Category Archives: Aging

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A Third Place

I was reading an interesting article this week about “A Third Place” in the latest issue of Outside Magazine. The Third Place is described as a place where people can meet and socialize with strangers, acquaintances, and friends. This would be outside the home ( first place), and the workplace ( second place). In our world, the “place” sometimes varies but the important thing is to meet and be held accountable for meeting. Take mountain biking for instance. We meet at different ” third places”, but the social interaction is there on the ride and also the post ride with libations and snacks in the parking lot. This was particularly important post-pandemic when we were all basically shut in and longing for a third place to meet and socialize. In our case, in an athletic endeavor.

In the winter, our third place oftentimes is the ski area. We have our standard places but also we make it a point to make a ” third place” not only the local area, but a vacation spot where we can ski together and socialize on the chair lift and also in an apre’s ski venue.

The local” third place.”

So what is the real importance of finding a place to exercise and gather socially outside the home or workplace? It is important to have an outlet to be with friends in an environment where we share an activity. The “place” is not as important as what we do in that place. Group exercise meetings fulfill the need to blow off some steam from the workplace and to get out of the house on a nice day or not so nice day depending on your level of intensity. Gloria Liu, in her article in Outside, says that” Third Places are posited as a solution for finding and building community during a time when Americans are increasingly alone. ” Coffee shops, bars, and other meeting places are not necessarily conducive to creating a community like a meeting place, where we are all held accountable to a mutual love of an athletic endeavor. Endorphins are released, people get excited, and make plans to meet again for a ride or a ski day. Thus the “third place” is actually a metaphor for a mutually enjoyed activity that fosters friendships and a community dedicated to health and fitness.

The “Third Place” has actually been quite important to me in that most of my good friends and social interactions have been found there. To me, it is important to have friends who hold you accountable no matter the circumstances. Weather, time constraints, etc. can all derail meetings, but when things are really clicking, you meet at that third place regularly and it becomes an important part of your lifestyle. It is not just something you do, it literally is who you are. Gloria Liu also says that the third place is one that you make, not just one you find. You become more involved. As you become a more senior member of a group, you volunteer to bring along the new people, introduce them to your other friends, and let them make new friends and be held accountable. This type of social interaction is not found necessarily in the workplace, or for many at home who perhaps are single or alone. But it is an important step in developing relationships that last a lifetime.

So, make it a point to make that weekly ride, meet friends who will ride with you daily. Perhaps a hiking or running group? There are many of them around if you search the internet. Find that third place for social interaction and become an integral, teaching part of that group. They can learn a lot from you, and you can learn a lot from them. And as I said in my last post, age really does not matter if your shared love is a sport that you can do for a lifetime. For me, riding, hiking, and skiing are those sports and I have found my “third places” for all of them. Thanks for reading.

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Keep it Rolling!

” Don’t count your years, make your years count.” – Billy Graham

You know it is interesting, when I spend time on my mountain bike I tend to think about a lot of things. Entering the seventh decade tends to do that and I think about the friends that I have lost, and many who have been injured or are recovering from medical issues. Stuff happens when you hit my age, and I am so grateful to have been blessed with good health so far. I make it a habit to visit people when they are in the hospital, and try to be there for the family of those who have lost a loved one. But I also try to do the best that I can by eating right, and exercising. Doing it all of these years I believe has helped me. But you never know. Try to do the best that you can and thank God every day for your health.

Recently, I finished Dr. Peter Attia’s book called ” Outlive- the Science and Art of Longevity.” The interesting takeaway for me was that he says his methods are not to extend life for as long as we can, but rather to maximize the quality of life in the years we have left. He says we have to backcast to where we are now, if we want to see a future of rolling on the ground with our grandkids and being able to get up off the floor. He says whatever decade in life we are, we need to figure out what we would like for our future and make changes if necessary to create that future.

From the chair at Diamond Peak.

