This blog is about people in their 70’s but it’s really for anyone and everyone. This lesson I learned was a grand lesson no matter how old you are.
I’ve heard the saying, “There’s no fool like an old fool.” That really is a mean thing to say. I have great respect for seniors. They have lived through a lot. However, I did feel like a fool going on that grueling hike in Kauai last December. Now I get it. Old fools should know better. I did not. I learned a solid lesson.
On a recent trip to Kauai, I made it the four miles to hell and back on a strenuous hike my two sons and one of their girlfriends agreed was the most difficult hike they’ve ever done.
As I wrote before, I was sweaty, wobbly and downright scared as we went over boulders, through red volcanic mud and intermittent steps built for Shrek or the Hulk to climb. They were higher above my step up than three normal height steps are. My knees were challenged. My knees were shaking and quivering at each section we went down. It made me think, “I cannot do this.” I was fast losing any confidence I had four hours ago when we first started the hike. So I kept going.
It came time to head back down the mountain. All my weaknesses and doubts came down on me like an avalanche. My two sons helped me and held onto my arms for two hours as we walked and slipped and slid down to the parking lot. The ocean views, thick vegetation and horizon over the Pacific to our left were a great consolation.
I was thankful to be down off that trail, thankful for my strong kind sons and thankful this old 70ish gal figured out what the saying meant. Fools can still learn from their mistakes. Thank goodness.
Those 70ish Girls 