Written by Gray In The Woods

Post Op 1

Just before…

I have nothing to write about. I guess I’m depressed or just in a recession.

My mental trick to having a good life is to always have something to look forward to.

Saturday is my food day. I eat things I don’t normally eat on the other 6 days. Sweet stuff. Shrimp. Sour dough pretzels. Red licorice. Ice cream. Burgers. All in moderation. I’ve been doing this for years. It works for me.

For the last 4 years, I have been planning AT hikes. The planning is almost as much fun as the hikes! It’s essential as well. Where is the water located? Where will I camp? How far do I think I can go, looking at the terrain?

I know my “on the AT” self really well now.

Now what?

Last night I had the thought that I could plan all the remaining miles that I have left to finish the AT.

Bad idea.

I have 576.0 miles left to Springer. I have 669.2 miles left to Katahdin. Planning all that is insanity. Like it would be fun. No. The fun is the buildup from the planning to the execution. Each planned hiking package is like gift to myself. This is what this section hiker loves.

Complete 10 day hiking packages. Doing all the planning at once would be NO FUN AT ALL!

I have about 6 hiking packages to get to Springer. 7 to get to Katahdin.

13 more plans and I’ve finished the AT.

I’m not even sure I want to finish?

Than what do I do?

I’m walking unaided now, 8 days after a total hip replacement. I can’t believe it. Life is good this morning. 🙂

All-In

10 thoughts on “Post Op 1”

  2. Hey Doug,

    3rd cousin or whatever Mike Shively here. Hope you’re making out well. I’m not far behind you after 40 years of soccer 3 to 5 times a week. My hips and knees are overdue. Scott also had his done a couple years ago. Thoughts are with you that you’re back on the trail soon. I also hope you keep writing. You really have a gift and I always look forward to your posts and your honesty. Keep it coming:)
    Kind regards,
    Mike

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Congratulations on the recovery!

    When you’re finished the AT, you can do what everybody else does: The PCT, or the AT again, lol.

    I’m going to try for PCT 2022, but we’ll have to see how life and the world shake out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. If it helps, you inspire 10x or more people than you realize by doing what you do, including journaling your surgery, so the downtime does have a purpose. One thing I don’t see you planning for is time to have depression. Everyone has it. Include it in your plans and it may take a lot of pressure off.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment