~ A Ten Miler with Jeff ~
I had yet to go on one of my longer close-to-home training hikes with my hubby when Jeff agreed to head out with me on a beautiful summer Saturday afternoon here in Portland. I’d envisioned lots of hikes with him as I prepared but months ago, he got a knee injury which he’s had to slow down to take good care of. But this weekend, he (and his knee) were ready for a stroll through gorgeous Forest Park.
When we first moved to our home nearly 25 years ago, Jeff got really interested in plants native to Oregon. Over the years, he has filled our yard with flora that abound in the temperate rainforest we call our home. Over the years as we go on various and sundry walks and hikes, it’s always fun to be introduced and reintroduced to the stuff he sees with his eagle eyes.
Thimbleberries!
The berries were ripe! Have you ever tasted one? They are deep red and so tart but very refreshing. The berries are delicate and delicious. Such a treat to snack on along the way!
When the kids lived at home, Jeff often took us on what we called a “Forced March” where we would hike for hours up steep terrain at a rapid pace. A dear family friend who grew up with our kids told us recently she always thought we called those hikes a “Forest March”. Either way, they have become family lore.
Jeff and I have a couple more training hikes on the books. He’s getting ready too, for a hike through the Sierras with his buddies. Soon, I’ll start adding my backpack, steeper elevation, and more distance. I feel lucky to have a husband who is game to hit the trail and help me get ready for my Camino.
At the end of a long hike, my friend Tia taught me how good it feels to lay in the dirt by a tree or my car and rest my legs for just a few minutes. Try it! It’s amazing! xo
