Done Hiking

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There comes a time when one has to say That’s it. Enough. Sometimes it’s forced on you. I had to give up rugby at the age of 22, much to my disgust. I was playing great rugby at the time, but ended up concussed every game. (Sometimes I wondered if my captain wasn’t giving me a clout in a loose scrum just to get me playing at my best.) The doctor, however, warned that the potential for permanent brain damage was a likelihood if I continued. (Some may say he was too late.)

My mother, on a few occasions demonstrated remarkable wisdom as far as knowing when to stop. She was known for her dignity and independence. But, when the time came, she checked herself into a retirement village, giving up a magnificent garden and a very comfortable home. Not long after, she had us sell her car believing she should no longer be driving. It reduced her independence significantly but was the right thing to do.

Giving up something that’s important to you, or that you particularly like, is never easy. I was never a great hiker. Although I did do the Whale Trail once (a slack-packing hike) and thoroughly enjoyed it. A favourite pastime was taking long walks on the Silvermine mountains above Noordhoek. They were covered in fynbos and offered something to look at or photograph, any time of the year. My dogs loved the walks.

Moving cities put paid to my Silvermine rambles and I confined myself to beach walks. Not that the dogs minded. But when they both moved on to the doggy cloud, the drive to a beach no longer made much sense.

The thing is, even if you have to give up something important, having a substitute makes it bearable. While I was working, I ran out of time most days. Now I’m retired, the same thing happens.

I don’t have time to miss hiking.