Walking, Gear & The Meaning Of It All
The warmth of February continues to surprise us.
This week we saw our first flowers of the season; daffodils of course (the first call of Spring), but also pink flowers from our almond trees and the white beauties from our wild plums. It’s beautiful, but it’s also early, way early and hints at a longer, potentially hotter summer ahead.
The color bursts come together with sporadic rains, sunny days and days like today where the hills are bathed in light against a menacing grey sky. I love these contrasts.
The rest of our lives is back to “normal” so to speak. My brother left for UK yesterday morning, just after the terrible storm Eunice passed through the south of England (he made it home OK). Paul came back from a family visit in Miami and I’m still walking a lot, training for what-might-soon-be and attempting to become a shadow of my former COVID-weary self. It’s a long road to self-recovery, as all those who’ve been through it know well, but I’m hacking away at it step by step.
In between it all I’ve been thinking about the meaning of life and the forks we take in the road as we go through our journey here. I guess these are insignificant musings when we’re young, but become more evident as we get older. Lots of stuff to unpack as I reflect and walk the hours on my trails.
Walking, walking gear and thoughts on life. Such is the passage of Feb in our corner of the earth this week.
Out, About and Walking
The countdown has started in earnest.
Eight weeks from now I have a plan, should Odin be willing and all the stars align. I’m still not quite ready to share it entirely for fear of jinxing the thing, but I can say that it’ll involve a lot of walking. It’s all part of the Nina reboot, a quest to find myself again, and (hopefully) start the plan of what the next half of my life will look like. These are big and heavy questions, but I’ve always found answers on the trail, so I’m hoping this one will do the trick for me too.
I plan to walk extra far, for those extra hard questions.
In practical terms at least for right now, this means training and gear testing are in full swing. For example I’ve realized I can’t hike endlessly in my trusty Keen Sandals (as much as I’d like to), so I’m trying out some trail runners and basic hiking shoes, the lightest I can find that still give me the support I need. I also dusted off my backpack from ~20 years ago, and although it’s still (probably) usable, it’s rather rough around the edges and I’m not clear it’ll last the distance. I think a new one will have to be engaged for the project.
Finally there’s hiking clothes, in particular pants which seem to be as rare as rhodium for my particular combo of not-exactly-model-sized waist and very-long legs. Why is it assumed that all tall women are skinny as rails? I’ve taken to seeking out the German and Scandinavian brands which at least get the concept, but it’s taking a while to buy/try/re-ship the various models back and forth. First world problems, I know.
That said the whole exercise is also quite fun.
I do like to gear geek, and it’s amazing the advances that have been made since I subscribed to Backpackers Magazine in the late 90’s. Full-sized backpacks that weigh only 3 lbs? Odor-and-microbial fighting underwear? Pee funnels? Ultralight Silnylon (silicon impregnated nylon), Tyvex and Cuben fabrics? Heat and moisture-wicking T-shirts?
It really is cool stuff!
Camera Gear Is The Big Question
Perhaps the biggest dilemma of my planned expedition is what camera gear to bring.
I’ve done enough hiking in my time to know that ditching the max amount of weight you can is paramount. What is they say? One pound on the back is equal to five pounds on the foot? Or is it the other way around?
Either way going light is key to your happiness when long-distance walking, and as much as I want to bring my beloved “big camera” there’s just no way she can come along.
My pocket camera is a possibility, but she’s now over 8 years old and sometimes can’t decide if she wants to fire up or not. She’d have to be replaced for the journey, plus I’d have to figure out how to share those shots along the way.
Then of course I’ve got my phone which is a “must have” accessory if I’m to stay on track, especially with my legendarily-awful sense of direction. She’s got a camera and internet access, but can I live with it?
I decided to consult with a few camera-geeky friends who have done longer hikes (including the Chouters) and decided to go for an option I’d be horrified to consider in the past….bringing nothing but {{gasp}} my iPhone. Since I was due for an upgrade on the latter, I made the investment to the newest model (13 Pro) and am testing the concept as we speak. I’ll let you know how it all turns out.
What Is Life?
All of this stuff I’m doing is a process, a pilgrimage, a seeking of answers.
I’m now at the stage where half of my life has passed me by (if I’m lucky), and I’m trying to decide where the next half will take me. I’ve been thinking a lot about the former over the last few weeks, looking back over my past and seeing the forks in the road that have taken me to the different places I’ve been. It’s a deep process that certainly makes you reflect.
I have regrets of course, as everyone has. I think it would be a cold person indeed to have none and besides, I think they’re essential to our growth as human beings. Regrets are as core to life as mistakes are to success. Without them, we’d never improve. I also can’t deny that I feel very lucky and privileged. I’ve had incredible chances and seen incredible things, and I’ve rarely said “no” to new opportunities, for better or worse. I like to think that adventurous spirit is a core trait of mine.
But now I sit on the precipice of the next half, and admittedly I question what’s ahead.
