I Fell Down a Mountain

It’s 6:47 a.m. and we are heading out of Cape May Court House on our mini-vacation to New York state. We plan on visiting Watkins State Park and trying some of their trails. I have my walking stick, and as long as my legs hold up, I am up for the adventure.
After our “Wawa” breakfast, we decided to head to Cooperstown to see, you guessed it, the Baseball Hall of Fame. I say we, yet I am not sure I have the desire to spend two hours looking at baseball memorabilia.  I have trouble staying awake through a Phillies game.  I may check out the stores in the little town.
When we reached Cooperstown, I found out very quickly that all the little stores were really only for those buying bats, t-shirts and hats, and I didn’t want any.  I sat outside and chatted with other women sitting outside.  My husband loved it, and I am happy for him.
We got back in the car after lunch at a scenic view of Otsego Lake. My husband thought it would take 1.5 hours to get to Watkins Glen so we could find a room for the night. We were up in the finger lakes of New York heading to Watkins Glen, but the 1.5 hours estimate turned out to be three hours! Not happy about that!
We found a cute little lodge adjacent to the Watkins Glen State Park entrance. Early the next morning we were ready to walk the trails and enjoy the waterfalls. We went on the Gorge trail.  Up and down several waterfalls, some dripping down on us.  I watched every step carefully using my cane for support. When I say there were steps, I mean over 800 steps. These poor legs were not entirely ready and able for that many.  There was a man older than us we talked with that almost daily walks this route.  While I was trying to catch my breath, he was taking two steps at a time. “Show-off.” Almost to the end of our return walk which was downhill, I took a header.  I slowly fell into stones and roots. I was stunned for a moment, not sure if I might have broken something.  I took my husband’s hand, brushed off the dirt, and prayed nothing broke. Sore, but unbroken, I finished the trail.
Feeling OK, we swam in a pool there that was colder than it needed to be. First time in a pool this summer, and darn it, I was going to get in. Looking forward to the warm shower after, turned into a shock of cold water. How refreshing, ugh.
We wanted to tackle the Catskill Mountains next. Our plan was to go to Hunter Lodge and zip-line through the mountains. Yes, we really thought we could do this! We looked for a place to stay for the night so that we could get to the lodge early. My legs started getting really sore, in fact I couldn’t put any weight on my leg that I fell on. We ate that night at “Chicken Run,” went back to our room, which of course was on the third floor with no elevator. I kid you not! Our zip-line adventure was starting to look doubtful.
When we woke up, our bodies really betrayed us. Our muscles were so stiff and sore from those 800 steps that we looked at each other and said, “We aren’t doing anything today!” We chose to take a scenic route to the highest waterfall in New York.  We thought we might be lost at one time, but we found the road into the park, only to see a sign that said this entrance is closed. It sure would have been nice to know that before we started on this road! So, we tried to find the other entrance to the falls. It never happened. 
So, we headed home tired, sore and a little disappointed. This is the second time our plans to zip-line have failed. Maybe God is trying to tell us something! Heading  home, I wasn’t sure if I needed to head to our ER to check out my bumps and bruises, but I really don’t think I have any breaks, or I wouldn’t be able to walk.
Our cats are happy to see us, as long as we give them more food in their bowl. Back to the old routine of the happy housewife.
Next vacation we are hoping to be more successful. It was nice not having to deal with computers and phones. I am already thinking about our next vacation. Maybe no mountain trails next time.
Linda Tozer, who authored a blog on the Herald’s website, continues her mission to assist those facing grief over loss of family and friends.