But as much as I think about these things, I also know that you have to keep things rolling. It has its rewards like my last day of skiing this year with my good friend Eric. We had some great snow and I hauled out the fat skis (107mm under foot) and made a day of it. We were the first on the chair and last off at 70 years old. The cool thing is that there were a lot of people there that day who were a decade older than us.

This guy Freddie is 88 and skis 4 -5 days a week.

Lots of vertical that day and even though my friend does a lot of skiing and basically is my mentor on the slopes, he smiled at the end of the day. He said that was one of the best days of the season for him and it certainly was mine. We just need our pal Hutch with us next year. Yes, we don’t ski like we did when we were in our 20s, but we keep it rolling by staying in shape and just going for it.

I don’t ride like I used to back in my 20s,30s,and 40s, but I still enjoy it and can head in a slightly different direction now. I used to be the weekend warrior and loved to chase the age group awards as I got older. I loved to get into the next decade to compete and beat up on the older guys. Sometimes successfully but often getting my head handed to me by an older guy. Now, as I head into this decade, the object is not to be competitive with anyone other than myself. I will still try to eat right, exercise, and basically enhance the quality of life that is left. Not necessarily ” counting the years, but making the years count.” Thanks Reverend Billy Graham. Also, the new Pope Leo IV is just entering his seventh decade in September. He needs to make his years count too. My friend Jaime reminded me that we are older than the Pope. We laughed, but it is kind of sobering too. I always thought the Pope was an old guy. LOL!!

Keeping things rolling along, I like to use a little technology on my rides. It is important to be aware of your state of being while exercising. And the new technology of “wearables” are pretty accurate.

I check out the data on my Garmin watch after a ride and just look at some metrics that are beneficial to me. Lots of data on there that is not necessarily relevant, but interesting things about miles ridden, altitude gained, aerobic and anaerobic effort, sleep quality, HRV status, that can tell you how you did and where you are with your fitness. But nobody knows better than you. You know your body and can listen to it. No matter what the data says, you know better than the Garmin. It can give you some signals, but do what makes you feel good. But listen to the “wearable” if it tells you to back off. LOL!!

In any event, as I wade through this new decade, I won’t think about what can happen. I will just be aware of things. Ride to ride another day, and appreciate things like that last ski day of the season. Thanks for reading, take care of your health, and be there for your friends.

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The Secret Stache

Lots of people have a secret stache. Hidden collections of Oreos, candy, money, or other things that perhaps they want to keep quiet and only have available for their use only. I have a few of those, but perhaps my favorite stache is my “private” collection of MTB trails. Well, not so private, but I don’t want to spread the knowledge around too much for fear of private land owners shutting down my access to the trails. But suffice to say that these trails mean a lot to me and they offer me some privacy while riding.

Lately, I have been riding by myself and really enjoy the solace of the peaceful, uncrowded state of affairs on my stache of trails. I enjoy listening to music on my Shokz head pieces as I ride along. I have a rather eclectic collection of music. Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco, and other sounds from my college days. Other times I have Celtic music or even Gregorian Chant which keeps me in a mellow mood all the way around. My Garmin can tell what kind of music I have on by the results of the ride. But in any case, I enjoy riding by myself on the trails that I kind of keep to myself.

Even in the winter, these trails offer great opportunities for quiet hikes and riding. I have always ridden with groups of people on the road and on the MTB. But lately, I have found that I really enjoy either riding with one or two other people or just by myself with my music. Gone are the days when I have to chase people or have people riding up my back. To have a nice conversation with one or two other people or just having a conversation with myself or singing to myself has been very rewarding. This began as a COVID habit, but stretched into present day stache enjoyment.

My Shokz headpieces.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not becoming anti-social. I will ride with a group if the opportunity arises, but I don’t seek that out anymore. There is something relaxing about riding with a small group or by myself. Especially on trails that a lot of people do not know anything about. I can still get a good workout and review my progress on my Garmin, but I tend now to do it at my own pace. You can see on Garmin Connect if you are loafing or working hard. But doing it on your own is something that I am finding value in lately.

