Tuesday 16 April 2013

Ramrock Mountain FaceTime

Julia here again. I was at my computer and suddenly got a dingle signal from "FaceTime", an app that Peter installed so we could communicate (besides texting and all the other ways). He was standing atop Ramrock Mountain and I could see all around him while we talked about how he was doing. It wasn't raining although it was a little overcast. He's still hiking with Adam and Bert, and they were taking a rest. He's going to be climbing and then descending Blood Mountain today. He's a little concerned about how his knees are feeling, especially on the downslope. I suggested many, frequent, short rests. They will end up at Lance Creek tonight. He says he has been comfortable sleeping in the hammock, although it gets hot under the quilt and then cold after he kicks the quilt off. It was about 15C in the hammock last night. He has been sleeping without the bug net as there have been no bugs, but today, he noticed gnats were out. He says waking up in the morning and watching the sun rise without looking through a screen, is wonderful. This photo just came in, as I was typing up this entry. Peter said he had been trying to send it, but I guess the phone just acquired a signal at the top of the mountain. So! So far, so good!

4 comments:

  1. Hi, I'm not sure if Julia gets this or Peter .

    Peter, first chance you get, which should be Neel Gap/ Walais-yi Center, which is an out fitter, get yourslef some knee supports, even the the genaric style will help with the knee problems. You can also try and adjusting your poles for the descents so your hands are on top of the grips, it will take a lot of pressure off your knees. Your just getting your "trail legs" and as your legs strength increases you comfort level will go up. So what did think of Sassafras mt. right after Coppers Gap. I just about puked on that one.
    Safe travels and keep your matches dry.
    Good Penny

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  2. Thanks for the advice Good Penny! Peter gets the comments via his email (I think) so I am just seeing this now. I think short but frequent rests will help too, until he hikes himself into shape. Cheers, Julia

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  3. Good advice above, Peter. At our age, knees and ankles are the weak points during hiking (and cycling). Go easy on them. You have all the time in the world now. I have done extreme hikes in the past and there comes a time when you get into a mental state of wanting to continue onward no matter what. This is when you make mistakes and your body gets hurt. Zen hiking is much preferable - be one with the trail, a leaf on the wind and enjoy the moments. Above all, be good to yourself.
    Jean B. (from BoxTalk)

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  4. "Zen hiking" is what he's going for Jean B.! He once did basic training in the Canadian Forces so he has experience of being kept awake way past the time when reason dictates sleep. That helps him to be aware of the pitfalls of that mental state you are warning against.

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