The mountain-top adventure pretty well banged up my body, leaving me stiff, sore, and most unfortunately, left my toes painfully bruised. I hobbled up and down stairs at the B&B, into the dining area, even had trouble walking the 100 yards to the nearest pub. Time to re-evaluate exactly what I am doing here.
On Sunday morning, in Grasmere, I decided that two more weeks of this would be stretching the concepts of "vacation" "adventure" and "fun" to uncomfortable limits. Was it worth it to keep forging on, or should I just bag this whole venture and chalk it up to a "learning experience." So I applied the tried and true formula used when sitting through a bad play or opera: if you aren't having fun and enjoying yourself at intermission, why stay through the whole performance? I calculated how much money I had already spent (tolerable) and how much I would save in future expenses over 14 days (considerable), and decided it was time to come back home.
A taxi ride to Oxenhall, the train to London, the Heathrow Express to the airport, and a flight to Newark filled the rest of my Sunday. (I missed the Dulles flight by about an hour). Amtrak took me home the following day. Thus, as you read this final posting, I'm home, safe and sound, taking it very easy on my still sore feet.
Sorry to disappoint those of you rooting for me to soldier on and complete the hike. I'd never saw the coast-to-coast as one of those life-defining challenges that would somehow make me a better person or would cast out some demons in my psyche. My life is not that complicated or nuanced. Rugged hiking just isn't that much fun; now I know that for sure. I'll stick to the more civilized pursuits of walking in the city, stopping at a book store, enjoying a latte and a chocolate croissant along the way.
If I can retrieve them, I'll post some pictures of my short-lived adventure in a few days.
Dr. J's Excellent Adventure will go on hiatus for a few months, to be resumed next summer with Part II. I'll be in Beijing next summer working on my Chinese, and, hopefully, will be in China during the entire academic year, August 2010 through June 2011. Keep your fingers crossed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Glad you're safe and in one piece. Here's a three-stanza limerick for the occasion. P&C
ReplyDeleteThe trek looked harmless enough --
A few hills, some sheep -- more such stuff,
And (did I mention?)
A real tractor convention.
All fun. All frolic. All fluff.
But turned out it was really a terror!
Start to finish it was, and no error!
Cliffs, mud, and thick fogs,
Gales, rain, and deep bogs --
I was lucky to get out of there!
From now on I'll read the fine print:
Nor more hazards for me, not a hint.
I'd rather be cautious
Than worried and nauseous --
My derring-do quite came and wint!
Disappointed, I should say not. You prepared, you went and you survived. That day on the mountain certainly qualifies you for 'adventurer status'. Coming down a mountain is always worse on the toes that climbing. So, put your feet up (after a good soak), rest and review the positive things you've learned because you did something 'way out of your comfort zone'. Personally, I've NEVER had the desire to bike across the USA, I'll stick to driving the truck and biking a short distance each day (a mental health ride). An average of 75 miles a day for 42 days - NO WAY. Relax, put your feet up (after a good soak) and review the positive things you learned from trying this rugged hiking. Day hiking might be a better way to go next time.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing is that you are safe and sound. Analysis is for another day!
Talk to you soon.
J
PatP said...Welcome home. You had quite an adventure. Soak, rest, and relax. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteEver the pragmatic...and we love you for it. Welcome home! You've got good stories to tell, and I agree with all of the above...soak the feet and celebrate your new title of "adventurer." It has been honorably acquired!
ReplyDeleteSallie
Professor Johnson,
ReplyDeleteWelcome home after the challenging adventure overseas. Now are you ready for your next adventure, taking on Chinese? I am glad you are home safe and sound. Please let me know when you want to have another lunch at Meiwah to wrap up your circle of adventure. We had lunch before your trip and should have another lunch after your trip. Please let me know when you would like to have Meiwah food after many days spending in the mountain. Look forward to hear from you.
Larry from Meiwah restaurant
Dennis Mary and I are glad you are safe. It was intended to be an adventure and indeed it was! There is a poem by Kipling in my head, something about those who try being so much more full of life than those who do not. Proud of you, my friend. Mary joins in sending our best.
ReplyDeleteFrank
Dennis, When I get older, 64, and I want to hike. Will you still love me? Will you still need me? When I say "screw it"? Yes.
ReplyDeleteSorry your adventure turned into such a disaster. I would have done the same, easily. Nothing like testing the boundaries once in awhile. I'll call when I come to D.C. John