Retreat in the Heart of Darjeeling

But soon there will be more pictures of Ireland than you can shake a selfie-stick at

This is actually the Santa Rosa Plateau, California, and I am on the cardio fitness route with other like-minded friends I met through some Internet-posted hikes. I’m busily preparing for my five-day walking trek of 59 miles along Sheep’s Head Way, Ireland.

Yes, I’m going by myself. All by myself, not with a group–because it is my good intention to walk quietly, or noisily if I want, with myself and the universe.

Here’s the trip I’ll be taking.

What brought on this longing for retreat was a painful loss in my life and the need to fill the space with something introspective, adventurous and somewhat proving, “Hey, I can do this by myself with only the help of angels.” And Saint Patrick. And most of the hiking inventory of Sports Chalet.

Well, that inventory statement is a bit of a exaggeration, but I have enjoyed figuring out what shoes to take as well as all the other puzzle pieces. Hiking boots are too heavy to carry along, plus I need waterproof shoes for the H2O that makes Ireland green. On top of that comfort is, of course, paramount.

With tips from some hiking friends, I happily settled on Altra’s Lone Peak waterproof mountain running shoe and have been very happy–even testing them in some California rain and mud. No need to go on and on. You can read about the toe box and zero drop online.

Back to the Santa Rosa Plateau…I’m going again today and am looking forward to the array of wild flowers. We savor the green here in Southern California as it doesn’t last long.

Looking forward to sharing my adventures in Ireland, as well as in Russia following that.