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...

[Lexie]

Congrats on the hike Mike. And you have some great bird shots there. Love that barn owl. Wishing you many more memorable adventures down the lane.

[Patti Edens]

Mike, Congrats on a big milestone in your recovery. You got some wonderful photos. The BIF ones are so sharp and well timed. And I love the sunset - what beautiful color and composition! Big kudos to your wife on the photo of you. Perfect framing with just the right amount of trail in front of you.

[J Eddington]

Way to go Mike. AND to top it off you got some great shots!

[afrikaner07]

Congratulations, wonderful photos as well, remarkably clear and sharp

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

congrats Mike... must feel good.

you got some great shots in there.. the Owl was great! looking forward to seeing many more of your "hiking" photos.

[gardener]

Know what? I admire your gumption and your willingness to talk about the issues you've faced learning to walk again. My hat is off to you Sir and I look forward to your continued success into a full recuperation.
Oh, and the pictures ain't bad either!

[BeccaJ]

you've gotten some great pics of the birds in flight. i love your work

[Jay Henley]

love the barn owl and the sun shot but no. 6 is favorite seeing you walking (hiking) .......... I saw Mike and his wife back in Feb. at Yosemite when he had one leg fused straight permanetly and the other leg was bent (fused) at 90 degrees at knee. Limited to wheel chair only. seeing the other one straightend out is great.

I see your Mr. Yosemite Ranger doll is still hanging around. ha ha

Tell your wife Hi for me. For the life of me I can not remember her name.

[Hikin' Mike]

Originally Posted by gardener

Know what? I admire your gumption and your willingness to talk about the issues you've faced learning to walk again. My hat is off to you Sir and I look forward to your continued success into a full recuperation.
Oh, and the pictures ain't bad either!

I wasn't going to mention my handicap when I post some of my photos. I didn't want pitty, I mention it now so maybe somebody can see what I've done and be inspired to do the same thing. Hope that makes sense.

Originally Posted by Jay Henley

love the barn owl and the sun shot but no. 6 is favorite seeing you walking (hiking) .......... I saw Mike and his wife back in Feb. at Yosemite when he had one leg fused straight permanetly and the other leg was bent (fused) at 90 degrees at knee. Limited to wheel chair only. seeing the other one straightend out is great.

I see your Mr. Yosemite Ranger doll is still hanging around. ha ha

Tell your wife Hi for me. For the life of me I can not remember her name.

Jay, that was 'Hiker Dude' and my wife is 'Stacy'. Hope we can get together again some day!


~Thanks everybody...it means a lot to me.