After a tough week on the South West Coast Path, which we completed earlier today, I’ve only just managed to pull together this week’s installment in the nick of time. Enjoy!!
I haven't gone through the music portion yet, so I'll respond to that later, but wanted to congratulate you and your wife for completing this epic hike. I would love to do something like that, but my wife would, at best, do a week long trip where we stay somewhere nice and do day hikes from wherever we go. Which is still good, but I'm working slowly on her for us to try the camino. Part of the issue is our aging parents and our dog, so we couldn't go anywhere for more than about 10 days max for a few years.
I so relate to your list of physical conditions and ailments. I too have extensors tendinitis, have had it for 20 years at least. I have found that orthotics and doing a lot of calf exercises has helped. But it can be triggered just be stepping on uneven ground. So I'm super impressed you were able to manage all that.
I also loved your tribute to your wife and it was so sweet, the way you talk about Tina, how clearly you both relish being together and exploring together. That in itself is a quality that can override most any physical limitation on such a trek.
Thanks so much for the kind words Steve! It hasn’t quite hit us yet that we’ve actually finished the trail. I hope that time and life circumstances will one day allow for you and your wife to do a longer hike. But starting off with a weeklong getaway with day hikes is a great way to start. The tendonitis can be so frustrating and for me it’s very sneaky. I can feel great one day and only realize the next day that I pushed it a bit too hard. I’m truly blessed to be married to Tina and you’re right, having her on the trail can help overcome many of the physical challenges. Some good mid-90s Canadian music in the playlist you may not have heard of you get a chance to listen.
Congratulations on completing the hike! I am so happy you and your wife could pass the big test with flying colours and I hope you can celebrate this amazing achievement. Well done!!
What an incredible journey you're on. The grit, reflection, love, and partnership you’ve shared along the way are truly inspiring and heartwarming. Congratulations! Wishing you both a well-deserved rest and exciting adventures ahead ✨
Great selection. Loved to hear the immortal "Rotten Apple" - "Jar Of Flies" is such a masterpiece
Many congrats, Mark (and your wife!) on finishing the hike and also recognizing when it is time to say "enough." Once your body heals and you are mentally at the point to pursue another large hike, the trails will always be there. At the same time, if you decide not to embark, that too is ok.
It was also nice to read how this experience has clearly strengthened an already loving relationship. Enjoy your rest and the time you will spend in The Big Smoke.
Thanks Michael, I appreciate it. We’re planning to relocate to the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales so will be surrounded by beautiful walking. We’ll definitely continue to do longer walks but not sure what length those will cap out at. But like you said, the longer trails are there if I want them.
I am very lucky and truly blessed to have a magical relationship with my wife and it’s certainly gone to a new level over the last couple months.
I haven't gone through the music portion yet, so I'll respond to that later, but wanted to congratulate you and your wife for completing this epic hike. I would love to do something like that, but my wife would, at best, do a week long trip where we stay somewhere nice and do day hikes from wherever we go. Which is still good, but I'm working slowly on her for us to try the camino. Part of the issue is our aging parents and our dog, so we couldn't go anywhere for more than about 10 days max for a few years.
I so relate to your list of physical conditions and ailments. I too have extensors tendinitis, have had it for 20 years at least. I have found that orthotics and doing a lot of calf exercises has helped. But it can be triggered just be stepping on uneven ground. So I'm super impressed you were able to manage all that.
I also loved your tribute to your wife and it was so sweet, the way you talk about Tina, how clearly you both relish being together and exploring together. That in itself is a quality that can override most any physical limitation on such a trek.
Enjoy your break!
Steve
Thanks so much for the kind words Steve! It hasn’t quite hit us yet that we’ve actually finished the trail. I hope that time and life circumstances will one day allow for you and your wife to do a longer hike. But starting off with a weeklong getaway with day hikes is a great way to start. The tendonitis can be so frustrating and for me it’s very sneaky. I can feel great one day and only realize the next day that I pushed it a bit too hard. I’m truly blessed to be married to Tina and you’re right, having her on the trail can help overcome many of the physical challenges. Some good mid-90s Canadian music in the playlist you may not have heard of you get a chance to listen.
Congratulations on completing the hike! I am so happy you and your wife could pass the big test with flying colours and I hope you can celebrate this amazing achievement. Well done!!
Thanks Andres, I appreciate that! We’re in London for a couple days before heading on our next adventure on Friday.
Hope you enjoy! I’m going away on Friday for a few days too, but hopefully next time you’re around we can cross paths!
What an incredible journey you're on. The grit, reflection, love, and partnership you’ve shared along the way are truly inspiring and heartwarming. Congratulations! Wishing you both a well-deserved rest and exciting adventures ahead ✨
Great selection. Loved to hear the immortal "Rotten Apple" - "Jar Of Flies" is such a masterpiece
Thanks so much Stygi, I appreciate your kind words! We’re in London for a couple days of R&R, heading out for the next adventure on Friday!
“Jar of Flies” really is incredible, amazing that they completed it in a week of writing and recording
Whew, that Portishead tune is hauntingly delightful.
Thanks Thea, it’s lovely isn’t it? Lead singer Beth Gibbons has a new album out this year, Lives Outgrown, and it’s beautiful.
Queuing it up for my workout!
Many congrats, Mark (and your wife!) on finishing the hike and also recognizing when it is time to say "enough." Once your body heals and you are mentally at the point to pursue another large hike, the trails will always be there. At the same time, if you decide not to embark, that too is ok.
It was also nice to read how this experience has clearly strengthened an already loving relationship. Enjoy your rest and the time you will spend in The Big Smoke.
Thanks Michael, I appreciate it. We’re planning to relocate to the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales so will be surrounded by beautiful walking. We’ll definitely continue to do longer walks but not sure what length those will cap out at. But like you said, the longer trails are there if I want them.
I am very lucky and truly blessed to have a magical relationship with my wife and it’s certainly gone to a new level over the last couple months.
Congrats on finshing the hike! And, let me just echo Steve's sentiments above; your tribute to your wife was lovely. Everyone should be so lucky!