Maturity, Wisdom, and Photography
Mar 19, 2020 18:57:16 #
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply some places I will not be able to photograph, despite the natural beauty and calling. Not because I can't afford to get there, and not because they are too remote; no, Ive come to realize that at 70 years old, I'm not as agile as I used to be.
Recently, I have wanted to photograph Little Mashel Falls, just outside of Eatonville, Washington. There are three different trail heads to the 3 waterfalls and all end with a very steep, winding path down into the river canyon as near as I can tell. One misstep and a person no matter the age, they will be resetting bones. So, when I compare the last section of trail with my age and agility, each time I've turned back despite the 2 - 2.5 mile hikes. And yet, I've watched numerous videos of moms, dads, and children at the falls. Perhaps I'm missing something. But until I find out, I'll be looking for another set of falls that is more matched to my comings & goings.
Recently, I have wanted to photograph Little Mashel Falls, just outside of Eatonville, Washington. There are three different trail heads to the 3 waterfalls and all end with a very steep, winding path down into the river canyon as near as I can tell. One misstep and a person no matter the age, they will be resetting bones. So, when I compare the last section of trail with my age and agility, each time I've turned back despite the 2 - 2.5 mile hikes. And yet, I've watched numerous videos of moms, dads, and children at the falls. Perhaps I'm missing something. But until I find out, I'll be looking for another set of falls that is more matched to my comings & goings.
Mar 19, 2020 19:01:05 #
I can identify with your post. I’m 72 and feeling every bit of it. There are numerous waterfalls here in Tennessee that I would love to photograph but moderately steep to steep trails have me staying away.
Mar 19, 2020 19:05:49 #
My Dad, a physician, used to say "If you are feeling old and creaky, consider the alternative and enjoy life".
Mar 19, 2020 19:31:38 #
You made a wise decision and are not alone in your concern for falling. As we get older we simply cannot physically afford it. In winter I see people going down my road and sliding on the ice and laughing but when I go out I have my ice cleats on and a shovel or walking pike that I can jam into the ice for balance and I carefully place each foot when walking. People look at me when I am taking these precautions and I can tell they find them silly. I just think, wait, you will get here too one day.
Mar 19, 2020 19:40:26 #
I'm not the strapping young lad I was when I was 17 years old.....
at 76 I still am,......between my ears though.
Time to realize I'm not going to live forever.
As Jerry Sienfeld said,....all these young kids,....they are our replacements.
at 76 I still am,......between my ears though.
Time to realize I'm not going to live forever.
As Jerry Sienfeld said,....all these young kids,....they are our replacements.
Mar 19, 2020 19:41:25 #
I feel your pain. I'm 69 and I can't go to many places I once did. So I've learned to focus on the things I can do.
Mar 20, 2020 01:33:59 #
Mar 20, 2020 01:57:50 #
I’ll be 74 in a couple months, and I find I can no longer go running around the mountain slopes with my grandson. The kid (he’s 22) can run up and down the mountains here like nobody’s business. I pick the easy slopes and just take my time and stop when my legs start to burn and I need to catch my breath. Getting old sux, but I’ve learned to accept it and do what I can. I much prefer hikes on level ground, and at a slow pace. Besides, running around too fast you can miss an opportunity for a photo. One thing I’ve learned is when I go at a slow pace, I can enjoy the beauty around me more. I’d miss some of that by going faster.
Mar 20, 2020 05:49:42 #
It doesn't even have to be a steep trail to end up with a broken leg. My wife slipped off a rock which was a freak accident a year and a half ago at a nearby state park. Dislocated her ankle and broke her fibula. Four months and $20,000 later she is back to hiking but we don't do that part of the trail since her fall. One day I will convince her that we need to try it again (I'm the one who has the most falls including a full flight of basement stairs - no broken bones but a nasty gash above my right eye - $7,000 ER visit that day).
Last year in Maui, our 10 year old grandson was like a billy goat climbing the lava rocks in flip-flops down to the blowhole while we picked our path downhill ever so carefully and at times thought about turning back.
Last year in Maui, our 10 year old grandson was like a billy goat climbing the lava rocks in flip-flops down to the blowhole while we picked our path downhill ever so carefully and at times thought about turning back.
Mar 20, 2020 06:14:24 #
Mar 20, 2020 06:33:17 #
77,77,77,
So right. When I was in the Marines 60-67 I knew I (we) had b#*ls. Now at 77, I know I have a brain. If it's it's sketchy ...move on.
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
So right. When I was in the Marines 60-67 I knew I (we) had b#*ls. Now at 77, I know I have a brain. If it's it's sketchy ...move on.
Mar 20, 2020 06:34:43 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
With age comes wisdom.
Mar 20, 2020 06:49:49 #
Mar 20, 2020 06:51:49 #
billnikon wrote:
With age comes wisdom.
Yes indeed, and often, unfortunately, irrational fear.
Mar 20, 2020 07:03:05 #
Photobum wrote:
Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply ... (show quote)
Yes I will be 69 in July. I have wanted to go out to western Kansas and shoot some waterfalls and ghost towns. There is this one waterfall especially that I wanted to shoot and reading about it I have decided I probably wouldn't make it without something getting broke or worse. I should have gone years ago when I first started thinking about it. And my wonderful wife advised me that no way in hell was I going to any of those places to shoot photos. I guess I am stuck shooting ghost towns and landscapes which from some of the photos I have seen might not be too bad. Thanks
Tom
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