A tentative start by the sun this morning was welcomed and then, seeming to gain its confidence, remained fairly visible for the rest of the day. We intended undertaking a double hike, the peninsula track and Sawcut Gorge in a stream through a slot canyon. However, the toll from yesterday’s steep and fast climb in the rain has the editor’s knees squeaking and whining quite painfully. We don’t feel too bad but truth be told, after yesterday’s soaking, a hot shower sounds very much more attractive than walking in a river. What’s with the attraction of walking on…in water?
We walked for many miles around the peninsula, giving us a perspective of the town, great ocean views and always, the mountains although many were shyly hidden behind clouds. At one stage, we needed a post-liquid receptacle; we dashed up a short, sharp hill to avoid the many visitors on the track as the high ground was understandably deserted. With relief in sight, we topped the hill and came face-to-face with a professional photographer set up to capture the outstanding sea vistas. The strategy was inadvertently thwarted…the artist was a woman. It was a great detour though.
We were fascinated to hear how our editor gauges the steepness of a trail. “On the return, if the down gradient is difficult to negotiate, then I know the incline was tough,” she explained. We have a far more direct approach. We know the answer as we hike up a mountain—we feel it. We realize our systems of evaluation are somewhat different. We have direct communication with the inner workings of our body, which helps us understand the tribulations of the day. To expand further, here is an example of a mountain hike.
The emotional side of the brain wishes to ‘take a hike’, figuratively speaking, of course. Immediately, communications flow to all relevant organs. Lungs—deep breaths, fellows. Heart—let’s get pumping, love. Muscles are always whining so there’s no point in being friendly. “But we hiked yesterday and the day before.” ‘Forget it, guys,’ answers the brain, ‘it’s your job. It’s what you do.’ Of course, it’s the logical side of the brain giving the instructions and doing the planning.
“I refuse to have anything to do with the female next to me,” says the thigh bone. ‘Don’t be pathetic, left thigh bone. And it is femur, not female.’ “I don’t want to work with that tit…anium piece any longer. Besides, just knowing of a foreign object frightens me to think what could happen to me in the future. Do you remember how Dr. Norman hacked and sliced my companion right out the body?”
‘Engine room we need more steam as we try to pass this group on the edge. I think he wants to show off, does our master... I said steam not gas. Now look what you’ve gone and done. Was it necessary to involve the colon? Heart! Pump more blood to the face. At least, let the face show embarrassment.”
“Will you feet ever stop complaining? You need the boots or you’ll be torn to pieces. No, I don’t care how hot and smelly it’s in there. Perhaps he’ll wash his socks sometime later this week. In any case, I’ll suggest he loosen the laces a little. However, he’s a trifle on the stubborn side so don’t hold your breath…on second thoughts, maybe you should hold it after all.
“How’re you sweat glands doing, fellows? Good. Let it out. I understand your concern but it’s not the skin’s fault that it’s covered heavily with protection. Push harder. Ask the bowel how he does it. I’m not being funny, no. Yes. I’ll ask the boss to wipe his skin as well as drink water more frequently. Easing up on the Diet Coke might be pushing it; however, I’ll try.”
What’s the thing that bugs us organs and muscles the most? At the end of the day, he believes he does it himself.
To end on a very somber note, we have learned of many attacks by cancerous cells on friends and acquaintances since we left San Diego. We shake our heads and wonder…we wonder why. We realize there is nothing we can do or say that will change the situation but offer our prayers. Our thoughts and concerns follow these dear friends. May Hashem grant them all, full and speedy recoveries.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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