The finish of my secret stache rides are enjoyable too. I ride to a bench in the area and just sit down and relax to my music. I have shown several of my friends this habit, and they enjoy it. The other nice thing about the bench is that if you look around, you can see the intimate details of the change of the seasons. Those first snowflakes, the blossoms coming out in the spring, the greenery of the summer and the flowers on the sides of the trails, and the telltale signs of the fall with the changing leaves. I really like seeing the change from the position of the bench. The music adds to the atmosphere and then……………I head home.

I am always trying to encourage older people like me with my blog posts. The purpose of a lot of this is to get people out of their comfort zones, take up an outdoor activity, and enjoy the fresh air. Like it is always said,” you don’t quit things because you get old, you get old because you quit things.” As we age, we look at the other sides of exercise. We don’t have to keep up and make it a race. We can ride pleasantly and still get good exercise. We can ride, to ride another day. And you can enjoy your own company and get answers when you talk to yourself. LOL!! So, maybe think about this? Think of your own secret stache of things and perhaps share them or………. keep them to yourself. Thanks for reading.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” Ecclesiastes- 3:1

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Whoa Nellie!!!

Around the East , we are having a banner snow year, but the imminent freeze thaw cycles also lead to some icy conditions on the slopes where you need good sharp edges. But the same thing happens to the local trails that I ride in the winter. Usually, after a snow, the trails will pack down after hikers, runners, and fat bikers make the surface rideable. Kind of like a groomer at a ski area. I ride them with my Esker hard tail that I use in the winter with 2.6 tires. (Thanks Tom Florcik from Highline Bikes info@highlinebikes.com) That set up is good enough for most snow rides until the freeze thaw cycle starts. Then it gets a little sketchy. I end up talking to myself in sections. Encouraging myself, and riding the edges until I can find better spots. In the thaw/wet periods, I try not to ride so as to destroy the trail. But when I get the chance and the trails are rideable, they can be a good workout. Frozen trails are like riding in the summer. But thawing trails are soft and can give you a better workout than you might have bargained for. I see that on my Garmin watch when I look at the end of ride statistics. I work harder in softer conditions.

Sketchy trail conditions.

A lot of the guys that I ride with use studded tires in the winter. That works for sure. But I just go out when I can, and see if I can get by without them. If it gets too icy, I put Yak Traks on my hiking boots and go for a hike until the trail conditions get better. More snow is usually the remedy and the packing down cycle begins again. My neighbors think I am a bit touched when they see me load my bike in the Jeep in a snowstorm. But I like to ride, and peddling is my way to keep in shape and also have a little solace in the woods during a snowstorm. I have never been a gym guy, so I like to do things outdoors- no matter what the weather is doing. I don’t really live in ski country. It takes some effort to drive to the mountains to ski and drive to my local trail systems to ride. When the freeze thaw comes, I am prepared with sharp edges on my skis. But when I ride…………………whoa Nellie!!!!

So, getting back to my neighbors. They say, “why would a 70 year old guy ride in the dark, with lights, on snow covered or icy trails?” They just shake their head at me as if to say- “are you nuts?” But my response is always positive. I tell them how much fun it is, how beautiful a snow- covered trail is in the woods at night, and how trail conditions improve my bike handling skills. Most of my neighbors are my age or a little older and their idea of conditioning is a little different than mine. I am not your typical 70 year old for many reasons. But continuing to do the things I like will keep me young. I want to enjoy skiing and riding for as long as I can. You don’t quit doing things because you get old………you get old because you quit doing things. I think about how long I will be able to schlepp ski bags and luggage through airports, drive in raging snowstorms, and put up with all the inconveniences just to do the things I like to do? I hope for a long time. Just keep doing it. When you quit, then you have a problem. Got some new roller luggage and roller ski bags this year just to make sure.

The Winter Bike

So my message this week is again, not to let the weather get the best of you. Enjoy a walk, a hike, or something outdoors in the winter. And when the trail conditions get a little sketchy……enjoy the ride, or the slide…….. as it may be. Thanks for reading.

