Internet travel.. the stuff that inspires the dreams of adventure.

 The internet is a dangerous thing for someone like me that is always dreaming of new adventures. Some days it is browsing trails on Alltrails.com, or looking at where other solo women travelers are venturing. Over the weekend I saw a post on Facebook about a Buddhist Pilgrimage on Shikoku Island, Japan. it is a 1200 km 45- 60 day trek that goes to 88 temples and shrines completely around the perimeter of the island. It looks to be an amazing and spiritual adventure.  

Two months of trekking though is a long time. The expense of it would need to be taken into strong consideration. But hearing from those that have done this, makes it a trip to put on my list of possibilities. 

How cool would this be?

They even have an official attire for the Pilgrims.

I should really keep my dreams closer to home. Maybe I should log back on to Alltrails.com.

This internet travel could get expensive.

Experiences of a Lifetime

 It has been a odd week, Anticipation for the Total Solar Eclipse reached it's crescendo on this past Monday, April 8th. My home was dead center in the path of totality. We nervously watched the forecast for the week and the stress levels increased as the forecast was looking gloomier by the day. My two youngest daughters traveled up from Austin to view it with me, but with a high level of uncertainty if the clouds would clear for this event of a lifetime.  

The morning started off with a solid bank of cloud cover. At around 9:00 am the sun peaked out and the clouds gave way to more sun than clouds. We weren't out of the woods yet as it was still several hours away till the eclipse would start. Fingers were crossed. The moon began it's path across the sun right around 12:30 pm, totality was at 1:38 pm. The clouds were still lingering around and at times blocking the view of the sun and moon. We watched. We held our breath. I'm sure many prayed. Totality crept closer.. the clouds lingered. Then YES!!! Totality, and the clouds held off. Well they did for about thirty seconds, but we got to see the magic. They cleared just as totality ended four minutes later. But we couldn't have been happier. We were overjoyed with the experience. Tears in our eyes and memories for a lifetime. Even though the clouds blocked the view most of the time the eclipse was in its totality it gave us a chance to take in the darkness, the peacefulness, the air becoming cooler.  We were able to enjoy the whole experience. 

I had an slight interest in solar eclipses prior to the last big one in the U.S. in 2017. It was during it that it came to light (no pun intended) that in 2024 one would pass directly through the town in which I live. I immediately became impassioned about getting to see it. I never even let it cross my mind that it would be springtime and the weather might not cooperate. I was just so focused on this (not even a) once in a lifetime event. As the day had drawn nearer and the forecast became progressively worse, I became so stressed. Sleepless nights, or when I slept I dreamt of the eclipse. I was not prepared for the emotions that I felt before, during and after. The tears of elation at getting to see something so incredible. The science behind it just makes it event more powerful to experience. 

I wonder now that it is past and I continue to look ahead to what I hope to accomplish in the years ahead with these challenging treks, what an emotional roller coaster they could be. But I look forward to the pride of accomplishing them and the joy of doing so will be something I will carry with me forever. 

                                            Just before totality. April 8, 2024. Central Texas

Spring in my Step

 

The last Friday of March was a beautiful day. I had the day off from work so I ventured out to Mother Neff early to do my usual hike. The wildflowers were in full bloom so I stopped often to take pictures. It really was a nice morning hike.

The rest of my 3 day weekend was pretty uneventful. Mowing and gardening., the usual household chores and then relaxing most of the day on Sunday. I did have a really good workout on Sunday morning. I completed a slightly longer than usual yoga session, 200/400 steps on the stair-stepper and for the first time in awhile I did the Wim Hoff breathing exercise. I was surprised that it still came easily to me as it has been probably over six weeks since I last did it. I think though that my deep breathing while I meditate really helps with it. I do numerous short meditations during the day and longer ones at bedtime or during the night if I am having trouble sleeping. I also do daily Buddhist readings by the late Monk/Author/Teacher Thich Nhat Han. His writings have helped me to become more mindful and focused in my daily life. 

It is getting close to a year since I started this journey. Hiking, morning workouts, and meditations. While I felt myself become much stronger and fitter, I wasn't losing any weight. I had stopped eating most processed foods but I was still eating a diet with quite a bit of meat and dairy. Since the first of the year I have cut all animal products  by about 75-80%  from my diet. I only eat plant based foods every other week, and then allow a little bit of meat and dairy in my diet on alternate weeks. I find the longer I am on this diet the less meat I feel like eating. I also have lost a few pounds and am getting really close to my target weight. I hope with losing those few extra pounds it will relieve some of the stress on my knees and the pain will completely subside. I guess time will tell. 

It's not long until I am off to Cloudcroft for three days of hiking. I can hardly wait. Hopefully Spring will be peaking there by then. I will have a spring to my step just getting away from work for a week and out on the trails!