Yes, its time for me to get fit again as it is only about 2 months until we do the Routeburn, a track of about 35km in Fiordland. It lies between the valley which you travel up to do the Milford (off the end of Te Anau) and Lake Wakatipu where Queenstown is. It passes over the Harris Saddle which is subalpine, and bound to have at least some snow in December (1255m high) We pass over the Ailsa mountains and then through a valley of the Humboldt Range. It is not a track to be taken lightly, despite its short length.
So I went to the doctor and asked him to sort out my hip problems - I thought it was another bursar in my hip, but the doctor - who is a keen tramper and has done the Routeburn - wasn't quite in agreement. A long set of sessions with the Physio, Moira, whom I've played golf with from time to time, followed, starting off with a miracle cure, then a massive set back. I do understand what has been going on now and I must be patient as this problem was probably a couple of decades in the making.
Basically its my balance which is not helped by my bowed toe. So to achieve my balance I am swaying from side to side. I can't do a long stride without unbalancing myself, so my stride length is very short. As long as I recognise this and train in short steps I will be OK. To make up for lost time, and not to put my fellow trampers in danger I began on the first of October a schedule of 7 hours walking a week.
At present of course this involves an hour a day, but during the holidays I will probably do longer walks on some days, so will not have to do so much on other days.
I know the necessity of doing this - my life may depend on it.
Who knows - I might even lose some weight.
Some very thoughtful poses by Theo, now 3 weeks and starting to do all sorts of new things each time we skype him.
Wait for it.... A smile. Ok so I know it is just a reflex smile, but good to know he is practising in his sleep. My trigger fast finger on the "Take Picture" button of Skype.
A certain air of authority in these next shots don't you think?
And here is a classic to wheel out on his 21st birthday!!
Now, I'm sure you can all see the huge progress he has made since these next two photos were taken. All fingers and Thumbs here.
And only half a smile ...or is that wind
Ok, that's all for now. I have nearly a 100 photos in my skpye gallery, so I hope you enjoyed these few. PS I've sorted out my technical glitches now.
