I'm so, so pleased for you, Heather. I know just what you mean about the physical reprieve from issues and the windows you have to take to try and achieve something physical you might have taken for granted before, and I'm glad you could experience that. I hope you experience it a lot more, too! Enjoy the rest of your residency.
Citizen Reader | Homepage | 10.21.09 - 9:33 am | #

Absolutely gorgeous, thanks for sharing your experience!
Bets | Homepage | 10.20.09 - 9:20 pm | #

Awesoms pictures. It looks like you're having a wonderful time!
Henri | 10.20.09 - 7:40 pm | #

Yay for you!! You epitomize our family motto: New Experiences are Broadening. Looking forward to your reflections on tomorrow's writing.
Another Joan | Homepage | 10.20.09 - 3:58 pm | #

What a lovely day! Thank you for sharing your insights. I'm also positive that this experience will have writing payoffs.
Joyce in Wisconsin | 10.20.09 - 9:21 am | #

WOW! What a fantastic day! And you're absolutely right that this will be a huge benefit to your writing, on so many levels. Good for you!!
Amy | Homepage | 10.20.09 - 6:22 am | #

I found that going up hills was more tiring. Going down was easier, but required more of a mental effort because one wrong step would really ruin your day at a time when you were isolated deep in the jungle.

I just used a stick cut by one of the local guides in New Guinea rather than a pair of trekking poles. And I wound up getting my walking stick carved and brought it home with me. The coolest souvenir I've ever had!
Bill Lockley | Homepage | 10.20.09 - 2:27 am | #

Way to go! Very good for your first hike ever. Aren't trekking poles great? I use them to take some of the weight off my legs and keep me from pitching over when I'm tired. Works like a charm. Just read today that people who walk with poles are happier than those who walk without. Must be the cool factor.

Check the bookstore there for Ben Gadd's Handbook of the Canadian Rockies. It'll tell you everything you need to know to go out on your own. Don't forget the bear spray!
Sylvia | Homepage | 10.19.09 - 11:18 pm | #

Good for you! Sounds like a completely enjoyable and rewarding day.
kmkat | Homepage | 10.19.09 - 10:01 pm | #

I think it's great that you went on the hike, especially not knowing if you could do it, and it looks like you picked a terrific and scenic place to try it. I haven't been seriously hiking since my Boy Scout days, and a post like this kind of makes me miss it.

Of course, your bear comments made me think of this Mike Birbiglia video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y...4CBF11B& index=2
Fred | Homepage | 10.19.09 - 9:46 pm | #