the BIG STICK is not quite big enough. lol

Words.
(Power) Doing

noun

1. 1.

   the activities in which a particular person engages.
2. 
   

(Force) Getting

verb

gerund or present participle: getting

1. 1.

   come to have or hold (something); receive.

******

So far this week I'm 20 miles into this body trial.  

4 days, 5 miles a day.
Feeling just about every step.
I'm thankful to feel it.

Gives me a idea of how the first week out on the trail will kinda feel like.
Doing what I think needs to be done at this stage of my training.

I learned that what I seek is called: "Shinrin-yoku"
"Forest Bathing"

It came from a meditation I've been doing during stretching.

*******

I got my Big Stick in the other day.
Side by side, it's a bit shorter than my old Luxury Lite stick.

The liquid vile do fit in some of the sections but not all.
I'll get one for section to make it a bit longer when I order my back pack.

I like the way it breaks down. 

Other than that, it was another 100 crunch day before coffee with walking.  Continuing the average.

Again, NeoTrekk - I like it!

~ Kindle

Razor blades and beards - transitions - Socks and Buff or no Buff?

Words for today:
(Power) Just

2. adjective

   1. based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
   2. 
      

(Force) Punitive

adjective

1. inflicting or intended as punishment.

Power Quote for these and all times: 
"Things don't 'Just Happen'.  Things 'Happen Just'."
~ Jim Rohn

**********

Hiking Gear:
Socks & Buff

The Smartwool socks were worth every cent.
I will wash them each day and air dry them for the next.
Getting two more pair on Friday to ease the wash duty.

The Field and Stream hike socks I have found will be more suited for lawn cardio and lumber jacking.  Lounging around the home.
A decent work sock for part time work.
Although they wicked, they heated up.  I had a few hot spots but the same as yesterday so I'm going to say that my gait and my shoes are causing the hot spots.  No blisters or red areas just increased warmth in my heel area.  Medium weight is soft enough but maintains enough cushion to keep feet content.

I walked in the Smartwool after a hand washing.
They performed well.  I'll use our "Hand Wash" cycle on the LG for the most part until I leave in April.
I can see that daily inside inspections of my socks will be important.  Strings, bands that unravel, sewing edging left over, toe jam.

I've just found this site for complete foot care in the field: 
How to care for hiking feet

I also tested my old Buff that I got from HammockForums.net

The Buff actually heated up my head more than the Tractor Supply Large Bandanna. 
I can see that I'll soon own a wicking bandanna instead.

Endurance Training under gear I guess will be my next search. With the increased mileage now, undergarments are presenting themselves to be the next clothing to be considered for purchase. I'm tossed up between Under Armor and Duluth. 
Got to stay dry unless I want chaffing.  Not sure anyone wants that.
TMI? We each need to consider all clothing choices, brand and Why.

Hiking training yesterday:  Feet and Body Test 

Started on the ERG and rowed for one Pandora Song.

Within 3 strokes, my left knee had a tendon snap loudly.
It was a little painful for a bit but it worked out.
Walking really helped today with the left knee then. 
I guess my body is adjusting to it's new lifestyle as I slowly begin using the equipment I have to get my body into hiking shape.


I've even a Chuck Norris Total Gym available ... my body is not there yet.  Pushing the Earth Down is a future desire but for now I'll stay with my mat work until some more tone is seen by me.

Also, started testing some macrobiotic and light meal options.
Mixed Ramen noodles with Miso pastes and dried macro veggies and fish. 

There's a 3 oz difference between the dried Ramen and the wet noodle packages.  The taste was different but still good.
Minus the bowl and label packaging, the whole meal is about 6 oz.

So a meal at 3 oz if I substitute the wet noodles with Ramen of any kind as I most likely will avoid the added flavor and salt packet. 
I'll most likely repack the noodles in zip locks and only keep one or two flavor packets for cup of soup evenings when I need the salt.

Transition from sick and tired to healthy and tired.

I'll have to be sure my stock of this type of food is available on the trail.  If not, Amazon or Vitacost will have to be the source at points along the trail.

Micro and Macro care of my cells while hiking.
That is another day's subject and most likely will be my first YouTube.  Another transition, stills to motion, the story of my life.

