While taking our usual spin down & around Trinidad Head I was impressed and inspired by someone I don’t know. This morning there was a younger than me woman on the same trail who, instead of walking a dog, was pushing a jogging stroller that carried a toddler. I watched with fascination as this very determined gal, with an awesome spring in her step, pushed her child thru town, down and up and around the headland.

This may not sound like much to the uninitiated but for those who have been on this trail, you know why this was worthy of appreciation. The city’s elevation above sea level is 175 feet. By the time one walks down to the headland, up and around, and back up into town, the total elevation gain registers on my Apple Watch at 480 feet. The gain is impressive but the terrain makes it even more so. The trail’s surface includes pavement which is easy to stroll on, but then turns into a narrow uneven dirt trail that includes tree roots and rocks as part of its surface. The trail also includes a heavy chip rock gravel road.

At one point there is a boulder surrounded by rocks in the trail that you have to step up and around. I asked if I could help and with a smile on her face she said, thank you but I can do it, I’m just going to go over it backwards. I was thoroughly impressed as she maneuvered that stroller around the rocks. Then I realized that she reminded me of my younger self. When our kids were little we lived on the Big Island and I used to take them for walks in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Using a rigid frame baby backpack and/or an umbrella stroller I would hike the park with my husband or more frequently a friend and her son.

Determination and being able to adapt to situations is an important life skill. I think at times it appears (for some) to be almost a lost art. Something to ponder as we deal with life’s current challenges. Enjoy my pics! The distant wild fire smoke is reflected in my photos. #iluvtowalk #baxteronthego #trinidadcalifornia #

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