Of course it wasn't too late, but could I simply return to my "good enough outdoorsman" stage. What had I lost in the 18 years since my last wilderness trek? My first try on the trail was a weekend outing on an easy trail with a too heavy pack for my level of conditioning. It was awful in some ways and wonderful in others. I knew there were going to be some needed changes. I also scheduled my next few trips with new found hiking friends to ensure I wouldn't bail out and ruin anyones trip. I started learning again and become familiar trail life. I hiked the Lake Shore Trail in Pictured Rocks National Seashore and the Greenstone Trail on Isle Royale. These two trips set the hook and I was ready for more; no, I craved more. My children were nearly grown, my practice stable, and a new job teaching allowed more flexible time for travel. I still had some realities to face, however. It had been nearly 15 years since my last medical check-up. I rarely got sick, but my hands were getting stiff and sore, and I was seriously overweight. Time to see a doctor. I didn't even have a personal physician so I was really starting from scratch. Next - Health, Age, Philosophy, Life Stage