I had to think of Naval Transitions I've been a part of:

Fat to Fit

Men & Women Equal

Peace to War Ready

Before those were:

Milk Man Uniforms to Cracker Jacks

Beards to no Beards

Each transition had it's backlash.  A Decade reveals much.
Just like the Decades that have passed since I first heard of this Appalachian Trail and it's magic.
I continue.
I am transitioning into my Older Self.
It's my option and totally my obligation to do so.

Gonna happen either way as TIME (and God for that matter) is no respecter of persons.
It is the same 24/7 for all of us.  A bank account of sorts as Chris Rice sings in his song "Life Means So Much". 
Our legacy is the 'dash' in between the dates on our tombstone or obit.  Chris mentions this in his lyrics: 

Every day is a bank account

And time is our currency

So no one's rich, nobody's poor

We get twenty-four hours each

So how are you gonna spend

Will you invest or squander

Try to get ahead 

Or help someone who's under

I'm gonna do my best to "Invest" or increase times value going forward. Right now, the one under is me and I'm starting there.
(as the song fades)
"...every day is a gift that you've been given.  Make the most of the time every minute your livin." - Chris Rice

~ Kindle 
Keeping it positive and moving forward.

Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central US - Survival

Words:
(Power) Educating

verb

gerund or present participle: educating

1. give intellectual, moral, and social instruction to (someone, especially a child), typically at a school or university.

(Force) Persuading

verb

gerund or present participle: persuading

1. cause (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument.

********

Hiking:
Still working out miles and data from the spreadsheets.
Picking stops and replenish points. 

The "others" that created their replenish points on the original spreadsheet make it a nice puzzle to figure. 

Sometimes replenish happens along the path or at the end/beginning of a day "or" has to be arranged by shuttle and/or trail angel assistance.

Hitchhiking is prohibited in many areas and each must carefully consider their situation in those moments.   Safety first.

**********

Educating myself on the Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central U.S. and the Edible Wild Plants too.

As I saunter through the woods, Walking Thru Forests, I will be mindful of edible plants.  I'll also be mindful to only take my share.

Side note:
Something will come out of this brainstorm phrase
(The PACZ.ninja, Walking Man, WTF, Kindle McGuinness - Highlander, Hindsight 2020, Tax day to Election Journey.)

Back to the woods:
I know I'll have Wild Carrot for sure and a good chance for some cat tail root.  Mint for my teas. 
Just re-activating a portion of my brain that has kept data I've not used in quite some time.  
Cat Tails reminded me of Frog Leg Feasts of camping day's past.

Scouting with it's weeks of study and weeks of application.
I was working on and almost completed "Life" but completing Life did not sound appealing.  lol
Actually the troop folded before I could advance.
Star was OK, Life in progress was "As Is" and Eagle was out of reach.

One thing I learned-
Wilderness Survival Merit Badge
In searching this text I found it to include the Survival Kit List
I know I'll pare it down to what I will essentially need.
Being Prepared has different levels within my thought process.

I was joking the other day that if I just followed the oath and laws, I would be a better citizen.

Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
The laws start with Trustworthy and end with Reverent.
Scout Oath & Laws can be found HERE if you care to view:

I'll also admit that in my life, by following the regulations in Scouts, it sure made advancing in the military much easier. 
Very similar structure.  Guidelines to success.
I also noticed why I take pride in my trail name Kindle.
Wilderness Survival Badge Requirement #6:
Using three different methods (other than matches), build and light three fires.  ✅
In varying environmental conditions too.  My counselors made it tough for good reason, Mother Nature is tough.  :)

Pre-Hike Workout:
(This morning)
60 crunches were easy so I pushed to 75 and then labored into 100.
About #82, my neck/shoulders/throat/collar/traps all were on pain notice.  I found the weak muscles I need to work on now.
Felt each and every one of them starting to scream.
A couple of deep clicks and snaps were heard as well. 
Just my "Newest" normal morning, lol.

The circular "soft" area where the neck and shoulders meet just above the lung cage.   22 years of being out of place has done it's negative work in that area.  I now have a focal point to personally research online.   I need my shoulders and that area for my pack.
I trust the counter balance and light weight of the NeoTrekk pack will be my best choice to keep me happier and in less pain.

Lower Pelvic and Hip areas (and tail bone) had some snap, crackle and pop going on this morning.  Not sure if it was helpful or hurtful at this moment.  The day will reveal its intention.

