update

[elaine1961]

Well we climbed our Mountain Today,and what a climb it was. It was only a 5 mile walk but 21/2 miles of it was straight up, there was the occasional plato but mostly it was a steady steep climb there were 2 moments when i thought we had almost reached the top, only to continue on another climb, Eventually we reached the highest point we had reached the the end of the climb, the veiws were amazing, after a well earned lunch picnic, we began our downward journey,how hard could going down be? i think it was harder than going up.it was just as steep so it was more difficult to keep on the path without falling over, and it took us longer to get down there were more obsticles going down such as loose rocks, it was painfull on my knees, and poor cameron took the skin of his knees 3 times,eventually we reached the car park and had accomplished our goal what a great feeling of exhilleration. I think all our journeys are like that our weight slowley climbs we plato then climb a bit more untill we have gone as far as we are willing, then the journey back down is slow and often painful we have the occasional platos but if we keep going we will reach the end of our journey accomplish our goal what a great feeling of exhilleration we will have, keep going on your journey, as cameron told me on the way up Nanny we never quit, Once we start we try and try again till we get there.

[Ranaesheart]

Elaine and Steve - I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face.  The determination and courage you have shared to set this goal and to steady reach for your dreams is not only inspirational, but most heartwarming.  The love and commitment you have for each other is a testament to what having a life partner is all about.  I am so happy for you .. and moved to tears by the love, caring, support and strength you lend to each other.  

I've often said, from the mouths of babes .. and it is true.  Many times they see things clearer and their mindset is one of "can do" and "keep trying" .. and it is definitely then that they teach us.

Thank you sincerely for sharing your journeys and for being such integral members of the community.  You are heroes .. and a source of personal inspiration and friendship .. as you are for the community as a whole.

Miss Lucinda - Thanks for including sharing your experiences with running and the encouragement you receive from those along the roadside.  Don't you think that is how it is here in the community as well???  Each of us in our journeys .. and the rest of us encouraging each other to keep going ... that is what all of you do for me when we keep sharing and learning from each other.

Can hardly believe you had the strength to carry your 4-year-old .. I do believe mind would have had to walk .. at least part of the way.  ;)

VERY PROUD TO HAVE YOU ALL AS TEAMMATES!!!  :D

[lucindamartinez]

I should also add....the last time that I took my family on a hike, my son decided to sit down on a cactus at the top and I had to give him a piggyback ride all of the way down the hill!  Thank goodness he was only four then.  ; )  But it is a memory that still makes my family chuckle to this day.  Hhhmmmm....perhaps that is the reason my son no longer wants to hike?  LOL

[lucindamartinez]

Congrats!  That sounds like so much fun!  I can so relate to others saying "it's not much farther now"....that is exactly the way that it works with my races!  There are always folks posted on the sidelines at various increments encouraging you that it is not much farther now....but when actually performing the distance it feels SO much farther than it really is.  You both deserve a great big pat on the back, not only for the accomplishment of the hike, but for encouraging each other so much!  Excellent teamwork!  ; )  

[steve1954]

Although i may be biased, but Elaine has such a wonderful knack of producing an insperational experience from run of the mill experiences. She is so right in all She has written. I am so blessed not only to have Her as an insperational uplift, but also as my eternal wife.
As for the Walk/Climb, it was hard and everyone we met, that was on the way down, said it wasn't much further, but there idea of distance and our idea of distance was totally different. We made the top by encouraging and helping each other, and for a 5 yr old to have the wisdom in saying "We will not give up, and to try and try and try again" is great. (takes after his Nanny). I needed and got extra encouragement not because i was unfit but because i have a great fear of heights and sat with my back to the view as we ate lunch.
The greatest pat on the back should go to Elaine, as 2 yrs ago she could hardly climb the stairs unaided. I am well pleased. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!