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#104080 - 10/02/08 04:24 PM Define what over the hill means to you.
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
I'm 55. Work like a mule. Ride 10 to 15mi a day. Still play in a R&R band. Do not need viagra or pain meds. But my hair is gray. I got a few years left. I think Over the hill will be when I can't or don't feel like doing any of these things.
What are your thoughts on being "over the hill".
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#104081 - 10/02/08 11:11 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
What my daughter said on my 50th birthday (yikes, that's almost 23 years ago!):

"When you are over the hill, you start going downhill. As any skier can tell you, that's lots more fun!"

I'll be out there hiking and having fun as long as I can manage to put one foot in front of the other!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#104082 - 10/03/08 06:48 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
ringtail Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/02
Posts: 2296
Loc: Colorado Rockies
I hike often with a guy that was 76 this summer and will be 77 when he finishes the Colorado Trail next summer.

His aerobic system is still very good. Recently he took one of the girls in his church youth group for a half century bike ride. He told me not to worry because she was a cross country star and could probably keep up. He said he only had to wait a couple of times for her.

However his vision and hearing are failing. A couple of years ago he did not hear a rattle snake buzzing him. His vision affects his balance and I am careful to keep him on good trails.

My desire is to go as long as I can, then have all my systems fail at the same time. Age is liberating. I am less competitive and judgemental. I still track my training times, but I do NOT share them with anyone.

Life is good. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
Yogi Berra

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#104083 - 10/07/08 04:01 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
leadfoot Offline
member

Registered: 07/16/03
Posts: 954
Loc: Virginia
What hill??? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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#104084 - 10/08/08 05:30 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: leadfoot]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Either your under 50 or you've crested already. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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#104085 - 10/08/08 06:26 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
Spock Offline
member

Registered: 01/10/06
Posts: 679
Loc: Central Texas
Hard to know what over the hill is when you regularly see folks in their 60s and 70s doing 20 mile days most days on the AT and other long trails - and 20-somethings knocked out after 15 miles, groaning and limping around camp. Now, it is true that 20-somethings can roll up 30 to 35 mile now and then. But they tend to sleep it off the next day. Perhaps being over the hill means having the judgement to know one's mileage limits. But maybe judgement comes with the discipline to meet goals and the experience to know one's limits. But let's not assume that those limits are low.

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#104086 - 10/09/08 04:25 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: OregonMouse]
wandering_daisy Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/06
Posts: 2865
Loc: California
I like that idea of now skiing downhill! Actually, over the hill to me means that I just have gone over one and right in front of me is another, just as challenging but one that was hidden from view by my first "hill". My first hill may have been "challenge" or "competition". The hill in front of me now may be "exploration"- just the fun of seeing what is over the next hill.

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#104087 - 10/09/08 06:28 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Spock]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
You win the prize! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That is exactly how I feel. And that should be the attitude of everyone that cares about their health. If your too mushy and out of shape your life will spiral downhill. A friend of mine and myself were getting in a quick 15 mi. ride the other day and saw one of those middle aged men walking on the paved walking path. My friend made the comment about growing old and living the good life until the Doc tells you that you've had a heart attack or had to have bypass surgery. With skill, attitude and lifestyle (and a little bit of luck and good genes) it can be easy to outperform a younger out of shape person.
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#104088 - 10/09/08 06:31 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: wandering_daisy]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
And so is the philosiphy of life!
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#104089 - 10/10/08 05:09 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
leadfoot Offline
member

Registered: 07/16/03
Posts: 954
Loc: Virginia
Crested. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> But I never saw a hill. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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#104090 - 10/15/08 09:40 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
MountainMule Offline
newbie

Registered: 03/08/07
Posts: 3
Loc: New Zealand/Australia
I am 62 and I've been loitering for a while on TLB. It's nice to find a group of boomers - like myself - growing older but still with plenty of dreams and schemes!

My thought for the day [ yes, I get one a day ] is that IF you can define what over the hill means, you probably aren't on this forum. You know, - the principle that if you can remember the 60s then you weren't there...

We should count our blessings; we have our health, more or less, but much more we have a love of the outdoors and coupled with the explosion in lightweight walking options, we can continue to enjoy the wilderness for many years to come. Hallelujah!