Perhaps this is just a normal passage of life, the classic mid-life crisis that everyone seems to talk about. Some buy fast cars to quell their anxiety, or swap out their partners for younger versions. Others go on spiritual quests or escape to upscale resorts. I guess my approach is just a long, long walk. I can’t imagine I’ll find the answer (that cosmic truth is probably too much for my puny human brain to handle), but hopefully I’ll find the way. That’s the plan anyway.
So, my dear blog readers I’d love to hear your story on this. Where have the big forks in your life taken you, and where have you gone to seek your answers? Did you find what you were looking for? DO share and comment below.
I have Merrells that I bought in 2007, and they still won’t wear out!
You might like the Hoka trail runners . Speedgoat . I really recommend them.
All my forks have involved having Dave at my side and because of that I’ve always chosen the right one….Simple as that for me.
I totally get that. You two are as one. One of the loveliest couples I know.
Nina
I love the thought of you walking to usher in the next part of life. When I retired officially the first time after a bout with cancer, I celebrated the cure with a 4500 mile bike camping trip at age 55 across the USA from Oregon to Maine. It was an incredible experience, camping nightly in USA and Canada often in peoples yards, especially on farms. People were always supportive along the way. And my wife cheered me on with gusto across the airwaves. Truth is the difference between what the press says about the USA with its focus on fear, and my reality of everyday life in this country, is night and day. Upon my return we started building a new home and then at age 60, I biked about 45OO miles (over three months) across and down and up New Zealand. People were wonderful and supportive there too.
So, yes! These physical challenges at important turning points in our life make a very important contribution in the way of celebration. Now that I am 85, with years more of great physical celebrations, we are so glad that we didn’t wait. So much easier when 50-60-70, SS the body often slows down in the eighties and nineties. Life is short…eat dessert first. Can’t wait to hear of your new adventures!
Best way I’ve handled aging is to forget about it. You don’t need to break down parts of your life. You will just end up comparing the parts. Cherish whatever you have had and done, look forward to the new exciting things.
Just look forward. Everyday should require less planning. That’s the freedom of age.
Fabulous! And what an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Nina
Follow your heart and trust your gut. When I thought about it my mind always seemed to say that the worse that could happen is that I’d have to try over again. I love new adventures.
In a way my current personal targets are also focused on walking. Unfortunately, with my long-running neurological condition, my ambition is somewhat more modest than yours. This morning on my walking frame, I managed about 20 m. I am hoping for an improvement but time will tell. But I do have daffodils in the flower pots in my room living room!
I hope you get there Andrew. I know it’s been tough for you these past months and I really hope things can improve. We’re all thinking about you.
Nina
Being tall and not svelte, I find mens pants to sometimes work better for me.
My current pants are indeed mens. I just don’t always like the hip fit, but at least the length works.
Nina
The best is yet to come… and I know you are up to it…
Hey Nina – long time reader, first time commenting – met you once when you had the Beast and we were on the road in our Chinook – maybe it was in OR somewhere, I forget
Yeh, on top of the physical benefits, walking’s cathartic. When I turned 65 I started walking a lot, and got a big dog, a Pakistani Shepherd, to make sure I HAD to keep walking. I started hiking around the time I reached 70. I was loving it – then along came that virus, and then a dance with cancer – but this year I’m well and I’m getting back to it.
Big forks in my life? Yeh, I’ve had a few of those, including three trans-Atlantic relocations – UK to US, US to UK/EMEA, then back to US. Several career changes – from accountant to IT ; from just another cog in the wheel to corporate exec, to artisan/business owner, to retired. From CofE (aka Episcopalian) to agnostic to secular Buddhist / spiritual humanist. Along the way I have learned that the truth of impermanence changes our perspective and makes us much happier. It helps us appreciate the life we have right now—moment by moment. It helps us understand that every day is a bonus. I have come to appreciate the wisdom so neatly expressed by Steven Pinker: “The ultimate purpose of life, mind, and human striving is to deploy energy and information to fight back the tide of entropy and carve out refuges of beneficial order.” This resonates more and more as the years roll by!!!
Concerning kit for the trail – yeh there’s some really great lightweight gear these days. For footwear, it’s hard to beat Altra Lone Peak trail runners – I’ve gone through a bunch of them – light, zero drop, good traction, quick drying. A Kumo 36 or simiar pack will hold everything needed for a long hike. For pics a good phone is all you need unless you are into vlogging. Don’t forget a charger!
Lastly, to draw on a poen by Thich Nhat Hanh:
Peace is the walk
Happiness is the walk
Walk and touch peace every moment
Each step brings a fresh breeze
Kiss the earth with your feet
Print on earth your love and happiness
Continued best wishes for your journey
Wonderful history and a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing.
Nina
Funny enough I just finished reading ‘The salt path’ by Raynor Wynn . She walked the South West Coast Path (630 miles) in the UK together with her husband. Talking about distance walking and finding yourself! Also, I can vote for the Merrells, they’re indestructible and very comfy.
This is the one I want to do! I have been walking about 40 miles a week for the past 10 years, before that I ran about 40 miles a week before work.(Bad skiing accident reduced me to walking). My husband loves to hike. As soon as he retires we will have to attempt this walk. Coastal views and all! Awesome!
