Today I hiked the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. It's one of the most amazing trails I've ever hiked. And it's the place where my dad, my brother and I did our first backpacking trip in Oregon. In fact, it's also the trail where my dad and I did our last hike together, before his untimely death in 1995. So to say that Eagle Creek is full of memories would be an understatement.
One year ago I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. Fortunately, with God's grace and a little luck I've recovered quite nicely. Going for 10 mile day hikes is something I can do with ease now. I feel truly lucky, and blessed. All the hard work I did after surgery has paid off, too. My weight and my health are both very good. But I plan to make this the last time I whine about the surgery. I think that chapter in my life is done. I am healed.
I've hiked over 150 miles so far this year. That total is more than I've ever done in one year by a long shot. In past years I'd be lucky to get in 50 miles of hiking for an entire year. And I've still got six months to go!
Thinking of my dad this past weekend caused me to make some comparisons - what would he think of his oldest son, if he were alive to see me today? Am I anything like he was at age 46? Not really. We were actually very different in many ways, and we had different ideas about the world. But that made our relationship interesting. He was my best friend and constant companion. We did just about everything together. Every day I miss dad. But today especially.
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