I come to this blog tonight from my bed. I feel like a Tour De France rider after the mountain stage who lost their lead because their legs gave out. Unfortunately, there is no massageus helping my legs recover.
Three thousand nine hundred two feet of elevation gain today! The morning started out promising; well, the hotel breakfast was a great disappointment after their dinner the night before. My legs felt strong as we started the ascent right outside of town. This continued for about two miles into the first five mile climb to the highest point of the day. and then they weren’t! I’m built to be a mountain stage climber, but today I wasn’t. By the end of the day I was down to counting 50 steps upward, taking a break. 50 steps up and then taking a break.
Granted, this was an epic climb. In my head constantly, I’m singing “What goes up. must come down spinning wheel, spinning ‘round”. I am struggling on the climb and have not tested my knee on a downhill yet today. But guess what? I could go down without pain today, which was great news since that is where I was able to hike freely.
As Josh reminded me, this was marked hard and extremely hard in places; this was a massive day.
I thought I would end with three stories, one funny, one sweetand one grateful.
Josh needed some toothpaste and I was going to the pharmacia so I told him that I would pick it up for him. The next morning he came out of the bathroom and said the “toothpaste” seemed to stick to his teeth. He decided to investigate and found instructions on the side of the package. The pictures showed very clearly dentures being lined with this product. 🤣😳
I received a text from my daughter in law, April, during my knee struggle. It said,
Just the day before when it was pouring and I was struggling with my knee in the downhill, I begged Josh to move on so that he could get out of the rain and keep dry. He refused and stayed with as I limp along.
And a special thanks to my nephew, Jeff McMeekin. Josh told him about my knee problem and told me always to have my second toe pointing forward. It became my mantra. That advice, along with taping advice from my doctor, Clara Shin, I believe my knee is stabilizing.
With each day, I learn so much from my son. He is always watching and consuming the landscape. Our pace gives us time to talk and absorb this beautiful countryside. We love nature, and the Primarivo envelopes you with the sounds and sights unavailable to those not on the trails.
It was a hard day, but we made it! And we stuck together. Josh rated it very hard, too.
my favorite post so far! And I will be taking Jeff’s suggestion to heart as well!
So proud of You! Just keep moving.
beautiful landscape, determined pilgrims, and award at the end. You never cease to amaze me Candi. Sending healing thoughts to you for continued recovery and love to you both.