I am excited about doing some mild hiking with my wife, Linda. I used to do a great deal of hiking, mountain climbing, roller-blading, and even bicycling.
I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease about six years ago, and it has put severe limits to my mobility. I don't whine over it, just do what I can. I sometimes, can only walk a block and other times, (good times), can go a few miles. I don't give up even though my doctor has said I won't be able to climb again. He was only partially right. Two years ago I was able to hike two miles up Mt. Whitney, my joy was great.
I have tried to Kayak and it got to be a bit to much also after a few months so I will do mild hikes and count my blessings. I work with my disability by pacing myself, and trying to work around the times when the disease hits me the hardest. I get bone pain and extreme fatigue during those times. I don't often go out alone now because of the MCTD but I am sure I will have a good year this year.
I am excited about making some video footage to nature this season. I got a Sony Handicam model 650 that makes uploading to Face book a snap. It seems to take fair looking "still" photos also.
This Saturday I will be driving up to highway 193, an area I have not been to, even though I have lived here in Sacramento over 40 years.
I also noted that some of the National Parks will be free for the next seventeen days. Today is Jan 14, 2010.
Among the National Parks are:
YOSEMITE
WHISKEYTOWN
SEQUOIA
SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME
MUIR WOODS MONUMENT
LASSEN VOLCANIC PARK
Happy Trails..