(Last night)
Did 5 miles in 1 hr 26 min while watching the indicator screen.
Very boring but very informative.
I will keep at 5 miles each day for 6 days this week.
This was day 1 of this 5 mi/day adventure ... this is only a test. lol

Paid close attention to my target heart rate and kept it between 60 and 80% for most of the walk.  As my body adapted, I upped the speed and tested the pulse.  Felt good.  Especially after the other day's events.

I can "feel" my heart and body responding.  If my pulse was high, I could continue at the same speed, take a few deep breaths and relax in the motion. My pulse would lower and maintain at my target rate.  It was a nice test.   I can comfortably walk between 3.5 & 3.8.

I jumped it up to 4.5 for the last tenth of a mile and then did my cool down stretches.  BP closed out at 118/69   Pulse 57.
  

***********

MRI and Brain Scans (VA Care)
Monday:
Had my 2nd MRI of the Head/Brain/Neck but with a dye this time.
45 min of thump, thump, thump, thump - Buzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, dot - thump, thump, thump.

I know they are looking for cancer.  The stuff they injected me with is the same stuff Penny Grateful has been zoomed with in her system just mine was a much lesser dose. 
Blood System in brain vs. Lymph System checks.

I was under a little anxiety as it was a last second decision. 
I was not made aware that dye was going to be used and injected in me for this process, up to the point of initialing the form just before donning the enormous gown of open backside.
I guess my care giver forgot to talk to me about the process before.

At least CNN/Fox/CBS/ABC/NBC was not on the TV in the waiting room.  Pawn Stars was.  Chumley cracks me up.
I'm thankful. 

So, being raised up, oh so close to poor .... I went to the poor mans University - USN.   I now get the University Medical Study Care for my service.  I landed in a good spot for this. 
UK (Wildcats) get good grants from DC with Bethesda M.D.'s visits for studies from time to time.  Lots of Bourbon money in this area too.

When I found my self in continual "life ditch" situation(s) financially .... I had little choice but to work from the job skills I knew what I could do and then for my medical care, medically become a study.  Everything is a paper or a study with the VA.  
I'll play along and document the fun until I become a Happy Tax Payer again and get on my own self Health Care Rider Plan.
Still too far of a dream at this time to consider it's thought into creation but I'm giving it a little thought push forward for it's eventual existence into my lives time continuum. 

Moving Forward with a spring in my step and joy in my heart.
Time to do today's 5 miles - 2 days in a row and see how I feel tomorrow. Keeping the hot spots at bay.

~ Kindle

Red Sky come morning .... Sailor - take warning.

Yep, Red Sky come morning this day.  Rain is on it's way.

I like the sunsets that are red:
Red Sky At Night, a Sailor's delight!

Woke up hiking sore today.  Even muscle and tendon pain.
Arms, shoulders, core, back, legs of course.
Feet are doing well.  5 miles to look forward to today.
New socks were a welcome change.

Mat work: 
Crunches -Yawned at 53 pushed to 60
Cobra - upper back is starting to gain some flex - Abs 💖 this stretch.
Modified Push Ups - 3 sets of 20.  Each a different modification.
I'm no where near doing a standard push up.  When I can, I'll be closest to goal which is "Planks". :)

Words for today:
(Power) Humble

adjective

1. 1.

   having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.

(Force) Diffident

adjective

1. modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.

Diffident only has one definition.  Not sure I've heard the word before and I know I've never used it.  I can see it in a lot of faces.

I'm glad that grade schools are starting to understand that the children are the means of the earths future. 

Stopping the nonsense GIGO model of the industrial age.

Fill the minds with Quality Information in a learning environment, very novel approach.

Oooops, I just fell off my soap box.  It was a little slippery anyway.

2. *******

Brushing up on my cloud/sky reading.  How the day changes.
With Accu-weather on my phone I do not have to rely on sky changes but when walking, I'll see how much I can leave the phone in the pocket while hiking. Skills mastered or elevated at one time but are rarely today used can quickly come back. Bike riding is an example.  I can get on one today having not rid for 20 years.  I don't need to remember that gravel is loose, I just know it to be true.

******* I grew up in the agricultural mecca of NY.
A cross roads with 2 stops signs. (not lights, signs)
Fields upon fields upon fields.
An actual stage coach stop for early travelers of Western New York.

Not much has changed except for the new towering Windmills and Windmills and Windmills that now help the farmers pay the taxes on their land.

Both taverns in the town I grew up in burned down.
One when I was younger and then was rebuilt as a modern bar.
It was the towns landmark "Central House Hotel".
That was the original Stage Coach Stop.  I read it off the news clip after the fire.
The owners also ran the tiny post office too when I was young.
Second or Third smallest in the world at the time.  Just trivia now.

