View Full Version : Old hikers never die, they just slow down
rlharris
08-13-2008, 10:58
Interesting article in today's Union Leader http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Septuagenarian+hikers+get+a+ recall+from+home&articleId=2be43104-4e9e-433d-94df-b8a2ecd7d43d).
A couple of elderly hikers took longer than anticipated to complete a hike of Mount Madison and a family member called NH Fish and Game. Fortunately, they were well and safe -- just underestimated the time it would take to hike out. They were also, according to the article, equipped for hiking.
I got a wicked good chuckle out of the closing paragraph. :D
Incidentally, there is a group of over-70 hikers in this neck of the woods that call themselves the "Granite Grannies," or so I have been told by my doctor. :)
X-LinkedHiker
08-13-2008, 11:12
Awesome.
During my PCT thru, I was at Mt. Hood.
I see these gentlemen in their late70s/early 80s with these incredibly muscular legs.
Turned out there was some kind of 10th Mtn division reunion going on!
Hard core back in WW2..they still looked like they could climb up the mountains nearly 60 yrs later!
Footslogger
08-13-2008, 11:36
I just hope to be able to sit up and take nourishment and stand erect and put one foot in front of the other when I get old :D
'Slogger
What they used to do all day now takes all day to do! :) Overworried Spouse. :(
Footslogger
08-13-2008, 12:21
What they used to do all day now takes all day to do! :) Overworried Spouse. :(
===========================
...that goes for nighttime activities as well ;)
'Slogger
Just Plain Jim
08-13-2008, 13:37
Ahhh! To be 63 again and hike all day.:rolleyes:
Plodderman
08-13-2008, 15:26
Hope to just keep hiking no matter the age. As I age some things take longer than others.
Chenango
08-13-2008, 15:43
Just do what you are able to do at any age!!
Tipi Walter
08-13-2008, 15:47
On my last trip I gave a lot of thought to growing old and I thought about how Momma Nature sends hurricanes and earthquakes to kill us and then I thought about how a blood clot or cancer or a heart attack is like those natural disasters but on a much smaller scale. So, I figured that my death will come as a result of Miss Nature's doing, whether it's thru a falling tree or a spreading tumor. What's the difference? In the meantime I've been able to see her most beautiful stuff and even sleep out with her every night. I figure when it's time she'll call me out and I only pray that the next place is just a wild and free as this one.
I just hope to be able to sit up and take nourishment and stand erect and put one foot in front of the other when I get old :D
'Slogger
Me to!!!
cowboy nichols
08-13-2008, 19:11
As I've aged I notice I feel younger as I hike more days. I see more and enjoy each day more.I never set a destination to reach and camp when and where the mood strikes.I do still tent and usually stay pretty much alone. I fully expect to hike to the end but I'll leave that decision to my Maker. The worse thing I can imagine is sitting in a rocker waiting to die.
Very well said Tipi! My sentiments as well.