Please follow the blog on http://www.chroniclesofmccloskey.com It helps me. Cheers!!

“Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize….” -Phillipians 3 13-14

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A Great Connection

The Durfees and the Chetlins in Bend, Oregon

There was a recent Harvard study on happiness that stated that the number one thing people believe makes them happy is meaningful social interactions. More so than money, power, or even health. Also, it was noted that people found more happiness out of giving something to others rather than getting something for themselves. Shared friendships that grow over time are part of that happiness. The great philosopher Carol McCloskey( my mother) 🙂 always said,” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.

One of the things that makes me very happy is to connect people that I believe would really enjoy each others company. The two couples above in the photo are some of my favorite people and I always wanted to get them together because they have so much in common. Two years ago, when we were all in Bend, Oregon, was the first time that I introduced the Durfees to the Chetlins.

Good times at Mt. Bachelor for Tim Girone’s birthday and the first time the Durfees and the Chetlins met.

We all had a great time and I was particularly gratified that Jeff and Julie got to ski and spend time with Helen and Eric. They are both extremely devoted to the outdoors, have camping vans that take them all over the west, and an ethos that I always thought would gel.

The Chetlin’s Sprinter Van and the Durfee’s Sportmobile in the Chetlin’s driveway in Bend.

Recently the Durfee’s departed on a whirlwind trip of ski areas in the west in their Sportmobile, and made the effort to stop in Bend to see the Chetlins. I was so happy to receive the pictures of the two couples dining together, skiing together, and enjoying each other’s company. Something that I had wanted to happen for a long time. It was important to me to have them meet and foster what I believe will be a lifelong friendship. As an aside, Jeff has made a wonderful recovery from a stroke and is doing all the things he always liked to do. Eric has fully recovered from a fall in Nepal. Jeff and Eric have had some real meaningful talks about their recoveries and some similar setbacks and issues regarding brain injuries. They are fortunate and can share their stories with each other and take comfort in the fact that by being in good shape, having excellent medical care, and with the power or prayer, they have been restored to their active lives. Thus, the zeal for both couples to do the things they like to do in the outdoors. So happy that they got another chance to do it together.

Helen, Eric, Julie and Jeff
Helen, Julie and Jeff at Mt. Bachelor

One of the cool things about skiing is that it brings people together in a fun outdoors environment. Lots of good conversations in the chairlifts about what is really meaningful in life. Along with discussions about skiing, family, travel and what lies ahead. As I communicated with both couples this last week, I was so happy to hear what a great time they had together. I can feel satisfied that I helped to foster what I hope to be a great friendship. Activities like skiing can be a great catalyst for bringing people together. Apres ski fun, discussions, and dinners together can bring lasting memories that will last a lifetime. Most of my really good friends I met through skiing and cycling. They are fun activities, but they gave me the chance to get to know some really great people in my life. My wife Janet is also grateful to know the Chetlins and the Durfees. They mean so much to us and the fact that skiing brought us all together is a testament to why I like the sport of skiing so much. There is way more to it than groomers, powder days, and beautiful ski areas.

Helen and Jeff- new ski pals.

We are all empty nesters now and it is important to cherish really good friendships. We are all blessed with good health, and a love for the outdoors. If you can take the opportunity to weave friends into your fabric of relationships, you have done your friends a great service, and you have surely sprinkled some happiness on yourself as well. Thanks for reading.

Photos courtesy of Eric and Helen Durfee and Julie and Jeff Chetlin

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy” – Psalm 27:9

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Resolutionaries

Where it all begins. The New Years resolutions around North Park lake.

You know- one of the great things I see this time of year is when people decide to make a change in their lives. Some want to lose weight, some want to get into shape, some want to run, ski, or ride more, some make dietary changes. Some make other changes that hopefully will stick through what I call the “Resolutionary” period. But in any event, whenever I look at our local park and see the throngs of people walking or running around the lake this time of year- it is heartwarming. People want to be their best selves and that is admirable. But the key is to stick with it.