The other was more current.  North Java Inn (Dodge City Bar).
The owners I grew up to know where of immigrant background from Italy.  When they passed, several others kept it alive through the 70's, 80's, 90's and into 2000. Pool table, Juke Box, Pinball, Darts and beer.   In my life, it went from family dining to a card playing, piss hole.  Now it's a used car lot.  Very fitting.

Long lost was the Fish Fry Fridays.  It was Drafts and shots until ashes.  More of my childhood and teen friends, I understand have taken themselves out of the game with the establishments help. 
And so it was.

The bank was bought and sold several times and now is a corner fixture.
It's no longer a bank, just a building in town.

Volunteers at the newer Fire Station, still do put out the fires and save the cellars of homes.
Livestock outnumbers the community members
(1000's to 1)

I walked thru the creeks.
Hunted the fence lines, fields and woods after the harvest.
I've bagged my fair share of game as humanly as possible.

My father was sure to teach my brother and I how to "take the clean shot" vs. the shot that tries to clean the animal and scrambles the innards.  My Dad was sure to let us know that we would be cleaning our own catch, and his, as we later would learn.
My techniques are slower and more thought through.  @1 hr.

My Brother can clean a deer and be alert enough to catch a wandering deer that is curious as to what transpired a bit ago.
All in less than 15 min.  30 if you count the curious one that happens every now and then, and a hunter with a second tag to use.

2 shells were always allowed and BETTER be used.
One to take the animal and one to be sure the animal does not take you with it.  

It sometimes happens that more than one shot is used to knock down the animal with horns and sharp hoofs, BUT but the LAST was always essential.

I bring this up for I read recently of an "Expert" hunter that was taken out by the Buck he "wounded" - unaware. 
He was teaching a teen, I understand. Must have been distracted.

Back when I last hunted, 16ga slugs cost .25 cents.
My Dad's words: "Use .25 cents to be sure it is dead.  If you crack the rack in the process, no big deal cuz you don't eat rack stew."

His way of saying, put a bullet in it's head BEFORE you try to gut it.  That advice would have saved the "Experts" life.

*******

Opportunity is what you make of it.
When the time came to choose a profession after quitting college,
I called an 800 number ad and ended up on a flight to Boot Camp.

North Java held no interest to me and I was gone one week after my 18th birthday.  Nuclear candidates needed for the Newer Navy.
I may have been conscious but I was very unaware of what my next steps or my path would present.  Jumped and let the net appear.

Been there?  I believe we all have.

Scared.  Fear Filled. Unsure.

I can say this ... I'm glad I was scared.
I'm thankful I've had pants pissing moments.
I take better care of my decisions now and look out for myself a little bit more from time to time.

This trail being no different.

My hunting skills should prove to be helpful.
Goal: Zero Bear Sightings or Attractions.
Yogi, Boo Boo and Smoky best have other business when I venture thru.

If I do see one, it will be by surprise ... to them.
They understand being hunted and "should" run.
I'll know I do not have a gun but they won't.

I understand early morning and late evening wind patterns on hillsides, valleys and terrain.
A bit tougher on the fly and always being new area but I'll manage the puzzle and it's pieces.  I like topo maps & a compass for good reason.

Should work to my advantage. 
I'll act conscious while visiting their home environment.
I'll respect the environment and the wildlife I'm visiting as well.

Leave no trace. (except online in a blog, lol)
PACZ.ninja :)

Moving forward still....
~ Kindle

What does not kill you makes you stronger ... except bear. Bear will kill you.

Words.
(Power) Conscious

adjective

1. aware of and responding to one's surroundings; awake.

(Force) Unaware

adjective

1. having no knowledge of a situation or fact.
2. 
   

*********

Sunday is rest day.  That is to mean, Zero walking on the treadmill.
I am feeling the 5 miles.  That is a good thing.

Sunday is also NFL Football.

Roku is still picking a different and then similar but changed CBS stations each time we tune it in. 
Not sure if I'll see the Bills or LA Chargers at this point as we've been selected to view CBS on the East Coast states, Mid-Central states, Mississippi but mostly Louisville, KY and Washington DC.

Hiking: 
I was in a craft store the other day and noticed a whole series of prints, posters, wood craft, signs and what not.
Most had the same saying on them:

Which was an excellent segway to write about my Bear Container and Bear Bags.