What an excellent exercise regime! I commend you. It’s taken me a while to get to your level. And thanks so much for bringing up that hike. I actually hadn’t heard of it before. It looks incredible.
Nina
Sounds like Santiago de Compostela is calling you!
I have yet to do it but friends have found the magic on that walk.
Looking forward to hearing what’s ahead as you kick off the 2nd half of your journey.
I suspect the Camino is in your future. Possibly something to do with iving in the South of France? There are a ton of resources out there these days for hiking and hiking gear. It can be overwhelming. My hiking days are well and truly far behind me, although I still can’t bear to get rid of my packs and stoves. (They’re “Vintage”! *snort *)
Just make sure there’s enough room in the “toe box” of whatever you put on your feet. Older er, more mature feet tend to flatten out as we age.
Carry on!
The toe box thing is key. In fact I went to a store to get properly fitted for my shoes, and realized I’ve grown a size since the last time I bought some. We really do “flatten out” as we age.
Nina
I’ve always found that the “answers” to life’s questions in the mountains (I find oceans boring), but that’s just me. It’s that sense of “place,” home, if you will, that brought me to the conclusion that, for me, life is less about What I do than Where I do it. Endless trails, if you hike/walk long enough, will draw out endless possibilities/variations. It doesn’t matter which mountains, just mountains with lots of trails to break up boredom and add variety. Throw in a few “deserts” once or twice a year and I’m content. You had that for years, though, and maybe it became boring. But “boring” is largely a “relative” concept and different for each individual. When I look back on the choices I’ve made I realize they got me “here.” And I like “here,” here meaning in the western states where there are fewer people and less paved roads. We all need some “alone time” to figure things out…
Box Canyon
Place is so important, and nature too. I totally agree. Insightful stuff.
Nina
To solve the pants problem, I highly recommend these:
https://www.macabiskirt.com/
Interesting option. I’ve never been much of a skirt kinda gal (always the tom boy I must admit), but they look intriguing.
Nina
I recently started wearing Merrill Antorra in a wide width . My shoe size is 8 1/2- and the wide gives my bunion feet room to breathe. Oboz is another brand that works for me. Walking has been my savior during COVID. I love the meditation of putting one foot in front of the other with no other aim but to enjoy the act.
Walking is definitely meditation. Totally saved me during lockdown too.
Nina
I am writing my book on this now! I traveled the US for a year with a theater company after college. Moved home when my parents were getting divorced to be with my family. Realized pro theater wasn’t my goal anymore. Started a theater company. Got a masters and a dream job that I realized wasn’t the dream. Traveled the US in an RV for five years. Moved to Canada this past August in hopes of becoming residents in Charlottetown, PE indefinitely (and loving being here in the meantime regardless). Lots of forks, and I am just getting started.
What wonderful forks you’ve taken Jamie! And what a kick to find a fellow theater-lover. I co-started a company when I lived in HK and we put on five wonderful shows over several years. I miss live theater!!!
Nina
Such gorgeous photos and thoughtful writing. You never disappoint, Nina. Like others, I am thinking the Camino…but my other heart was imagining you flying back to the US to do the Pacific Crest or maybe something along the Heyduke.. Ah well…it is a thought. Either way, your stories of all the fancy new equipment were fascinating. Been a long time since I looked at such things, and you made me want to check out some new stuff, even though I don’t need a thing. Looking forward to your big reveal!
The Pacific Crest Trail has been a lifelong dream of mine. In fact I was planning to head off on it when I met Paul…and so that fork happened LOL. But alas, this hike will not be in USA.
Nina
Favorite pants: Eddie Bauer guide pro pants. I live in them and have 6 different pair. It’s all I have
I love my iPhone 13pro max and my Sony rx10 it’s all about weight and great video for me now. I can’t live without my iPhone anymore when traveling.
Love my Merrells and keens. I have wide feet and they are amazing and they last. Make sure you waterproof.
My double layered socks midweight. Never a Blister. Best investment. Socks are as important as shoes.
Polarized sunglasses. Maui Jim. Can’t beat them.
Patagonia fleece. I live in it. Shell is Eddie Bauer.
And the question…what is my purpose on this planet and this lifetime.
I’m so excited for you.
Excellent list Linda. I especially like the sunglass recommendation as I haven’t nailed that one down yet.
Nina
Oboz hiking boots are unbeatable for me. Comfortable, excellent support, I can walk for hours in them and they even come in red. Happy trails!
Nice….I love that you can get them in red.
Nina
That’s so lovely to realize you’re a theater lover too! I started my theater in 2010 and it’s been a lovely outlet for my creativity. If you haven’t realized it, thanks to the pandemic, there’s now a ton of live theater available to watch from anywhere. The New York Times does a good job keeping track. I’ve watched amazing concerts and shows at 54 Below and on and off-Broadway for only $25-$35 US (for our household). Not quite like being in the room, but amazing nonetheless!