The parking lots are packed. Lot of good intentions.

A lot of people begin their resolutions on New Years Day with a lot of vim and vigor. I see the smiles, the grimaces, and in general an effort to get the ball rolling for 2025. But the key in my book is to start slowly and ease into it. Most people who are regular exercisers and want to step it up a bit, tend to do a killer run or ride on the 1st. The people who maybe have not done anything for a while, tend to start too hard. Oftentimes, it results in pain that they do not want to endure several days or weeks into it. I always say- start slowly and let your body adjust to the new strains you are putting on it.

Funny but true.

Most often, if you start slowly, you can get incrementally stronger each day without even knowing it. If you try too hard, the tendency is to give up after a certain amount of time. But easing into things will get you moving in the right direction. As you age, there is no hurry to get into shape. Take it as it comes and see how you do. Remember, most people can’t even run to the mailbox. So, whatever you attempt, it is a positive movement in the right direction.

This crew of veteran riders always starts with a New Years Day ride. Same for 2025.

Another thing that is hard is the weather. Oftentimes weather will thwart the best of intentions. But if you get the right clothing and dress for the cold and snowy weather, you can exercise outdoors all year. Nothing like fresh air and cold weather to invigorate you. If you can make it through the winter, you can make it all year. As the Shark always says,” no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” And, if it is too tough, a YMCA membership or another gym membership might be the ticket to get you through. In any case, start slowly, ease into it and stick with it. Personally, I like the winter. I like to ski, hike, and ride in the winter and the cold air and winter weather is a beautiful experience for me. Sure, it gets a little harder each year, but the New Year always inspires. Even to people like me who have exercised all year for a long time.

Old guys have goals too.

A final note about resolutions. They don’t always have to be physical. They can be new ways to be with your spouse, family and friends. Maybe a new approach will help in your relationships? Maybe reaching out to someone who is in need or volunteering may be a good way to start the New Year? Maybe reconnecting to your faith might be in order? Find a new church or go back to the one where you have been absent? There are a lot of good communities, just find the one that speaks to you.

All in all, get out there and “do it” like Nike says. As I have recounted recently – you don’t quit doing things because you get old, you get old because you quit doing things. I love seeing those people running, walking, riding around the lake. It inspires me every year at this time. Thanks for reading and Happy New Years.

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“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord.” Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah- 29:11

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The Christmas Tree

Thought I would add just another little post this week to celebrate the season. This is our Christmas Tree. The ornaments are from the Danbury Mint in Philadelphia and also Lennox China. My folks collected them over the years and always bought two- one for me and one for my sister Molly. Their radiance with the Christmas lights is always spectacular and I always relish putting up the tree every year with these wonderful ornaments shining brightly. But there is a lot more to putting up the tree and placing the ornaments.

Erecting the tree and bringing out the Danbury Mint and Lennox ornaments take me back in time to Christmas long ago. My mother loved Christmas – to the point where people referred to her as ” Christmas Carol.” She always made a point to make Christmas special for Molly and me and to her friends and relatives. My parent’s Christmas Eve party was an anticipated joyful time for all of us. My dad and Molly and I were always on the dock to help out with whatever needed to be done. But, my mother was the coordinator and her decorations, her food, her atmosphere with music in the house was welcoming to many who needed a lift at the holidays.

There were funny times as my dad’s eggnog loosened up some folks. For instance- my mom’s cousin loved the nog but when he went to the driveway and inserted his car keys into his side car window- I knew it was time to take him home. People joyously singing carols around the piano as I played and after hours of this, I was relegated to the kitchen to wash the dishes with my sister and Sally Rose. Lots of work that Christmas party, but with people in and out of the house all day, it was always a wonderful event. The tree in my parents living room looked just like the one that Janet and I erect each year. Perhaps that is why I like the annual rite of erecting and decorating the tree. I am brought back in time. I can somehow see my dad, smiling with his Christmas pants and tie, offering the guests some of his lethal nog. I can see my mom singing behind me at the piano. My mom had perfect pitch and her singing was always appreciated by the crowd. I can just see her around the tree admiring the ornaments and being satisfied with her statement to me that” happiness is like a perfume that you can’t sprinkle on others without getting a little on yourself.” She and my dad were so generous ,and their example has carried on with me years later.

