We were eating brunch on a bench (picture 1) in a general area of Mesa del Mar, our new neighborhood haunt, when Jen pointed out a man had just exited from the pool. The pool is man-made but sits adjacent to the ocean. At the higher tides, it is filled with fresh seawater (pictures 3&4). Makes one think how one would explain fresh water in this context, usually meant to be water without saline. I digress. The man had no legs. It was sobering; watching him was humbling but also filled us with admiration. We often think of ‘I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a person with no feet’.
The pool viewed from a position after completing two-thirds of the hike down (partial close-up). The bench we sat upon can be seen in front of the pool, our side. (For some of our South African friends, please understand as we were taking the photographs at the time, we were not yet on the bench. Just thought I'd clear that up.)
The previous week, I intended to climb onto the rocky peninsula that sits in the water a short distance from where we sat (picture 2). However, the recent rains had made the underfoot extremely slippery and I climbed part of the way down the rocks toward the beach before the peninsula at which point I would then climb upon it. I decided it was too dangerous especially as this was our first outing since arriving in Tenerife and we were heavily jet-lagged. I also decided against placing my new hip at risk either. (One can rationalize anything, Jeffrey, great story or excuse.)
The previous week, I intended to climb onto the rocky peninsula that sits in the water a short distance from where we sat (picture 2). However, the recent rains had made the underfoot extremely slippery and I climbed part of the way down the rocks toward the beach before the peninsula at which point I would then climb upon it. I decided it was too dangerous especially as this was our first outing since arriving in Tenerife and we were heavily jet-lagged. I also decided against placing my new hip at risk either. (One can rationalize anything, Jeffrey, great story or excuse.)
The peninsula to the right of the pool.
Love the next two photographs. Beats using the garden-hose.
After watching the legless man cope in his situation, I decided to complete the challenge: After all, I had not only 2 feet but 2 legs as well, including boots. There were some tricky positions, but it went off relatively smoothly. The highlight occurred when I had to flip my left leg a few feet (with feet), recently operated upon, over a rock on the ascent. It went off so well I thought I felt my eyes dampen. Truth be told, my new hip is wonderful; I am incredibly grateful and feel blessed for it.
Every person, no matter who or what the circumstances, has the ability to inspire others.
To the man with no legs, ‘Thank you’.
Enroute.
Arrived safely.
I drive Jen up a wall. Viewed from the highpoint on the peninula.
How's that curve?
On the way home, only a few more rock scrambles.
Jenni about to arrive in El Pris for a drink, blends in with the buildings.
El Pris from partway up the mountain.
Jen calls it a day; she takes to the road, on her way home passing one of our many, little 'holiday cottages'.
Cheers,
Arrived safely.
I drive Jen up a wall. Viewed from the highpoint on the peninula.
How's that curve?
On the way home, only a few more rock scrambles.
Jenni about to arrive in El Pris for a drink, blends in with the buildings.
El Pris from partway up the mountain.
Jen calls it a day; she takes to the road, on her way home passing one of our many, little 'holiday cottages'.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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