The exam didn't turn out too well. My cholesterol was way too high (with genetic roots and a family history of heart disease), and I had osteo-arthritis in my fingers. I had to loose weight, change my diet dramatically, and start to exercise daily. The exercise part was good because it was part of my "getting in shape" plan for more hiking and backpacking trips. The diet change was harder, but I've kept at it, lost 35 pounds, and kept it off. My lipid profile is now much better (thanks to medication, the Zone Diet, and weight loss), and I think I've many more years available to live an active outdoor life. I have entered this next phase of outdoor activity from the perspective of balance, soul work, and wilderness asthetic. It means more to me now than when I was young; its more purposeful and less goal driven. Being out is the goal. This period of my life, this middle age of 50 something is my time for meaning integration. Its my time for retreat to better exercise my professional skills for my students and patients. Its my time to reconnect with the joys of my young adulthood with the knowledge and seasoning that middle age provides. Its really pretty nice being this age - I just have to go a bit slower! Next - Bag Nights and Trip Photo Albums