My First Hike....

[Hikin' Mike]

I posted this on some of my backpacking forums, but I thought I'd post this here too:

Went out to the Merced NWR Monday afternoon. Since you can't walk around the loop, this is the next best thing! I can't bend my knees anymore so I kinda look ridiculous...but it get the job done.


Along the way I saw this Red-tailed Hawk (I think) sitting on a sign. I got one photo through the windshield. My wife stopped the van so I could stand up and try and take a few more shots as the hawk flew away. This is the first time in over three years that I've been able to walk AND take a photo while a bird was in flight. I was jazzed!


There's a flat, 0.6 mile nature trail, no problem...I thought I'd try and walk it...using my walker of course.


Along the way I saw several Barn Owls. I had one Owl start flying right in front of me....about 25-30 feet away. I didn't get a picture as I almost fell over trying to do that. I was able to get this one though...


Got a shot of a Great Blue Heron in Flight too....


Had my wife take this shot about 100 yards to go. She asked me if I wanted the 'chair, but I couldn't stop now! No cropping on this shot...she did good!


Before I collapsed, I took this as the sun was setting. I thought it was fitting! I've been to Mount Whitney (22 miles round trip, day hike), Half Dome (15 mile round trip, day hike) and more. Those were all very challenging, but I'll have to add this small little hike to my list of big adventures....probably one of my most memorable adventures because of what it meant for me.

Until next time...

[windrivermaiden]

Congratulations!

[Silverstangs]

Looks like your wife is also a good shutterbug, that image she took of you is really great. Congradulations on getting around, it's nice to be moble.

[Hikin' Mike]

Thanks Windy and Scott! It's been nice to be vertical again. I'll probably use my chair for extended trips, but at least now I can actually walk around a bit.

[Pattyhm73]

nice pictures, congrats!!!!! I'm happy to see your getting better

[island_girl1]

Fantastic pictures, Mike! My husband loves the hawk photo!

And for making that walk!! Keep it up!!

[Killjoy]

Mike, I don't know what to say other than Congratulations, and keep up the good work. :)