Overall, a very nice Sausage Walkers adventure yesterday. We took the Hashmobile 25 minutes out of town and walked back. Our path was for the most part along the banks of the Matain river in an area I had not previously walked. I always enjoy new vistas.
We’re here! Um, wait a minute…are we gonna cross the river? On that?
Well, it wasn’t entirely new. When the truck pulled off the roadway I spotted an all too familiar bridge. One that on a previous long ago walk I had refused to cross, subjecting me to some good-natured derision from my fellow hikers. Once I had confirmed that it was, in fact, the same bridge and it was indeed the plan that we should cross, I came to the same conclusion I had back then–a big NOPE! This time several others in our group agreed that discretion actually is the better part of valor and joined me on an alternative hike a few meters upriver for a more suitable crossing.
The bridge too far.I don’t mind getting my feet wet. Water dries faster than blood after all.After we waded across we rejoined the main group who had all done the bridge without incident. Good for them. I’m not sure what it is, but I just know me trying to cross that bridge would not have ended well. The first time I got about a third of the way over and when it started swaying I was done. I have a fear of heights anyway which seems to compound my natural lack of balance.Fuck you, bitch. It ain’t NEVER gonna happen!
It’s similar to this “stairway to heaven” video Kevin Kim shared on his blog. At least for me.
Anyway, the group re-formed and we went on our way (the last time I’d avoided this bridge, we turned left. Yesterday we turned right. Hence, a new trail for me).
Let’s walk!That really gets my goat…Passed through a peaceful village…The local schoolhouse…They say that every picture tells a story. Not sure what this story is all about. Nothing in the cart I’d spend a quarter for though…And on we march!Another river crossing. We weren’t going that way, but I wouldn’t have any trouble crossing this bridge. It’s new, it’s more stable looking, and with all that netting, even a clumsy oaf like me couldn’t fall off…Speaking of falls…A river runs through it…And on and on we go……through orchards……and fields of green.Lunch break time. I know who I’d like to be eating. Er, eating with I mean.Instead, I enjoyed a granny smith apple and cheese, some mixed nuts, and a cinnamon roll from Angel’s bakery.Christmas season here is in full swing…The rice crop has been harvested and laid in the street to dry…After lunch, it was time to make our way to our traditional watering hole. Some hearty members of the group wanted to do a mountain climb before we finished. The rest of us made our way through the comparatively flat streets of Alta Vista.The view from Cheap Charlies. As you can see, the National Highway remains under construction.All told, we had us a nice little 7K hike through some pretty countryside. I’ll call that a good day!
Oh, and Happy Halloween! I’ll be going to a party tonight at Queen Victoria bar. Everyone keeps asking if I’m going to dress up, so I guess I will. Pictures tomorrow!
And a quick update on Ilene. Ran into her last night at Cheap Charlies. She was with Stuart, another member of the Wednesday walking group. He asked me if I’d mind taking a photo. Well, of course I wouldn’t mind.
Damn it!
2 thoughts on “Wade a minute!”
That drying rice looks mighty familiar from my own walk. Yeah, I’d be paranoid on swaying bridges that offer no railing or rail-like lines. Discretion is often more prudent than recklessness.
I’ve noticed that as I get older I’m becoming more cautious. At least in part, it is because I realize I have just a limited number of years left to enjoy here on Earth. Don’t want to spend them as a cripple!
That drying rice looks mighty familiar from my own walk. Yeah, I’d be paranoid on swaying bridges that offer no railing or rail-like lines. Discretion is often more prudent than recklessness.
I’ve noticed that as I get older I’m becoming more cautious. At least in part, it is because I realize I have just a limited number of years left to enjoy here on Earth. Don’t want to spend them as a cripple!