Of all the hiking gear that I kept, 3 are Bear Resistant and Proof.

I'm selective presently as I like how both have their Pros.
I'm not exclusively set on which I'll use primarily.

It honestly will depend upon the rules of the A.T. next year.
If I need to use the Vault on any section, I'll use it on the entire trail.
One if not both Ursack will have use too. 
When first leaving town and I am over purchased with stuffs or for when I need to have 7-10 days worth of goods for distances.

Being in the Bears back yard takes a daily reminder that smells carry and smells remain.  Keeping my food mine is survival.

(2) Ursack and (1) Bear Vault with OPSak Liner Bags and the basics for hanging other types of bags in the woods.
Ursack is particular in how they tie to a tree.  

The Vault BV500 is different as it lays on the ground and generally on it's lid unless it is being used as a seat or table.

I'm not looking to "see" bear.  If it happens, as it has in my past, I'll accept it as a wildlife viewing and Indian Spirit Guide message.

Black and Brown bear tend to be more fearful of humans as they are hunted but the Griz is a special breed.

The IGBC has guidelines for Grizzly for future National Park Trips too. 

Like electricity, I am not fearful to be near it, I have respect for what it can do if I get too close unprotected.

To any of you who follow Native Indian Animal Spirit type teachings, I've found that the Red Tail Hawk is my totem so any viewings I receive from others that appear are messengers. 

Info that can easily be found on line but I cannot say it is valid,  Just info:

"If you aren't sure what a totem animal is, think of it as a spirit being that is a sacred object or a symbol of a person. In other words, it is a spiritual animal that has your back. Native Americans believe that different totem animals accompany you through life, acting as guides, and helping you achieve your goals and ward off all the bad stuff that is out there. They say that they stay with you for life, both in the physical and spiritual world. Come on, how cool is that?" 

Yep, a belief. 
My learning of this did not come from a quiz on the internet.
I was told this by those whom I trust in this area as I am not Native American nor practice to be.  

I just have friends in places of position within their tribes.

High Friends in Places. lol.

********

Enjoy your rest day which ever one you choose and as often as you choose to rest. 

I'm considering daily naps in the woods and since my hammock system can be set up in a few moments to use as a lounge chair every break I take, rest is something I am building into my days going into this.  Routines can adapt in some form from home to woods.

Near-o's and Zero's are hiking terms for rest.  Usually involving a town or city and options.  I might opt to carry an extra few days of food to avoid some needless stops as towns and cities can be on average 7 to 21 miles away. Glad I started my planning early.
I might take a nap before the game today....

Moving forward ....  Trying to keep it simple.

~ Kindle

Recreation or Re-Creation? Testing Socks - Base Line Target Heart Rate-No BS Time

Words: (#122 counting down)
(Power) Aware

adjective

1. having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.
2. 
   

(Force) Preoccupied

adjective

1. engrossed in thought; distracted.

********

I was aware of my target heart rate today.
Watched the wildlife out back and monitored my pulse throughout my training session and then followed up with a BP reading after post stretching.  No meds needed for BP.  116/71  & 69 pulse.
I read a book a long time ago: Your Body's Many Cries for Water.
I don't treat thirst with medications, just clean water.

Found that walking at a speed of 3.3 I can keep my pulse and breathing in a fluid, endurance pace.  After all, I am training for an endurance event.  Time for me to start a full regimen and routine.
Nutrition, Work, Rest and Monitoring.  Why not.  It's for my betterment to stay informed on all levels for this adventure.

Today as I Re-Create myself in a recreational way, I'm testing Socks and my body at it's present "Today" stage.

Friday was the last 3.5 mile day I believe I will have for quite some time.  My old hiking socks from "way back" needed to be tossed.
I was getting hot spots in my shoes at 3.5 miles.

Went to a Dick's sporting goods to look at what they had for shoes and picked up 1 pair Merino Wool SmartWool Socks (Med Hikers) and a 4 pack of Field and Stream "wicking" socks for hiking (Med).
No shoes were purchased.  More research on Tactical Boots is required.

Test this morning was a fresh, unwashed pair of Smartwool socks.
At $22 they felt like $22.   No hot spots and I bumped up to 5.0 miles today in 1hr 30 min.  (the 4 pk of Field & Stream = $9.99)

Now I plan on hand washing and air drying, trimming the industrial manufacturing process fluff out of them to see how that will feel.
Getting my feet ready for this adventure.
Treating them better now so that they expect to be treated better later when I'm on the trail. 