MountainMule

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#104091 - 10/16/08 04:29 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
Dryer Offline

Moderator

Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 3591
Loc: Texas
53 here, as of yesterday <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.no hill that I can tell, except I'm not as impulsive as I was when younger. Gonna try an "Ultimate Frisbee" league this winter at my daughters (a team captain) request. Still a hobby junkie/recycler.
Playing music in two bands, hiking or paddling every day, watching my kids become adults and having the same goofy ideas I had when I was their age.
Yeah, there's the aches and pains that come with age but it's nothing I can't deal with....you just don't heal as fast.
_________________________
paul, texas KD5IVP

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#104092 - 11/23/08 04:40 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Dryer]
wyohikeit Offline


Registered: 11/23/08
Posts: 6
Loc: NW Wyoming
Just discovered this forum tonight. My hiking buddy (wife of 27years) and I spend a lot of time in the hills on the path less traveled. We find that over the hill just means that there is another great view from the top with more time to take in the view before hiking back to the rat race.
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Time in the hills is always worth more than money

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#104093 - 12/03/08 07:11 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: wyohikeit]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Quote:
We find that over the hill just means that there is another great view from the top with more time to take in the view before hiking back to the rat race.


Enjoy your young life while you can. When your bones start to talk to you someday you will have a different defination of what over the hill means.
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#104094 - 12/04/08 02:50 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
JAK Offline
member

Registered: 03/19/04
Posts: 2569
Over the hill means having to spend time hanging out with all you old folks to make myself feel better. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

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#104095 - 12/05/08 04:36 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
sabre11004 Offline
member

Registered: 05/05/07
Posts: 513
Loc: Tennessee
That would be the same for me..I am 56 years old today and I think that I would define "over the hill" will be when I just can't do these things any more, and with that being said, I really do not see an end to it all yet!!! May surprise me some day but for now I think that I will just keep on trucking....

The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there !!!!!!!
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The first step that you take will be one of those that get you there 1!!!!!

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#104096 - 12/05/08 05:24 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
oldneez Offline


Registered: 12/05/08
Posts: 7
Loc: North Carolina
I'm so glad I found this group. I'm 55 and was beginning to think that maybe I am over the hill. I used to backpack a lot, but as you can see by my user name, I have a few knee problems. I can still day hike, and I hunt and fish with no problems. Lately, I've noticed that backpacking gear has changed a lot in the 30 years I've been away from backpacking. So, I'm thinking of trying it again. Nothing major, just a quick overnight trip somewhere. I've found this group very encouraging!

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#104097 - 12/06/08 05:43 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: oldneez]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Great to see that your not out for the count. Go lightweight and choose a trail that is not to demanding to test yourself. Just have some fun. BTW im also 55.
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#104098 - 12/06/08 06:38 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
Paddy_Crow Offline
member

Registered: 11/08/04
Posts: 2285
Loc: Michigan
Over the hill is 10 years greater than your present age...

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#104099 - 12/07/08 05:33 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Paddy_Crow]
kutenay Offline
member

Registered: 10/12/04
Posts: 102
Loc: B.C. Canada
I was in an outfitter's camp a few years ago, in northern BC and the cook told me about the former owner of that concession, Wes Brown, who had just passed. He was 92 and had shot his last Elk there at 90, a tough guy with a lifetime spent in the BC wilderness.

I am 62 and I started hiking at age 10, in the wilderness surrounding my small hometown of Nelson, BC. I still backpack, hunt and all of the related stuff and fully intend to do so until at least age 90, it just requires sufficient desire.

It takes more effort/time to stay in shape now and I am much slower, but, the high mountains are not out of reach and I now have the time, finances and experience to go anywhere I want to. It's ALL about motivation and desire.

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#104100 - 12/07/08 06:56 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: kutenay]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Quote:
it just requires sufficient desire.

And that my friends is what should drive all of us. And that brings me to another little story. I've played drums all of my life because I had the strong desire to do so. I never had a lesson and practiced everyday from the time I was 10 till the age of 30. A neighbor of mine asked if I would teach his daughter to play. He agreed of a fee and we started lessons. After the first lesson, I assigned some simple rudaments to practice. The following week I asked my student if she had practiced the assignment she said no. I asked her to play what she knew which was nill. So I tried to instill that practice makes perfect and worked with her for an hour or so going over 2 or 3 simple pieces that she could practice the following week. Again the same thing happened. I had to explane to my friend that I couldn't teach something when there was no desire to learn. I guess she thought it would be instant gratification and be an overnight sensation. There is no such thing...
I hope we can all hike into the 90's. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#104101 - 12/07/08 10:26 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
northernbcr Offline
member

Registered: 05/26/08
Posts: 125
Loc: bc/yukon border area
to me over the hill will be the day i die . life is full of challenges and will continue to the end as we learn to die ,only then will i be over the hill

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#104102 - 12/07/08 11:38 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: northernbcr]
kutenay Offline
member

Registered: 10/12/04
Posts: 102
Loc: B.C. Canada
Yup, and under the sod, too!

