:

Delirious said...

This is funny that my brother, who lives in Lubbock, also does that with hummingbirds! Is it a Texas thing? :)

kkollwitz said...

"this Summer has almost killed me"

But did it make you stronger?

Western hummingbirds are different from what we have in the East.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

We like to feed the hummingbirds, too. Aren't they great little things to watch?

BTW, I want to let you know that my Blest Atheist blog went down, and I replaced it with 100th Lamb (www.emahlou.blogspot.com). I explain why there.

Inklings said...

Beautiful pictures!

Beth Impson said...

Cool pictures -- love the hummingbird!

eutychus said...

sorry guys for the delay in responding-
Delirious- New Mexico hummingbirds so I guess its not exclusively a Texas thing. (Though as a Texan I would have to say these birds obviously have good taste in perches) (ahem)

KK- "Did it make you stronger" NO- my knees are actually worse off now than before so I think we can officially retire that bit of mythology once and for all. :-)

"Western hummingbirds are different.." Yes, they have a western twang to their hum...

Elizabeth- We used to feed them as well but the ants also like their food so we stopped. They are an amazing creature to be sure. Good Luck on your new site. I'll be sure and stop by and visit.

Inklings- thank you! I hope to post more soon but at the rate I'm posting these days I may return to Philmont a second time before that happens. ( Good gravy- what am I saying??!!)

Alaiyo- Thanks. there is a bear in the second one but this isn't the best pic. As I said, more to follow. I only work a couple of weeks between now and my official retirement date of 1 October. Hopefully I can spend some time posting.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Thanks!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

68 miles?! That's some hike! Sounds like fun.

California hummingbirds are very bold. When we forget to fill their feeder, they come to the window and ask!