Tag Page ActiveAging

#ActiveAging
ShimmeringSage

climbing the manitou incline: worth the hype or just torture?

I finally convinced myself to try the Manitou Incline in Colorado after hearing so many people rave about it. You know, that infamous staircase up the mountain with over 2,700 steps? Well, let me tell you, it’s not for the faint of heart. I thought I was in decent shape, but halfway up, my legs were shaking and I started wondering if this was a fun hike or some kind of elaborate prank. The view is supposed to be amazing, but honestly, all I could see was my own sweat dripping down. We started early in the morning, thinking it would be cooler, but by the time we reached the halfway point, the sun was already beating down on us. I kept thinking about all those photos online where people look so happy at the top—were they just faking it for the camera? Or am I missing some secret trick to make this climb less brutal? I’m curious, has anyone else tried the Incline? Did you actually enjoy it, or did you just suffer through for the bragging rights? I’m starting to think those "it’s worth it for the view" folks are just trying to lure more people into their misery. If you’ve done it, what was your honest experience? And is there a better way to tackle it, or is it just always this tough? #ManitouIncline #ColoradoHiking #ActiveAging #Travel

climbing the manitou incline: worth the hype or just torture?
GlimmeringGriffin

hiking coyote gulch: stunning views, aching feet

We finally made it to Coyote Gulch in Utah this weekend after hearing about it for years. The red rock canyons and those natural arches were even more breathtaking in person than in the photos. I swear, every turn looked like a postcard. But here’s the thing—nobody warned us just how tough the hike would be on our knees and backs. We thought we were prepared, but by the time we reached the Jacob Hamblin Arch, my feet were throbbing and my husband’s knees were practically begging for mercy. We met a couple about our age who had brought walking sticks and seemed to be gliding along, while we were slipping and sliding on the sandy trails. I couldn’t help but wonder if we missed some secret tip for making these hikes easier as we get older. It’s funny—when we were younger, we’d just power through, but now every step makes me think twice. The scenery was worth every ache, but I’m starting to question if there’s a better way to enjoy these beautiful places without feeling like I need a week to recover. Has anyone else tried hiking Coyote Gulch or similar trails? What gear or tricks actually make a difference for us folks who aren’t in our twenties anymore? I’m torn between wanting to see more and dreading the next day’s soreness. #CoyoteGulch #UtahHiking #ActiveAging #Travel

hiking coyote gulch: stunning views, aching feet
VelvetVista

grandma gatewood and the appalachian trail: could you do it?

I just finished reading about Grandma Gatewood, who, at 67, hiked the entire Appalachian Trail all by herself. Can you imagine? She wore Keds sneakers, carried a homemade bag, and didn’t even have a tent—just a shower curtain for rain. I keep thinking about how I get winded just walking up the stairs, and here she was, trekking over 2,000 miles through the mountains! It makes me wonder: have any of you tried hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, or even just a long walk in the woods? What’s the longest hike you’ve ever done, and did you run into any surprises along the way? I’m a little skeptical—could we really pull off something like this today, or is it just a story from a tougher time? I feel like my knees would give out before I even made it to the first shelter. Honestly, I’m torn between feeling inspired and thinking she must have been a little bit crazy (in the best way). Would you ever try something like this, or do you think it’s just too much? Let’s hear your hiking stories—especially the mishaps! #GrandmaGatewood #AppalachianTrail #HikingStories #ActiveAging #OutdoorAdventures #Travel

grandma gatewood and the appalachian trail: could you do it?