So, as I peer a little more closely into the tree, and see the ornaments depicting the manger scene, I think about the real meaning of Christmas. I think about the amazing announcement by the angel Gabriel, and the birth of Christ into our fallen world. I think how he singlehandedly saved all of us. All we need to do is believe. Christmas is so special and commercialism, deadlines, and other distractions, do not deter me from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas and enjoying our Christmas tree. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and remember to take the time to really enjoy and celebrate with your friends and families. My folks will be watching you with joy from above. Thanks for reading.

” And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ” Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” -Luke- 2: 12-13.

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Popping the Cork- Again

Melissa Thompson, Jaime Thompson and George Skylling.

My friends Melissa and Jaime Thompson always have a festive way to describe the start of a new ski season. They say it is “popping the cork” versus my “breaking the seal”. I like theirs better because it really captures the festive start when you see all your pals, on the slopes again, for another season in the snow. Last Friday was festive indeed when Brett Cook, the GM of Seven Springs, addressed the crowd assembled at the Polar Bear six pack. He welcomed everyone, they had a banner break which ushered in the new season and the chair lift cranked up for the first time this year. Vail did a good job with preparing things for us and even though there was limited terrain. No one really cared because what was open was primo machine- made and natural snow. It was surely nice to be making turns again after 8 long months of waiting. You see- when you are a skier, it doesn’t really matter how much is open at the beginning of the season as long as you can make a few runs. You see all your pals with whom you have skied for years. Remember the saying, you don’t quit skiing because you get old, you get old because you quit skiing.

Brett Cook welcoming the crowd on opening day
Steve Gurtner- telling us the absolute truth.

The interesting thing about Seven Springs is that most of us have skied there since we were kids and many of us now are celebrating,40 50, 60 years together on the slopes. Steve Gurtner made a poignant remark when he said, ” we are lucky to have Seven Springs.” We would not all be skiers if it were not for Seven Springs.” How true Steve, and another reminder that even though we all open up the season with laps of Wagner Bowl and some trails, it is all good. The camaraderie that we all share at the beginning of the season and the knowledge that more winter is coming. More slopes and trails open, more trips to the west and beyond for many of us, and hopefully a long nice ski season.

One of my last runs, last season at Mammoth- one of my annual stops. But the first run is always on Wagner Bowl at Seven Springs.
Porter Scott- skied with this guy for close to 55 years.
Jamie Edson- skis 78 days or so at Seven Springs and numerous trips out west. Another skiing pal for years.
John Casuccio on his new Stocklis lining up his posse for the season.
Bob Horrell – tele skier extraordinaire and Health and Safety Director for Vail at Seven Springs. Big smile on opening day.

If you are not a skier, you might not appreciate the enthusiasm for skiing in Western Pa. Or if you are only a ski trip person who scoffs at skiing locally, you might not realize that you are only skiing a week or two for the whole winter. You could be making turns locally on some pretty fine snow made by Vail at three local areas. And also- don’t think that just because it is raining, or lousy weather, or no snow on the ground locally in the city, that there is no snow in the Laurels at the ski resorts. Have faith. Oftentimes there is good skiing and people in the city and suburbs don’t even realize it.

Lower Wildcat at Laurel Mountain – managed by Vail and a wonderful challenge right here in your backyard.

Hey- most of us take our trips out west during the season or to New England, but we make use of the local slopes and areas and truly enjoy the winter. Skiing is not only the exhilaration of sliding down a snow covered slope, but it is also fun discussions on the chairlifts. “How was your summer?”, “what’s new with the family”, and other topics of conversation. You spend most of your time riding these things anyhow to get to the top. Skiing is social, with apres’ skiing being a great part of the day with a beverage or two. The discussion is the start of another season and what we all have to look forward to in the months ahead.

