I posted a while back that I had returned to the forums after a hiatus of several years post retirement of traveling, hiking, biking, and birding my way across the US. Recently I’ve been lamenting the fact that I’m beginning to suffer the insults of aging (I’m 70) including a diagnosis of mild idiopathic foot neuropathy which is affecting my ability to ride long distances (over 20 miles) on my bike, and after about three hours on my feet hiking I’m done. I know there are medications to address some of this, and I’m starting to consider them but trying some non pharmaceutical treatments before resorting to things like Gabapentin, etc. These issues have played a mind game on me and I find myself doubting my abilities and realizing that I’m probably in denial of my age. I was also diagnosed 2 years ago with age-related macular degeneration, and while it hasn’t progressed and isn’t currently affecting my sight, I’m driven to do all I can while I can. This is one reason I recently dusted off my long unused (haven’t paddled for about 6 years) Wenonah Vagabond and just got my trailer in working order. I once told a paddling friend that asked why I wasn’t paddling much anymore that I’d go back to paddling when I couldn’t hike or bike anymore and I may be getting closer to that time.
An old post here on aging gracefully (2020) caught my eye and several comments hit very close to home, such as the one by gstamer “…our egos don’t wither as fast s our bodies do over time, and that can get you injured or worse…” or as ppine wrote…“At 70 I’m plenty capable of getting in over my head” and many others.
I wish I found more joy paddling with big groups, but I’m an introvert and I really enjoy solo adventures. I’m ready to get back on the water, but I live in SE KS now and our waters don’t appeal to me but I’m happy to drive elsewhere within a couple of hundred miles, or more. Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the water I’d appreciate some suggestions for Class I rivers/streams , preferably places with less people (ie not the Current in summer). I’m happy to pay a shuttle service if available.
I don’t know if it’s my “ego”, but I am going at it as hard as I can and won’t relent until my body forces me to. And, I know that my inflection point will come soon enough, whether I want to admit to it or not. It may have to hit me over the head. (I am from the “school of hard knocks” anyway!) So be it. Can’t wait to jump on some waves tomorrow. Ride until I can’t!
Cowabunga!
-sing
PS. Loving retirement because it has afforded me more time and flexibility to PLAY!
I have several years on you and know of what you speak. A bad knee has limited my backpacking and eliminated hunting elk with a longbow in the mountains of Colorado. I turned my focus more on water activities over a decade ago. It doesn’t hurt as much falling in the water or break stuff as easily as falling on the hard. Paddling and then sailing as well as fly fishing have become more of my focus these days. I still love camping and the out of doors and do most of it from boats anymore. Also learning to play a couple of instruments helps to stimulate me. I make plans to do things that when it comes time I find they don’t hold the same incentive they once did. Indeed, things I once had no reservation doing solo, I now want a partner along for safety reasons. I too have come to realize that my head and my body are often at odds with what I want and can do. I also realize I am capable of just what gstamer and ppine speak of. Yet like you and sing posted I intend to go as hard as I can until I can’t.
At 76+
I am where you’re headed and have done as much as I can to stay at it.
Running and hiking aŕe long gone and walking is with a walker But I have a friend and a grandson who help me get in my boat . Then it’s freedom time. The top half mostly works. So far I’ve had a good run.
Paddling has proven to be easier on me than biking. I learned to compensate, even though Im 4 years older. The worst part is loading amd unloading the boat. Otherwise, kayaking is a breeze. Endeavor to perservere - it don’t get no better, so embrace it.
If your wheels are not so good than making the transition to more paddling makes perfect sense. The important thing is to keep getting out there. I like overnight trips best. Paddle until you find a place you like and set up camp. Tremendous freedom like backpacking which I am pretty much retired from.
Do what you can do. Go slower, paddle less if you have to. Add some layover days. But do not, repeat do not stop going out there.
duckheads,
Thank you.
Your eloquence is consistently at a very high level and lost on a lot of people.
I have been reciting poetry around campfires for over 50 years. I started with Robert Service and moved on to mostly cowboy poetry.
I love a good campfire. Lately on river trips I have gotten tired. My brother and I mostly just roll out our bed rolls and look at the stars.
Thanks, being an “oldtimer” here I have enjoyed your poetry in the past. Glad to see you’re still at it! I’m a big Robert Service fan. I acquired a copy of Collected Poems of Robert Service several years ago, last copyrighted 1940, (first 1907). It holds a special place on my bookcase.
My Philosophy on Aging
Limping a step in the march of time
but all my strokes are with a paddle.
My heart and mind so often agree
but my body just wants to dawdle.
Don’t unless it really must do
but afterwards step on the throttle.
These days I try to find a good wind
to sail me away from pill bottles.
