zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,895
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Post by zeke on Mar 23, 2023 13:14:44 GMT -8
Depending on your surface for the day, a kayak can be either wetter or dryer. Rough water will mean a kayak is drier, particularly with a skirt. That does limit your camera choices somewhat. Flat, placid water means a canoe will allow you to use any camera, and possibly even a tripod occasionally. I own both, but much prefer my kayak unless I want a big cooler, or a passenger. Sit inside kayaks are mostly touring kayaks, whereas sit on top can be fun little creek boats, or a fishing platform.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Mar 23, 2023 13:34:13 GMT -8
I can see that I suppose, once things get splashy the enclosed cargo spaces behind waterproof lids of a kayak would offer protection beyond a dry bag.
I think later this spring I need to get on the water with some choices and see what’s what. I’ve more sea kayak time than anything but that’s ocean paddling where I wasn’t even thinking about photos. I know a place in the Adirondack’s (Raquette River) with a big selection so I can combine some research with a spring upstate visit.
Sorry for the slight hijack. But hey, retirement road trips offer opportunities for a range of activities.
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RumiDude
Trail Wise!
Marmota olympus
Posts: 2,361
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Post by RumiDude on Mar 23, 2023 15:15:26 GMT -8
In an intentional effort to interject a bit of levity, I offer up this little story.
About three years ago, pre-pandemic, one afternoon I walked about two blocks from my home to the local coffee shop to sit and enjoy a cappuccino. I was wearing my hearing aids so I was picking up the conversations around me. At the very next table, five older gentlemen sat down and it was obvious that they came here regularly to chat and visit with each other. I would estimate that they were all in their late 70s or early 80s. One fellow asked where Frank was. I understood that Frank was a regular of the group but missing that day. Another fellow stated that Frank was at doctor appointment. This information lead to a conversation about each of their "old man" ailments. It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud as each tried to outdo the other with their medical issues and medications. At the same time I also knew that if I was in a siemilar group that the same conversations would likely occur.
I felt a little ashamed for intently eavesdropping on them and getting so much enjoyment out of it. It was the highlight of that day.
Rumi. <~~~~~thankful for hearing aids
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,895
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Post by zeke on Mar 23, 2023 15:27:35 GMT -8
I'm just as happy to remove them or turn them off on occasion.
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Post by hikerjer on Mar 23, 2023 18:32:36 GMT -8
Boy, does Rumi Dude’s post hit home. We have a neighborhood coffee shop frequented by an older set. When I was younger and considerably dumber - not that long along - my buddies and I were amused by the old geezers who hung out there lamenting their various health ailments. Fast forward a decade or so and now it’s my buddies and me sitting around having the same discussions until we realize what’s happening. Then we shake our heads in wonderment over the passage of time and it’s power.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,034
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Post by driftwoody on Mar 23, 2023 19:44:33 GMT -8
Just returned from South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee, and my old body held up pretty well. Did some day hikes on Monday, then tackled the Collins Gulf loop Tuesday & Wednesday. Did 10 miles day one along the rim, which included a dip down to the river near the head of the gorge then back up to the rim on the other side. The trails are well marked but very rugged, with some sections a jumble of boulders. There are some short steep pitches between the rim and the bottom 800 feet below, where I camped.
I was pretty beat when I got there, hoping to relax after hanging my tarp & hammock. Sawmill Campsite is very near the Collins River, but I wasn't aware it runs underground there and I was down to my last few gulps of water. The nearest source is Schwoon Spring, nearly half a mile away with the last stretch uphill to a pretty cool spot where water gushes out of the bluff then down a sinkhole amidst a tumble of boulders. I had to scramble to find a spot where I could extract some water. My displeasure at the extra exertion was offset by the rugged beauty of the scene.
That night ensconced in my hammock it started to rain. I hoped it was just a passing shower but it continued through the night and all morning and all day. The hike out was only 4-1/2 miles but 800' up over very rugged terrain with a full pack in the rain. I averaged one mile per hour being very careful with every step and placement of trekking poles over uneven wet rocks. During the two days I did not see another hiker, so any injury could have left me stranded overnight or longer.
Long story short my arthritic hip and the rest of me held up fine, except both calf muscles are sore as heck -- but that can be fixed with better conditioning before the next adventure, which I'm glad I can still look forward to.
The hike included nice views from the rim and two major waterfalls. Several more in other sections of South Cumbrrland, and in central Tennessee. I'll post some pics in the Southern forum within the next few days.
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balzaccom
Trail Wise!
Waiting for spring...
Posts: 4,554
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Post by balzaccom on Mar 24, 2023 6:15:48 GMT -8
Boy, does Rumi Dude’s post hit home. We have a neighborhood coffee shop frequented by an older set. When I was younger and considerably dumber - not that long along - my buddies and I were amused by the old geezers who hung out there lamenting their various health ailments. Fast forward a decade or so and now it’s my buddies and me sitting around having the same discussions until we realize what’s happening. Then we shake our heads in wonderment over the passage of time and it’s power. I knew a group of retirees who addressed this. When they met, they gave each elderly person three minutes to report on their health. They called it the Organ Recital. After that time, all health discussions were met with: "Save it for the Organ Recital."
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Post by hikerjer on Mar 24, 2023 8:21:53 GMT -8
Not a bad idea. I’ll suggest it.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 15,034
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Post by driftwoody on Mar 24, 2023 8:30:34 GMT -8
I double down on that recommendation.
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Deborah
Trail Wise!
Yes, that's me.
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Deborah on Mar 24, 2023 8:53:53 GMT -8
Not a bad idea. I’ll suggest it. Sometimes I just suddenly change the subject to something completely different. Abruptly asking what everyone is reading will usually change the discussion.
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
Posts: 13,000
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Post by BigLoad on Mar 24, 2023 10:31:18 GMT -8
I grew up surrounded by a large extended family on both sides, many of whom were elderly. The ritual of enumerating maladies was a natural and (I thought) mandatory chapter of every gathering. Now my dad lives in the independent living portion of a graduated care facility and things are much different there. That line of discussion is less socially acceptable and somebody usually changes the topic quickly unless it's about a significant new development.
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RumiDude
Trail Wise!
Marmota olympus
Posts: 2,361
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Post by RumiDude on Mar 24, 2023 12:40:15 GMT -8
Yin yang ...
Yea, there's a definite balance to every subject and discussion. What I have found is that far too often there is not enough acknowledgement of problems rather than the reverse. And so certain topics ended up being avoided. Finding that balance is often unattainable so it ends up being more of a pendulum swing effect rather than a balancing act, and that's OK.
But make no mistake, stoically remaining silent is not a solution. That isolates individuals and stigmatizes conditions/topics rather than providing a path to discovery and enlightened attitudes. And when it gets too heavy or bogged down, a "how about 'dem Bears" segue might be needed.
Rumi
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Post by starwalker on Mar 24, 2023 20:40:03 GMT -8
I've been teaching an 8 week beginning photography class in Muskogee for the last 3 years. This semester, the youngest student is in her 60's. I find that the beginning of class tends to be a retelling of the last week's doctor's visits, including my own. In past semesters, most of my students were in the 30's and 40's with the youngest being three 18 year old ladies (different classes). They would talk about work problems, or child problems.
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Post by hikerjer on Mar 24, 2023 22:23:05 GMT -8
We all got problems.
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ErnieW
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I want to backpack
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Post by ErnieW on Mar 25, 2023 7:44:23 GMT -8
Is the question facing this decline with age or facing the inevitable confrontation with the Grim Reaper?
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