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#104103 - 12/08/08 05:18 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: kutenay]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
You say that now while you have your faculties. I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it. He was over the hill.
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#104104 - 12/08/08 12:51 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Dryer]
packlite Online   content

Admin

Registered: 12/22/01
Posts: 2687
Loc: Pullman, WA, USA
Quote:
Yeah, there's the aches and pains that come with age but it's nothing I can't deal with....you just don't heal as fast.
Amen!! 62 on Saturday <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
" Not all those who wander are lost ! "
J.R.R. Tolkien

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#104105 - 12/10/08 07:01 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: packlite]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Congrats on reaching the big 62!

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#108272 - 12/24/08 04:20 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
packlite Online   content

Admin

Registered: 12/22/01
Posts: 2687
Loc: Pullman, WA, USA
Originally Posted By chaz
Congrats on reaching the big 62!
Thanks, I'm getting all my docs together to go apply for social security. Can't believe it. Feel like 30, look like 25, and I'm putting in for social security. crazy

I've got a ways to go to match that lady pictured on the forum index who's lighting her cig off her 100th birthday cake candles. lol
_________________________
" Not all those who wander are lost ! "
J.R.R. Tolkien

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#108290 - 12/25/08 10:38 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
atraildreamer Offline
member

Registered: 10/21/05
Posts: 74
Loc: RI
Originally Posted By chaz
You say that now while you have your faculties. I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it. He was over the hill.


Over the hill?! You seem to overlook the fact that he was still TRYING, despite his handicaps. When you stop trying, then you are either over the hill, or dead.

On a lighter note, Paul McCartney got a clue to being "over the hill" when his daughter asked him "what a Beatle was"? eek

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#108436 - 12/29/08 08:37 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: packlite]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Packlite, You can also look at all the benefits of being a senior citizen. Cheap coffee at Mcdonalds, AARP discounts and many that I'm not aware of yet.
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#108616 - 01/01/09 08:26 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
I turn 50 in one week. I just got my "AARP" card along with an invitation to join their club in the mail. They even knew my full name! That could be considered a valid definition frown

I don't go to doctors (Prescribers?) much. Don't take any prescriptions and rarely even take an aspirin.

I still smoke and I drink good beer everyday, only eat two meals a day, and seldom eat sugary stuff at all.

I make it a point to hike to the bottom of the holler behind my house every few days and spend some time wondering around in there, mostly because I can.

This ain't much different than when I was 30. Before that I didn't drink beer at all and I worked a lot harder, but I don't really feel much different. Not enough to complain about it, that's for sure.

I still get out and work hard too. But not like you, chaz. I have a neighbor, Randy, about my age and he works like a mule too. So does his dad, Verlon, who's a neighbor also. Verlon's 76. We all built trails in the forest between our places a couple years ago. Verlon set a tough pace and after a week he had wore me out good. I didn't say anything until Randy whined a little but that was all it took and we both got to commiserating good.

But I guess we should take advantage of any privileges our age might gain for us. I mean, shoot, according to the AARP now I can get deals on hotels and car rentals and insurance and more !! smile smile

Bill
_________________________
--

"You want to go where?"



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#108637 - 01/02/09 12:26 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: billstephenson]
Eric Offline
member

Registered: 09/23/02
Posts: 294
Loc: The State of Jefferson
Originally Posted By billstephenson


But I guess we should take advantage of any privileges our age might gain for us. I mean, shoot, according to the AARP now I can get deals on hotels and car rentals and insurance and more !! smile smile

Bill


Check out the AARP auto insurance program. It saved me about 50%.
Age does have some advantages...but then the rest of it sucks.

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#108646 - 01/02/09 09:11 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Eric]
Pika Online   content
member

Registered: 12/08/05
Posts: 1814
Loc: Rural Southeast Arizona
If you think you are over the hill, then you are. It doesn't have that much to do with age.

Oregon Mouse of this forum is in her 70's and still going strong; I'm in my 70's and still going; I think OM passed me on the trail once. I met two 70-somethings and one 80-year-old on the JMT this past summer.

If you don't have any major health limitations, then being "over the hill" is a choice, not a condition.
_________________________
May I walk in beauty.

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#108683 - 01/02/09 09:40 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Pika]
Tango61 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods

I would agree with you Pika. I've been reading Nimblewill Nomad's journals and that guy is a hiking machine! He's been hiking long trails since 1998 and I think he is in his upper 70's.
That gives me hope. To be debt free and able to hike long trails is my long term goal. One step at a time for each.