Daily disciplined practice and now some forethought for my Hindsight 2020 hike.

Dusting off my Kindle McGuinness YouTube channel.
Only 2 videos posted.  One from an Ice Cream Social and the other from a hike up the mountian here to view from the top.
A Google View was drawn by me on the back of an envelope for a map.  Penny Grateful and I walked up to the view.

Cleaning up the site from my past viewing and subscriptions.
Thinking about doing segments on my gear as I prepare.

We will see.

 ********

Almost nailed an angelic 777 in my effort but got a 779 which was a better message with the 11:11 on my BP Cuff.  lol

**********

Which brings up the reason of this post.  Re-Creation.
(not to be confused with Recreation)

I have needs to re-create myself physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, financially, etc-ally ... :)
Who better to consult than "Andy" the master of creation whom I was made in the image of ... or so I am told, if I am to believe that way.  Yep, Learned it in Church School at a young age.

The song goes: Andy walks with me Andy talks with me Andy tells me I AM His own.  (I had to sing it out too). :)   very corny.

That's sometimes even too woo woo for the ritualistic and spiritualists.  What can I say but my experience.   

My Belief:
God (Source Energy, Universe, - "your choice here")
is the Creator. 

I don't own my next heartbeat or breath. 
Both are given to me by something, I'll call "Source Energy".

I was told that I was made in His Image and likeness.
I'm a co-creator then of my own life and existence on this planet.
I do what is within my control (self shell called body & its soul).

God does the orchestration of all the other particles outside (and inside) of me.  Everything I desire in my life is already here.  I need to be patient for it to arrive to me as I arrive to it.

When we both arrive (particles and waves later), life is what I asked for.  On time, every time.  Including the mis-asks that we all make.  God is no respecter of persons or situations.  We all get what we ask for; just not usually in a way we expect. Be aware. Aloha.

"Happy little accidents" as Bob Ross would say.  lol  :)

That's how God has always helped me and it falls into the tribe and group thinking of "God helps those that help themselves." 
Some look for that in the book but it ain't there.  It's common sense.

One push up/crunch/step at a time. 

If you know this, kudos.
If you are reading it and hearing it in your minds ear for the first time then ... choose.  Get busy living or get busy dying.  No choice is still a choice. :)

********

It was August when I first could barely get down on the floor after painstakingly setting up my floor mat area in the living room.
After 10 crunches before coffee that first day, getting back up and putting away my mat was a 10 min ordeal.
I honestly forgot that it was just a few months ago.
I added 10 crunches after I got tired and added 2 batman's "held" on the inversion table today.
On my way to 100 a day before coffee. 

A quarter of a year was gonna go by either way. 
I participated in time/life with it.  Used it as a gauge.
I feel better and have new goals now. 
Proper disciplines practiced daily leads me to my best future possibilities.  

Sorry Pooh, doing nothing was not leading to the very best of somethings.  At least not with my mid section.

Moving on ....
~ Kindle

The non-Genius of all of us - Pogo Shelter thinking

Words.
(Power) Healing

noun

1. the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.
2. 
   

(Force) Irritating

adjective

1. 1.

   causing annoyance, impatience, or mild anger.

Hiking: Pogo Shelter thinking
I agree with Dr. Wayne Dyer.  We were all born Genius.
Life de-geniuses us all to different degrees.
Yep, met the enemy and it is I to me.
The morphology of a humorous phrase continues.

Since the other 3 A.T. Distance Planners ALL stopped at the Pogo Shelter, I decided to follow suit in my plans.  Seeing some photos online looks like a Christopher Robin/Pooh Bear viewing spot.
I do not believe I will need to look up the famous Walt Kelly artwork, I can see it in my minds eye and most likely it will be shellacked to one of the walls or a plaque there.  

********

Listening to a song on the Very First Album I ever purchased as a teen. The Song "Fool on the Hill" fits me in some ways.

Hike Gear Update:

Picked up a Luxury Lite Big Stick.
Although the stronger model was on sale, the Alloy model offered more functions for a better price.
My previous hiking sticks are (2) fixed length at @61.5" 3/8" tube.
4.4 oz 126 gr each.  Great for the light elevated cot they served as well as being hiking sticks BUT to grab water from a wall a few feet away ... they lost that function when the mud packed in.

