“It was only as an adult that I realized that in fact I loved being physically active out in nature. I wasn’t bad at exercise; what I was bad at was PE…” Love this! That’s been my life, too. After leading a sedentary, bookish life, I started bike commuting twelve years ago, just 4 miles each way. That’s how I found out how much better life was if I spent regular time outside, moving under my own power. These days, 100+ mile bike rides and half-marathon runs are a regular part of my year. Younger me wouldn’t believe it!
Oh Mari I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post and that pic of you in your superhero post is how I will always think of you. The mountain trek you took us on a few years ago (and the most delicious lunch that followed: apricots, grocery ham sandwich, and beer) was so inspirational it made it into Book 3. Beer is restorative. Climb on, my friend!
Thank you so much, dear friend! Our hike followed by a grocery-store lunch (because all the restaurants were closed! what the heck?!) will always be one of my favorite memories!
Thanks for the "dumb Hiker" poster. Although I live in Switzerland, I grew up in Arizona, and so there is an equivalent figure for the desert environment. Most of the criteria are the same as the dumb alpine hiker: flip flops, no hat, no water, no proper equipment whatsoever. They might maybe use sunscreen. Plus: thinking (or not doing so) that you can hike around for hours at midday in August (average temp. 100-115 °F) in the middle of barren, snake and other poisonous-creatuer infested barrenness. I am sure there is also a tropical/jungle version of this figure. As well as a Mediterranean beach one, too (a few of which I have sighted).
It’s so important to be aware of hazards and prepare accordingly! I think it is a shame that planning ahead is often viewed as uncool—we tend to think it’s better to be spontaneous. Planning ahead allows us to have a better experience and take on tougher challenges.
At age 17 I visited my sister (34) who was working at Our Chalet the Girl Guide/Girl Scout International house in Adelboden Switzerland. She was trained to lead hikes and took me on one. I being a somewhat unfit teenager moaned and groaned as we got higher and higher. But my sister being not one to give up persistently kept me going. At the summit (I’ll have to look up old photos to see what mountain it actually was) I was finally proud of my accomplishment and was rewarded with the traditional slab of delicious Swiss chocolate we had hauled up with us! I am glad she got me there and now fully appreciate the experience. Sadly I do not seem to be able to manage a gentle walk in South Mountain reservation in NJ without twice twisting the same ankle on a 3 mike relatively flat hike!!!! Thankfully my sons and one girlfriend (now daughter in law) were with me and one son waited while the other 2 hiked to get the car to pick me up! FYI I was the only one actually wearing hiking boots the others all had sneakers on!!!!
As I recall, in the final Sound of Music scene, Maria is wearing pumps. My mom pointed out that would proabably not be the best choice in climbing mountains or escaping Nazis.
“It was only as an adult that I realized that in fact I loved being physically active out in nature. I wasn’t bad at exercise; what I was bad at was PE…” Love this! That’s been my life, too. After leading a sedentary, bookish life, I started bike commuting twelve years ago, just 4 miles each way. That’s how I found out how much better life was if I spent regular time outside, moving under my own power. These days, 100+ mile bike rides and half-marathon runs are a regular part of my year. Younger me wouldn’t believe it!
Oh wow, it makes me so happy to read this! 100-mile rides?! Way to go!
Fantastic. And I love that first pic - extremely heroic! 😄
Looks like one of those pictures on the front of Gothic novels. except Mari looks in charge, not afraid.
It was pretty windy up there!
Oh Mari I LOVE LOVE LOVE this post and that pic of you in your superhero post is how I will always think of you. The mountain trek you took us on a few years ago (and the most delicious lunch that followed: apricots, grocery ham sandwich, and beer) was so inspirational it made it into Book 3. Beer is restorative. Climb on, my friend!
Thank you so much, dear friend! Our hike followed by a grocery-store lunch (because all the restaurants were closed! what the heck?!) will always be one of my favorite memories!
Thanks for the "dumb Hiker" poster. Although I live in Switzerland, I grew up in Arizona, and so there is an equivalent figure for the desert environment. Most of the criteria are the same as the dumb alpine hiker: flip flops, no hat, no water, no proper equipment whatsoever. They might maybe use sunscreen. Plus: thinking (or not doing so) that you can hike around for hours at midday in August (average temp. 100-115 °F) in the middle of barren, snake and other poisonous-creatuer infested barrenness. I am sure there is also a tropical/jungle version of this figure. As well as a Mediterranean beach one, too (a few of which I have sighted).
It’s so important to be aware of hazards and prepare accordingly! I think it is a shame that planning ahead is often viewed as uncool—we tend to think it’s better to be spontaneous. Planning ahead allows us to have a better experience and take on tougher challenges.
At age 17 I visited my sister (34) who was working at Our Chalet the Girl Guide/Girl Scout International house in Adelboden Switzerland. She was trained to lead hikes and took me on one. I being a somewhat unfit teenager moaned and groaned as we got higher and higher. But my sister being not one to give up persistently kept me going. At the summit (I’ll have to look up old photos to see what mountain it actually was) I was finally proud of my accomplishment and was rewarded with the traditional slab of delicious Swiss chocolate we had hauled up with us! I am glad she got me there and now fully appreciate the experience. Sadly I do not seem to be able to manage a gentle walk in South Mountain reservation in NJ without twice twisting the same ankle on a 3 mike relatively flat hike!!!! Thankfully my sons and one girlfriend (now daughter in law) were with me and one son waited while the other 2 hiked to get the car to pick me up! FYI I was the only one actually wearing hiking boots the others all had sneakers on!!!!
I have hiked near Adelboden and agree that it is both beautiful and strenuous there! You earned your Swiss chocolate!
As I recall, in the final Sound of Music scene, Maria is wearing pumps. My mom pointed out that would proabably not be the best choice in climbing mountains or escaping Nazis.
No, definitely not! Swiss hiking culture says thumbs-down!