Tango
_________________________
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't. Either way, you're right.

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#108708 - 01/03/09 01:06 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Pika]
billstephenson Offline
Moderator

Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
Originally Posted By Pika
If you think you are over the hill, then you are. It doesn't have that much to do with age.

Oregon Mouse of this forum is in her 70's and still going strong; I'm in my 70's and still going; I think OM passed me on the trail once. I met two 70-somethings and one 80-year-old on the JMT this past summer.

If you don't have any major health limitations, then being "over the hill" is a choice, not a condition.



Thank you....

That's a very inspiring and comforting message. I'm sure that whenever I'm trudging along and begin to consider feeling sorry for myself because I'm getting older I'll be stopped by the vision of you and Oregon Mouse zooming by me (she'll be in front wink

That's just what I need too smile

Bill
_________________________
--

"You want to go where?"



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#108719 - 01/03/09 05:24 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
coyotemaster Offline
member

Registered: 03/07/06
Posts: 294
Loc: Arizona
Originally Posted By chaz
...I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it...


I ask the Lord to take me home before I ever get like that.

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#108727 - 01/03/09 07:50 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: coyotemaster]
Pika Online   content
member

Registered: 12/08/05
Posts: 1814
Loc: Rural Southeast Arizona
Originally Posted By coyotemaster
Originally Posted By chaz
...I saw an old man yesterday in a power chair using oxygen and had parkensens. He was trying to reach for something on a shelf and couldn't retreive it...


I ask the Lord to take me home before I ever get like that.


Life is precious. I recall someone saying once that the only person who could possibly want to be a blind, deaf, failing, incontinent, pain-ridden, 88-year-old is a blind, deaf, failing, incontinent, pain-ridden, 87-year-old. You should probably wait until you are there before you decide that you want to be taken.


Edited by Pika (01/03/09 07:52 PM)
_________________________
May I walk in beauty.

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#108730 - 01/03/09 08:48 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: atraildreamer]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Yeah, he was trying but definatly over the hill. Or let's say has crested the hill and is on his way down fast. Life is fragil anyway and when your to that point any little thing can finish you. Live all you can while you can...
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#108731 - 01/03/09 08:59 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: billstephenson]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Well! for a while I thought I was over the hill. Now after reading all the replies, I feel young again. LOL I'm ready for some bpacking. Even though I'm inspired by the will to live,(and I do have sympthy for those that have lost function). We shouldn't beat this dead horse anymore. Time to plan the next adventure. LOL LOL LOL
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Enjoy your next trip...

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#108734 - 01/03/09 10:03 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: billstephenson]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
The only hiker I've been able to pass the last 5 years is this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0

Sorry, can't get the image to post or even a link to work!

EDIT: at least I got the link to work on the third try!


Edited by OregonMouse (01/03/09 10:08 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#108861 - 01/06/09 05:38 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: OregonMouse]
packlite Online   content

Admin

Registered: 12/22/01
Posts: 2687
Loc: Pullman, WA, USA
Originally Posted By OregonMouse
The only hiker I've been able to pass the last 5 years is this one:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0

Sorry, can't get the image to post or even a link to work!

EDIT: at least I got the link to work on the third try!
OM, first of all, as one who grew up in Oregon and have lived in the PNW for over 60 years, your photo is "right on" - the should-be-official mascot of the PNW.

Secondly, the problem you are having with your image is that the url ends with several unusual characters after the .jpg so I just removed those characters and it works fine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2717580992_5d64372531.jpg?v=0 (remove the ?v=0) and you get "banana slug"






_________________________
" Not all those who wander are lost ! "
J.R.R. Tolkien

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#112261 - 03/04/09 07:00 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
Windwalker55 Offline
newbie

Registered: 03/04/09
Posts: 4
Loc: Missouri
I really feel you're only as old as you feel. I'm 63 and still feel 40, well almost anyway. I hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim 3 years ago and climbed tow 14,000 foot peaks last summer. I'm planning some backpacks in Utah canyon country in the next few weeks and another trip into the Grand Canyon in 2010.

I know some folks aren't as fortunate with their health as I am at my age so I am grateful for all the time I can get and hope to keep going for years to come.

