Travellin' Penguin

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

LIFE…

You awake in the morning, listening to the rain. The bed is warm and cozy. Your fuzzy dogs are near. What do you do?

I got up, made a hot coffee, jumped into my gym gear and drove to the gym where I proceeded to do a 30 minute jog on the treadmill, some arm weight machines, and a lot of stretches while listening to geared up tunes. I had to tell myself winter cold is a state of mind and you’ll feel really good if you get yourself some exercise.

While I prefer to walk outdoors it isn’t always possible or comfortable with the cold rain.

BOOKS…

I am almost finished with the latest book I’m enjoying called Force of Nature by Joan M. Griffin.

This is the story of three women in their fifties who hike the 200 mile John Muir track through 200 miles of mountains.

From google– The John Muir Trail passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. This is a land of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs. The John Muir Trail is also a land blessed with the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world.

The trail is 211 miles long and runs (mostly in conjunction with the PCT) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California. Winding through the famed Sierra Nevada, the JMT visits some of the crown jewels of America’s park system: Yosemite, John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks end of google

I am enjoying the camaraderie of the walkers with each other and others on the trail. The adventure is high. It is an arduous track and the challenges are hard at times not to mention the enormous lightning storms around them with little shelter. The blurb on the book compares this book to A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. I wouldn’t go that far. Bill Bryson is a much better writer than this one as he is a professional writer and he is also much, much funnier. There is a bit of naval gazing from the women which Bryson doesn’t do but I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories of middle aged or older women who get out of their comfort zone to take on challenges, whatever they may be.

PHOTOGRAPHY…

I did a good walk in town of a few kilometres walking around Hobart, then up to North Hobart to a cafe for a cappuccino and a slice of lemon tart. The cappuccino was a bit of a disappointment as I ordered it in a cup and it was served in an espresso cup. Who does that? I was in too good of a mood to complain. I don’t know if it was a newly hired young staff member or a money saving exercise by this particular cafe who has been known for that but I just moved on. Such a first world issue.

On my local travels in Hobart and back to the bus stop I chatted to some women I found interesting. Either their culture, dress or smile attracted my attention. Here are the three lovely women.

I loved this beautiful, colourful outfit. The colours were just gorgeous.

This young woman was so interesting to me in her gothic dress. It always interests me when someone takes the time, especially on a cold winter’s day to express themself through an outfit.

The two of is sat together at the bus stop and chatted. She is a migrant from Sudan and has been in South Hobart for 17 years. She recently moved to South Hobart where I live and her home is just down the road. She was beautiful and her English was remarkable.

COMING UP...

I have an 85th birthday lunch this week with a dear friend. Then Tuesday I have another dinner with some of my older friends. One is 89 and she just had a bad fall but she’s already up and about and back to her job at a community centre she works at. We are a tough bunch. Other than the social business, we should all engage in for better health, I hope to have a photography day out and of course two more gym sessions.

Now feeling so self righteous for my gym work today I’ll be sure to have a slice of cake or two this evening to celebrate. I made the cake yesterday and cake is a treat to us so I don’t feel bad at all.

ANIMALS…

Our beautiful wet Ollie. Weather never bothers him. He spent the first 12 weeks of his life with his breeder living outdoors and he loves it! He often sits outdoors for as long as an hour at night, in the dark listening to the owls and the possums and the neighbours and often doesn’t want to come in. He appreciates his time alone without the other pets and us around. Such a deep thinker.

GETTING TO KNOW MY READER FRIENDS…

What is a challenging or memorable experience you had out of or in your comfort zone?

Until next week, stay well.