These new sections have a bottom one that is designed to be packed solid for strength.  The rest create the tube I have desired a few times hiking already.
All bells, buzzers and whistles total with shipping: $151.95
Just need one.
My worst case sleeping setup scenario is my hammock on the ground and my tarp is a tent.  1 tree or tie down point and my hike stick provides the second tarp point.  I've thought it through all of the possible uses I can think of.

Multi Uses: Hike stick, Tarp support pole if needed, Fishing/Frogging Gig, Medicine Carrier, Camera Pod and Selfie Stick, Protection from Dogs, Pipe for reaching hard to reach water falls and trickles of clear water. Texas Toothpick or the Carbon "T" Top, can be used to dig cat holes I'm told.  (So can the heel of my boot, a rock or a stick.)

Easily breaks down to 18" or less lengths for stowage.
With a 6" piece of pipe insulation for the "T" handle, it can be used as a crutch or shortened as a cane if perchance a leg injury happens.

If used this way for medical reasons, I trust that it is for Good Samaritan purposes in helping another human off the mountain or up from the valley. I have zero desire to test it that way for myself.

Right now, I'll be using it as a road walking stick here on our road.
Developing hand calluses and hand, eye, muscle coordination.

Some angry dogs are out and about every now and then too.
It's deer season and a wounded, confused deer could appear as well out of the ditch.  Seen it before but in my past, I had a gun.

I recently remembered that I need to create a gradual weight on my back as I walk this routine a few times a week.  Simulation training in a controlled setting.  By the New Year, I should be ready to purchase my pack system.  It will be from NeoTrekk as well.  I had a nice lengthy discussion with Bruce (the owner) at a Damascus, VA trail days over a decade ago.  Great equipment.  Well thought out.

This is not my first or last purchase with the new NeoTrekk, so I'll save all the weights and widget descriptions for this purchase till the final gear page that will be created for the start of my trail journals entries.  All I can say is that I reclaimed over $150 for a future purchase with that company.

*******

Soon, I'm being tested for all the bumps and bangs I've had done to my head over the course of life.  NFL calls it "the concussion protocol" and other sports are following along.

I've happened to hit things without wearing a helmet, not required to wear a seat belt, airbags were not invented, spare tires, humps in back seats and being allowed to crawl into the back window area of the car or station wagon were allowed.  Jumping in the front seat was not allowed but standing to see was OK.

So, along the way, my moving head met other moving objects and sometimes non moving objects that either stayed put or moved in a different direction kinetically.   I get regular MRI's now that cover the areas of my neck that are issues too.  C1-C7 

The rest of my spine has issues but now that it is freed up from the treatments, I can manage my pain better with a more limber spine.

Where I started a few years back is hard to describe.
To describe "Locked Up" cannot be done. 

The specialists at Linton Spine and Joint Center did the analysis, conditioning and assistance for my natural healing approach to life.  Here's a shout out link.  (Thanks Dr. T!)

So as I was saying, I could barely walk a few years ago and now I'm doing 3.5 miles a day, 6 days a week.

Yesterday I pushed my speed to feel hot spots in my shoes (I need to get new socks today if possible) and did 3.5 in 1hr 1 min.

My mat work yesterday combined with my mat work today aligned my spine in areas that did not move much in the past.

Blood Pressure is spot on as far as I can tell: 
(I have no M.D. degree)
Pre workout stretch and walk:  128/77 Pulse 69
Post workout (before stretch and cool down) : 130/76 Pulse 96
Received my FIRST Biostrap "Excellent" on recovery score this morning.

Which then created a new thought and approach to my next 5 months.

Since I recently adapted a new moring habit:
50 crunches before coffee
(which became crunches, mat work and push ups now and I can yawn through some mornings)

THEN

I should begin daily walking to simulate what it will be this coming FULL year.  Walking every day for hours or miles.  I'm going to choose miles and hopefully all continuous.

Presently, with pain, I'm at 3.5 miles "mostly" daily.
Taking on the "Walking Man" persona.  
Daily Goals.
Daily observations to achieve.  
Daily little disciplines that create my future.  
Daily tasks that make my life easier.  
Daily tasks that make others lives easier.  
Daily tasks that leave the world a little bit better than when I arrived, easier.

I'm daily changing my personal philosophy by changing one old false belief at a time. 
Even some core beliefs like in Inside Out.
Emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate in a new world.

Moving Forward,
~ Kindle