Getting old is not always pleasant, but being old is a gift. The last few years have presented some health challenges that were starting to get me down. Shingles and then metallosis from skiing on my chrome/cobalt hips hit me hard; I didn’t seem to have the energy I expected I should have. Then, over the last month, I experienced colorectal discomfort that required a diagnostic colonoscopy. There is a diagnosis associated with this that you never want to consider, which definitely concerned my wife and even had me worried. The prep is very unpleasant; however, I needed a cleanout, so there was a positive takeaway. But what the heck was wrong? Thankfully, test results turned out good: some diverticulitis and internal hemorrhoids, but no polyps, meaning no cancer. OK, relief and a wake-up call—time to improve my diet.

I knew that Gracie would need a good hike the day after, and I was hoping that I would feel the same. We headed for the Lunch Loop Trails, where I chose the Third Flats Trailhead to hike my modified Quad Rocker Trail. This involves a steep climb to merge with the Quad Rocker while taking in some great views of the Grand Valley. At first, I felt tired, but something was different other than my gut not being clogged up. I felt like I was getting stronger as I climbed, and the weather was perfect.

I finished my Dirtbag Diaries Podcast and then decided to just listen to my favorite music to enjoy how great I felt.

I came to a fork in the trail offering me the normal route back on the Quad Rocker to the trailhead or a longer route on the Canyon View Trail. I opted for the Canyon View Trail because my body felt great. Plus, the views of the mesa behind the valley were awesome.

I could tell from my AllTrails app that I would eventually loop back to the trailhead, but it would require a vertical drop and climb. I still felt great, and this is when I decided to write this post to express how grateful I am to be able to participate in a hike like this at my age.

It was a long, gradual climb back to the car, but my body still felt great, even as I could tell that Gracie was wearing down. This is a Saturday, so it was good that we got on the trail early because the trailhead lot was full of mountain bikers ready to start their adventures. I will end this post with a big thank you, God.