Steve said it right. We all would not be skiers if it were not for Seven Springs. We currently have a great opportunity right here in our own Laurel Highlands. Why not take advantage of it? I can tell you laps on Wildcat at Laurel Mountain will get you ready for any ski trip you plan, and it is great fun on a weekday or weekend morning when it is perfectly groomed.

So………..”popping the cork” last Friday meant a lot to me for many reasons. I came away glad that I made the effort and can’t wait to get out there this week as well. My 63rd season. Think snow and welcome to the season skiers!!!! Thanks for reading.

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“I lift up my eyes to the mountains………..” Psalm 121

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Pack it In!

My motto- you can sleep when you’re dead.

When I saw this on the door of the Cafe LeMont up near State College, Pa. I laughed. It is so true. Carpe Diem, seize the day, pack it in. Janet always says I am in a hurry and always rush her into things. But when she gets it together and packs it in, she is happy. She doesn’t want to miss anything. And when we get together with our friends, Judy and Mike Smith, they are definitely cohorts in crime when it comes to squeezing every opportunity out of a day. Janet just rolls her eyes at the three of us but always complies. She may be tired at the end of a day, but always glad that she ……..packed it in.

Mike and Judy Smith- out hiking, cycling, and ski buddies. They are professionals at packing it in.

So, Janet said to me last week, ” where do you want to go for your birthday?” I really didn’t know, and we settled on a trip to State College with the Smiths. Janet and Judy were room- mates at PSU and Mike and I are usually along for the ride. We had not been to State College for a while and decided that would be a fun place to go. We stayed at the newly refurbished Nittany Lion Inn which was available because it was a non- football weekend. The busy itinerary for the weekend began when Janet and I drove to the Cafe Lemont, had lunch, and then donned the backpacks and headed up Mt. Nittany for a hike. Judy and Mike arrived a little later, and they set the land speed record up and back. LOL!! We all laughed and headed to check in at the hotel, shower, and then out to eat. No grass was growing under our feet that day. Hiking up Mt. Nittany is always fun and a rite of passage for Penn Staters. Again – Mike and I were along for the ride.

The view of Beaver Stadum from the top of Mt. Nittany.

Judy and Janet on their beloved Nittany Lion. Judy was a cheerleader back in the day. She still could be one.

After a quick cup of coffee the next morning, we all went out to Shingletown Gap for another hike. A beautiful trail with wonderful scenery and lots of rocks. I told them all that the people who hike the Appalachian Trail always call Pennsylvania ” Rocksylvania” because it is one of the more challenging sections on the route. Mike and I would agree because, as we knew full well, the subsequent mountain bike ride for the both of us would be full of challenging rocks. The ladies regrouped back at the Inn and Mike and I made our way to the Longberger Path and the Tussey Mountain Trail in the Rothrock State Forest. A route that he and I have ridden many, many times on our PSU weekends for football games with the ladies and their clan. As we made our way to the” Beer Tap” which is a fun marker at the confluence of a couple of trails, we forged ahead through heinous rock gardens along the way and wondering where the heck that Beer Tap was so we could begin the long descent back to the car. Mike led the way as I watched him battle the rock sections for as long as he could riding his bike before we had to hike some sections. But as the sun was setting, it was cold on the descent and the shower back at the hotel was a welcome relief. That trail seems longer and longer every year. Could it be that I am just getting older? Hmmm.

If you ever get the chance to see a NCAA Div 1 Volleyball game- go do it. Exciting.
Mike Smith at the Beer Tap- Tussey Mountain Trail
The Tussey Mountain Trail- Rocksylvania for sure.

Rushing back to pack it in some more after the hike and the ride, we all made our way to Rec Hall to watch the women’s volleyball game between PSU and Illinois. An exciting match for sure and thankful that Judy got tickets. We rushed to The Tavern right after the game, rammed down some food and then began our walk through the town and back up the hill to the hotel. A long day but …………….you can sleep when you’re dead. Right?

