Well, assuming “saddle” is an appropriate metaphor for hiking shoes. Yep, back on trail today for the first time since last Friday. Troy was working out the details of the torture he’ll put us through at next week’s Hash, but I hung in there for most of it. The group was heading down the mountain, then up another one and I didn’t want to push my luck. So, I went the opposite direction and made my way home alone. Imagining all the tragedies that could befall me with one false step kept me alert and I got done safely.

The good news is I don’t seem to have suffered any repercussions after a challenging two-hour hike. My walking is mostly pain-free, but the leg is still sensitive to the prods and jabs from sticks and branches I’d bump into occasionally. I’d say the swelling is down three quarters now, so that’s good progress. I’m glad my helper was able to secure the meds I needed without a prescription. It’s nice to be almost normal again.

I got a late start to my out and about last night, so I just did a short time visit to Mango’s. The waitress was shocked when I got up to leave after only three beers. Maybe she thought I was sick or something. Heh.

Today I’m back on schedule and I plan to make a final visit to see Jessa at Dive-In before she departs the bar and begins her new life, a life that won’t include me. Nor should it! I had my chance.

In the memory department, here’s a photo of my brother’s wedding:

Alright, let me slap up a few pics from today’s hike and then we can all get on with doing something else.

And so it goes.

A DIAMOND of a morning

Waked me an hour too soon;

Dawn had taken in the stars

And left the faint white moon.

O white moon, you are lonely,

It is the same with me,

But we have the world to roam over,

Only the lonely are free.

Sara teasdale