End of the Line

[giantbrookie]

Sorry to hear about your retirement from backpacking. You had a heck of a good run, but, I think the better it was the more one misses it. This hits close to home for many of us and makes us appreciate the time we spend up there all the more. There are still many ways to enjoy the Sierra without backpacking and I suspect you will. All those trips gives on an inside edge to find the road-accessed spots that are very nice and yet fly beneath the radar.

[Timberline]

Well, XC, since I'm in the same boat now too, like so many others here I just want to extend congratulations on what you have accomplished over the years. We who have been blessed with repeated opportunities to visit and explore the Sierra possess something special from those experiences. Being able to share that with others through personal memories and stories is our privilege and legacy, and I hope to read a lot more from you here about the times and places you considered special. As demanding as backpacking can be on one's body, and it is even when you're in good shape, I always cherished the ability to get out there and explore, trail or no trail. I felt the most alive when I was in the high country. My "end of the line" manifested via osteoarthritis, and I have to admit I still feel a little unhappy about having to accept what that meant to my adventuring. Nevertheless, I applaud you for laying it out just the way it is for you now, with honesty and grace. We may have to leave the mountains, but the mountains never have to leave us. High five, and carry on!

[bheiser1]

Threads like this really make one think - about their own mortality & limitations - about whether we're doing everything we could be while we can - and about life's priorities, or how we define them. CrossCountry, thanks for sharing your story.

I'll bet this is a tough juncture for you. But as others have pointed out, and as you know anyway, there are other ways to experience a near-backcountry experience without backpacking. In particular I'd second what SSSDave described - using a 4x4 can get you to some pretty great places. And if one is careful, and uses camping techniques similar to those used while backpacking, the experience can be similar.

Again, this is good food for thought, thanks for sharing.

[sparky]

Even more reason for us to appreciate everything we experience out there. Fortunately you have been there and done that so to speak. Its just funny how hard it is to appreciate things when you have them.

Cheers buddy, there still plenty of things to be excited about, every moment and every day is truly a miracle.

[ndwoods]

Well, I hope you continue to read and post here....your experience is invaluable to us. And I wish you other great journeys to come! I personally have been grounded from the high mtns for a year or so for circumstances beyond my control....just temporary though, I'll be hiking again soon. But...I have fun riding my 2 lovely horses into the local state park by my house. Not quite the same....but salves the wound just fine!:) Hope you find something like that and keep going!:)

[larree0]

Cross Country- Yes, please continue to post, as you know, fisher folks pay $200-300 + tips for their guide's knowledge. My back is making BP-ing more and more difficult but, TESTIMONIAL: A light- weight pontoon boat has changed my life! OK, enough soap box; thank you for sharing a topic that we all face at some point.

[windknot]

Sorry to hear you'll be hanging up the spikes, but congratulations on a lifetime of quality trips. Others have already said it, but you've spent more time backpacking than a lot of us ever will, and you still have the experiences and memories to show for it.

[DriveFly44]

I often think about that day even though I'm only 39 years old. I have enjoyed reading your posts and like others have said, hope that you continue your invaluable contribution to this site. Your knowledge has been both entertaining and educational and I certainly relate to your passion and enthusiasm for the sierra nevada mountains. May you still enjoy this special place by living vicariously through those who are continuing their adventures. I hope that you can find ways to still enjoy the beauty and magic of this remarkable place.


ladd

[DoyleWDonehoo]

That is the way of the world, Cross Country: your body decides for you what you can do or not do.
I played Racquetball until my back told me I couldn't do that any more. That caused me to spend more time backpacking, which I have done with a vengeance. I have plenty of pictures, so I will always have that. If the time comes that I can't backpack, I will just bike more until I can't do that any more either. Gotta keep fightn'.
Meanwhile, do what you can and enjoy what you have. Keep on postn'.

[Cross Country]

To my friend riown. I still can camp and fish and plan to do so.

Old Ranger. I think we have a lot in common excluding one thing. No boat.

LMBSGV. I will do some car camping but my cc partner and wife, "saint" Diane is battling cancer and can't go which limits my opportunities.

kpeter. Last Sep I crossed Florence Lake on the ferry and was accompanied by my friend Gregg Kawczynski and 4 BPers, 3 over 80 and the other almost 80.

Wild Bill. "Take time to love the ones you love". You're sooo right.

Slo hiker. I'll be pulling for you everyday for a good surgery result. I really appreciate what you had to say.

Electra. makes me think of my trip to the Lyle fork of the Merced River below the (Electra) peak — and I do savor.

Rosabella. When I write stories I'll think of you.

dave54. Paddling with my 5 surgery shoulders is out but it was a nice idea. Thanks for the thought.

SSSdave. when my kids were small we did a lot of car camping. I had my summers free. I think we went to the place in the picture in our off road veh.

Rouge Photonic. I still play Senior Slo Pitch Softball 3 times a week. It's a great social sport and I'm really good at it. I still envy you.

gaintbrookie. It's really nice hearing (reading) from you again. The last time I heard from you I was recovering from surgery(s) and was absolutely miserable (more mentally than physically and I was in serious pain) and certainly not my self. You're the one that showed me HST. I always thought that you and I had a lot in common backpacking-wise (exploring — fishing). Thanks for everything.

Timberline. Thank you for the compliments and I agree with you, the mountains never (have to) leave us.

bheiser. I like insightful comments. Thanks for yours.

sparky. I had a plan from the beginning to appreciate each and every day in the wilderness. I did, and it's probably why I remember so much.

nd woods. If I had 2 horses I think I'd try to spent lots of time on high sierra trails.

larreeO. I will continue to post because you and others appreciate our common interest.

windnot. Thanks for the sentiment and I do appreciate my memories and enjoy sharing them.

Drive Fly. Thanks for your thoughtful insight.

Doyle W Donehoo. I went on a bike ride yesterday and loved it.

Wandering Datsy
balzacom

In conclusion I must say that I have for years enjoyed the posts from each and every one of the people I mentioned and some others too. REALLY - each and every one of you.
Remember this: We ARE the good guys (and women too).
Thank you.

PS: Now lets all go forward.