The next morning, after a road coffee, we did another hike at Mt. Nittany, had some lunch at the Cafe LeMont again and headed back home. A whirlwind couple of days which was anything but relaxing, but we did a lot and I, for one, was happy. The more I can pack in, the better I like it. Janet rolls her eyes again. But she knows who she married.

In the gondola in Utah with the Smittys and our friends Ralph and Amy Phillips

We will be heading back out west for another ski trip with the Flying Smittys this winter and I am sure that they will be up at at em early as is their usual protocol. Janet is used to the deal by now seeing that we have been taking ski trips with the Smiths for quite a while now. They love to ski, I love to ski, and Janet- well, once she is out and at it, loves to ski too. We just have to crowbar her out sometimes. LOL!!

So, I guess, the moral of the story for me here is ……………..get it while you can. There are so many opportunities in life that the operative word these days should be” yes”. It doesn’t have to be far away from home either. Lots of good places to visit and pack it in right in your home state. Great to travel, great to pack it in out of state or out of the country, but always wonderful to go for the gusto right in your neck of the woods. Remember- you don’t quit doing things because you get old, you get old because you quit doing things. Thanks for reading and pack it in – will ya?

A post snowshoe picnic right near the trails near our house. With the Smittys!
by

Never Let a Number Define You

Time marches on

I told my neighbor Sumant that I was turning 70 this week. He responded, ” Patrick- never let a number define you.” I thought about that for a minute and kind of smiled. I really don’t feel any different, but numbers don’t lie, and you know that at least chronologically, you are advancing in age. I always joke with people that I will age chronologically but will never mature. People laugh, but really- it is kind of true. I still like to have that bright eyed, youthful look on life that sometimes doesn’t match my actual position. But how should we act or how do we move on when you hit a milestone like this?

My home trails
The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
The Minarets- Mammoth, California

I think the best way is to just keep doing what you like to do. I ride my mountain bike for exercise all year and also I like to ski when the winter comes. Hiking is good too and the more active you are, the better your health will be especially if you eat correctly and get the proper amount of sleep. Nothing you have not heard before, but we pay more attention to it, the older we get. Sometimes, for a brief moment, I think about things when I mount my bike, but then I just go into ride mode and never think about anything but enjoying the ride and raising the heart rate. Same with skiing. At the beginning of the season at my local areas, I think- ” can I still do this?” Then I strap ’em on and push off with the poles and do what comes naturally – make a turn. From that moment on, the season begins. That brief moment of doubt is erased by the joy of the moment and the muscle memory of knowing how to ski- just like I have done for 63 years. I concentrate on making good turns, looking ahead, and making mature decisions on where to ski and how to ski. Sure, I am not making turns like I was years ago, but I am still trying to learn new things and trying new techniques. If you can stay in shape, the more successful you can be trying new things.

Lake Tahoe from Diamond Peak, Nevada
Jan the hiker at The Lodge at Glendorn Bradford, Pa.

But perhaps the most important thing in this next decade for me will be spending time with Janet and being active with her. We enjoy each other’s company, and I have tried to share my enthusiasm for the great outdoors with her and encourage her to get out there. I laugh and tell her I am crowbarring her out but once she is out there, she enjoys it and is thankful that I give her the push. Make no mistake, Jan pushes me too. I get stuck in my ways sometimes and she moves me out of the comfort zone.

As we age, we do gain some wisdom, and we cannot make a big deal out of things that we really can’t control. We don’t stress, and strive for a more peaceful life. We try to be kind and encouraging, and the great outdoors is a great venue for those virtues. Lots of good conversations can be had on the trails and in the chairlifts. I hope I can share some gained wisdom as I move on in this decade. I hope I can be kind and encouraging not only to my wife, but to my friends and family as well. Also, to new people that I will meet along the way. There is always a new audience for my well- worn stories if I just look for the potential victims. LOL!!! But all in all, I will take Sumant’s advice. I hope you do too. Thanks for reading.

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“Life is like a bicycle- to keep your balance- you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein