What we wish for

I'm ready. I've beat up the paths to both Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point. No problemo. The knee is solid. The leg is wobbly, but that's just from disuse.

I'm feeling motivated. Time for a new hike. I've inhaled enough front range dust! Maybe a nice 12-miler with a 2,500 foot ascent. Perhaps Mount Throop, Eagle's Roost or Mount Waterman. Too soon for Baldy; I've got to get my legs first.

I usually solo, but I'm ready for some company. I was reaching for the proverbial phone when it struck me. Hardly anyone from the old crowd hikes anymore. Knees, backs, family, work. No time. No desire. Even the retired guys. As my friend Jeff puts it, "why would anyone want to do that?"

He does have a point. On one hand we have stunning creature comforts: a fresh log tossed on an open hearth, an afternoon nap on a cushy sofa, or maybe a platter spicy arriabita and a bottle of Peroni. On the other we've got that crawl from a warm bag into a 30-degree night for the 2am pee, the mostly re-hydrated but still crunchy freezer-bag dinner, and the unforgettable early evening captivity while mosquitoes rule the world. Frankly I don't have a good answer for Jeff. But then why isn't streaming Netfix a sure fire path to nirvana? It's just beyond me.

Sherlock Holmes contemplating why people hike

I suspect there is some morsel of foggy wisdom here. It's probably serious and boring. Just the sort of thing I heard as a kid. Was there ever a attention killer better than the words, "when I was your age?" It may take 40 years, but a lot of that boring advice eventually exacts a toll of truth. I remember my Dad would taunt us with gems like, "whether you're rich or poor, it's better to have money." It took a long time understand that was no joke. On the other hand, some advice sinks right in. I remember my grandfather chiding me not to "take any nickels," which, as a serious-minded 5-year-old, taught me the basic virtue of mistrust.

So don't listen to me. Look for wisdom from greater talents. Besides, I've got better things to think about on my solo hikes; I think.