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  • What does your fitness routine consist of? See all answers
    • January 28, 2011 by pkhawk
    •  
    • My Fitness Routine?

    • Up the mountain on horseback

      Since I am somewhat limited in what I can physically do, how about I tell you about what I would be doing, rather than just the simple walking, etc. that I am more or less now restricted to.

      Until my ol' body got all wrecked up, I rode horses a lot, often for fifteen hours at a time. I threw around bales of hay, and fifty pounds of horse feed, dog food, etc. I loved doing physical things, such as hiking, and even occasionally wrestling, for fun only, of course. I loved fishing, and even occasionally doing my own mechanical repairs, when I had the time.
      When I say I rode horses, I don't mean simply sitting there and letting my horse do my walking for me. I loved riding distances, and really moving along.

      My mare, Dusty, was an appaloosa horse, that really stepped out, and was nearly always leader of the pack, so to speak. She loved our outings as much as I did. When we rode to higher elevations in the nearby mountains, we packed food and drinks along to take us from about 5 AM until maybe 10 or 11 PM. There were times when we trailered the horses into the mountains, so we would be able to ride deep into the interior, following trails that were way too narrow for any four-wheeled vehicles, and too rough for bikes, even mountain bikes or motorcycles. It was either hike in, or ride a horse or mule.

      There was a beautiful waterfall there called Tenaja Falls, which drained into a natural rock pool, somewhat similar to a good sized jacuzzi, where my nieces loved to play and rejuvenate themselves after a good long ride.

      We all sat, resting under lovely oaks, munching on our provisions, eating such things as homemade trail mix, fresh fruit, and enjoying plenty of fresh water, and an occasional beer, or maybe a Pepsi.

      I used to ride Dusty about halfway up the mountains, and along wildlife trails, from where I lived to another part of the area, where my sister lived, which was about five of six miles from my home. Dusty and I would stop and gaze out overlooking the valley, and the local lake, just taking it all in. No traffic, or people were up there, just us. It allowed time for reflection, and let the stresses of life just fade into the distance.

      I loved camping, hiking, even more so if I had my horse to ride while there, too.

      Now, since I can only occasionally take walks of any decent distance, I don't get nearly as much exercise as I should.

       
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  • Comments

    vishwapriya said:
    Waow! What a nice experience you had. I loved your way of describing things.And yes, I am going through the references you have given, now I am following Mr. Vincent Tuckwood. Really, he is a fabulous writer. Thanks alot.Take Care
    posted over 2 years ago
    pkhawk said:
    You also follow, I think, Sillyfrogsusan, don't you? Susan is a wonderful poet, loves children and nature, too. She runs a very qualified child care facility, and is very devoted to the children in her charge. She is a very special lady, who has been able to keep looking at the world through the eyes of a child, and yet help guide them as a loving adult.
    posted over 2 years ago
    vishwapriya said:
    Yes, I have seen her profile photo and you know, one's eyes speaks alot, as her do.She didn't replied me yet, hope she will. You know mam, Mr. Thom is also n excellent writer, this I have found recently. take care
    posted over 2 years ago
    JaimeE said:
    I love this. I envy these experiences. I dream of getting a horse.. I used to ride when I was a kid but more structured, nothing like these trips you were taking. Lovely.
    posted over 2 years ago
    gmamia said:
    It's like I'm there. -can hear the leather , babbling brook,and taste the beer!
    posted over 2 years ago
    pkhawk said:
    Thanks gmamia. I'm glad if it was realistic to you. I certainly do miss those days. I may soon start riding again, though it certainly won't be the kind of riding I once did. I guess now I will have to settle for a horse with a milder disposition, and one that will be relatively "bomb proof." I still think about getting one with more spirit, even if it's one I drive from a cart, though.
    posted over 2 years ago
    vishwapriya said:
    Hi Mam! I was waiting for your article, but till now you didn't wrote. Its 1 o'clock AM in India. Are you ok mam? How is your Health? Reply soon.
    posted over 2 years ago
    pkhawk said:
    Hi, I really don't think I want to write about this topic. If I say I have nothing about which I can or want to share on the subject, it doesn't sound very nice. If I try to think of something to share on the subject, it may be too personal. There are time many of us don't always share on some subjects, and on others we have a lot to say.
    You are about 10 hours different from me in California, USA.
    When it was 1 AM in India, it was 11 AM, Saturday in California. Have a wonderful weekend.
    posted over 2 years ago
    vishwapriya said:
    ok mam take care
    posted over 2 years ago
    pkhawk said:
    You too vishwapriya. I hope you have a nice weekend. If you would like to contact me direct, my email is Crittersaver007@yahoo.com
    Just write vish@plinky in the subject line, so I will know who you are.
    posted over 2 years ago

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