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#112989 - 03/18/09 11:07 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
JimmyTH Offline
member

Registered: 03/11/09
Posts: 59
Loc: Indiana
I don't think I've got this concept straight in my head because I can't imagine what it would be like to not want to do things and not be able, but I remember reading someone else's comments years ago about what it's like to be old, where you're sitting on a park bench in the sun and you're dreaming of doing great things and climbing mountains and when you open your eyes you have trouble just getting up off the bench.

Maybe you're over the hill when you start getting hurt all the time doing the things you like. That happened to my father very suddenly one summer. He liked cutting firewood and had done it for forever, all of a sudden he was making foolish mistakes. Cut a limb he should have known not to stand in front of, it whipped back and nearly took his eye out, knocked him flat. Got his truck stuck in the woods where he shouldn't even have had a problem and I had to chop it out with an ax. Wouldn't fix the handle on his sledgehammer and the head came off it when he swung it at a splitting wedge, went straight up about ten feet and nearly smashed in the back of his skull, hit him squarely.

So I guess you're over the hill when you make stupid mistakes and can't stop any more.

Jimmy

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#134390 - 05/28/10 05:52 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: leadfoot]
willhike4food Offline
newbie

Registered: 04/29/10
Posts: 13
Loc: southern cal
I just passed 10 teenagers in the last 4 miles! sheeeit!

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#134416 - 05/29/10 02:23 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: JimmyTH]
Trailrunner Offline
member

Registered: 01/05/02
Posts: 1835
Loc: Los Angeles
I'm "only" 52 (almost 53) and I'm doing things now I didn't do in my 20's. I've had injuries and my recovery time isn't what it used to be. I have to work harder to stay fit. But the years have given me mental toughness I didn't have when I was young and that makes up for much of what I've lost physically. I'm still outracing guys who could be my son.

I'd sooner mow the hill down than go over it!!!!

IMO it's all in your state of mind.
_________________________
If you only travel on sunny days you will never reach your destination.*

* May not apply at certain latitudes in Canada and elsewhere.

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#134420 - 05/29/10 03:24 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: chaz]
aimless Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
AFAICS, "over the hill" will come when my body no longer can deliver what my mind wholly desires it to do, despite whatever efforts I make to coax it, strengthen it, heal it, or rest it into the proper shape.

Therefore, a pro athlete may be over the hill at 35, because he (or she) expects nothing less than exceptionally superior performance every time. Conversely, if I keep my expectations somewhat in line with my physical capabilities, I may never be over the hill.

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#134550 - 06/02/10 01:36 AM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: aimless]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
My definition of "over the hill" is when I can no longer go up and down said hill. In other words, when I'm no longer able to put one foot in front of the other, or I can't see well enough to drive to the trailhead....

On the other hand, I'll no doubt find something else to do then, until my time comes!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#134594 - 06/02/10 07:37 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: JimmyTH]
wildthing Offline
member

Registered: 01/11/02
Posts: 984
Loc: Victoria, B.C.
Jimmy, many of us here can identify with your dad. But my theory is that as you get a little older, you work smarter. You prepare for the worst, carry good gear that has worked in the past and double prepare for trips.

As for passing teenagers, I roll past 5 young road bikers a week on my road bike coming into work. However, the keen racing guy and a few of the hard-ass women blow by me pretty easily. Out in the woods, I start early and stay late and keep a steady pace. Usually get to my campsite between 1 and 3 p.m. on a regular backpacking trip and put in extra time on the thru hike until I do my quota.

Still, I'm 57 and knee issues, the occasional ligament tear and other minor complaints do take longer to heal. I'm still feeling the overextension of my right leg on a trip to the river with my neice last summer. Stupid little things hang around longer.

As others commented, my mental strenth is much improved over my 20s as I have much greater self-discipline which means I can endure tougher days. Equipment may not be new, but it was good quality stuff and still can be rehabilitated.


Edited by wildthing (06/02/10 07:37 PM)
_________________________
Listen to the trees in the wind

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#134778 - 06/06/10 08:36 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: wildthing]
Kent W Offline
member

Registered: 10/15/09
Posts: 607
Loc: IL.
AS Long as We Are looking Down At The Grass and Not Up at The Roots, We Are over the hill of sorts.This is better than under the hill! Perhaps? Hmmm Food for thought? Happy trails, be thankfull for the day. Dont waste time pondering aches and pains if you are capable of getting out and hiking!

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#134788 - 06/06/10 11:58 PM Re: Define what over the hill means to you. [Re: Kent W]
balzaccom Online   content
member

Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2232
Loc: Napa, CA
My 65 year old brother just joined us for his first backpacking trip in about 45 years--through snow, swollen creeks, and bushwhacking. And loved it!
_________________________
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

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