Day 1012: Ferocious wind

We added four more miles on this very windy day after Steve recovered from an unpleasant outpatient procedure.  One of those that you want to block out of your mind forever cause if you don't you'll never go back.  But, it's over and everything turned out ok.  The colors are at their peak, so we enjoyed our wild walk in the wind.  The creek was so high from heavy rains last night that the heron couldn't fish at the Risley St. bridge.  Paddy came home filthy this morning after hiding out under the shed during the rain and then slept the day away.  Every time I sat down, he was on my lap.  Guess he's moved into winter mode.

I am rereading Wild by Cheryl Strayed because I have to lead our book club discussion next week.  The author walked the Pacific Crest Trail alone in 1995 after her mother died and she wrecked her personal life with drugs and affairs.   She was incredibly unprepared, unfit and stupid.  But she succeeded anyway.  All her equipment was new, still in packages on the day she departed.  She overloaded and under planned.  Her pack weighed 75 pounds, so heavy that she couldn't lift it at all.  I recognized her strategy for loading it on her back.  I do the same thing, but my pack only weighs 25 to 30 pounds.   When it's sitting on the ground, you back into it.  Strap it tight and then use the strength of your legs to get up.  I understand the drive, though, to take on a challenge like that and push yourself to see what you're made of.  I would love to do part of the Appalachian trail, but not alone, and Steve really can't do much climbing anymore.