Visually Disarming

There are moments in life that are more than enlightening, they are truly revealing. Rare, are these glimpses beyond the veil that shrouds our daily existence. But regardless of the brevity of the experience, the intensity is resounding and the revelation overpowering.

Sunglasses:
My ophthalmologist tells me they protect against the harmful UV rays that cause cataracts and macula degeneration. As a an average hiking Joe, I know them to be darn comfortable in the bright sunlight. Had I been a psychologist, I might have said a person wearing sunglasses even in the shaded areas of the forest, had something to hide. But when she took off her sunglasses while we sat at the finest of Harriman pizza, I saw the world through the eyes of a passing character in a superhero comic. It was like witnessing for the first time the ultimate of revelations, when a secret identity is shed and the superpower of the hero revealed to an unsuspecting stranger. Those eyes were not only enchanting but absolutely powerful to gaze into. Had I held her gaze any longer I'd be speechless. I do recognize that this was, indeed, her secret hope. Had she only known she had this power earlier in the day.
I look forward to hiking with her again although I will need special kryptonite goggles with lead inserts.

Susceptibility:
The Talmud tells us there is fortuitous times for certain actions and prayers. Ecclesiastes obviously co-opted the song by the Byrds when it says, "To every thing there is a season..." Well, summer is my season.

I don't think I really understood the magnitude of the these words; their biblical proportions, in fact, until I reflected upon my previous hike. Being in tune with nature, being challenged physically (no, NOT mentally), being with like-minded people, allowed me to feel extremely extroverted. It was as if my personal space and boundaries expanded outward like the mushroom cloud of an atomic blast but that could have been the odor of hiking many miles.

I felt myself drawn to the above mentioned lady whom I consider asking out. I was singularly aware of my singleness but also that there was a window of opportunity when she would be more receptive to an advance. I didn't, in the end, because I don't want to get a rep as the guy who hits on all the women of the hike. I also like to reflect on the whether it is a person is worth pursuing. I have to tell myself not to sell myself short by saying she wouldn't accept x,y, & z. That's her calculation. As for me, her location is GUD (Gud damn it), deep enough into CT that getting to see each other may be a limiting factor. She is more 'frum'. She wore a skirt on a climbing hike. I would NEVER do that (thank G-d) - so are we close enough to be compatible religiously? Do I want to really have more kids? Can she, as one never been married, relate to my kids or my situation?
I guess sometimes you just gotta jump in and get into the zone, ah!

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JOC Under Fire

The helicopters circling our position should've been our first clue. While we cheered and waved back at the soldier, never did we suspect we were in serious danger. In retrospect, that soldier did appear to be more swinging his arm at us rather than waving. We should've realized he meant move out. But such was not to be gleaned by the jolly carefree spirit of our merry JOC troop. Perhaps an even greater fax paus (can one even legitimately use such phraseology when applying it to rugged mountaineers????) was the large sign that warned about entering military property ahead. The guard rail was easily bypassed as there was no actual guard. We just ducked underneath. Way to go, tax dollars, I feel safe already. I think I actually began to worry when the red trail markers started to resemble bulls-eyes.

In the distance we heard thunder-blasts. Yet, oddly enough, the sky was clear. Word was radioed to us in the vanguard, that apparently one of our members, in the rear, had a mishap (I was debating just how awkwardly I could phrase that). His entire sole, not to be confused with his everlasting timberland soul, was blown away. Thanks to the fast thinking of our girl-scout, always-prepared, dazzling-eyed hiker (who always carried a rope with her as well, for some reason), our wounded guys shoe was taped together with her duct tape. She still denies any bodies buried in the woods, but I never turned my back on her, to not throw caution entirely to the wind. Although after many hours of hiking, I'm sure she had no desire to be downwind of me either.

At the time it wasn't clear what happened, he thought it was a misstep, but time and 20/20 hindsight, lead me to conclude that he either stepped on a dummy-mine or shrapnel from the blast we heard had missed his person, allowing for more urgent ventilation. But did our innocent naive child-like selves recognize the gravity of the situation, I dare say not. In fact, the entire group, save myself, left the hike thrilled and invigorated to have successfully hiked the Timp trail. I, on the other hand, decided to seek out the source of our bombardment. In fact, there was a historic reenactment that very same day, at Fort Montgomery, recalling the famous revolutionary battle. There were three real cannons including a 32-pounder they were really firing. Zoinks! I stayed to watch as they fired live rounds out to sea at revolutionary style naval vessels who decided, in turn, to fire right back. Quite a sight.

As is usual with all things government related, I was faced with stonewalling and outright denial by military officials (which only strengthens my case). It is worthwhile to shmooze up the enlisted men though. I was offered to join in the wine and cheese tasting on the deck. See, all is forgiven. Case and company, DISMISSED!

Oh, and a word of advice, keep the trail and keep it mixed, but beware someone may be taping you.
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When Nature Calls

When nature calls, I must respond. And thanks to JOC, all goes exceptionally well. What is JOC, you ask? Simply put, it is the Jewish Outdoors Club. They have amazing hikes mostly for moderate to difficult. I recently went on a hike labeled easy but found that they really meant easy if you have super endurance. I did well climbing the mountain and enjoyed the breathtaking views. I thought I had found blueberries but I was told they are Ink berries. The Indians apparently used them for blue dye and ink but they are edible although not as tasty as true blueberries.

There was one thing missing and that was Tali's presence. She abandoned me to do some simple bike ride. I think it was supposed to be around 80 or so miles. Sheesh, I drove my car more than that today alone. What I really respect is that she allows me to partake in my own fun and she isn't threatened (and she need not be). You see, the JOC hike had mostly singles. It isn't marketed as a singles hike and often married people or couples (and even kids) go on these trips. I thought I was supposed to pick up 2 girls and a guy but I ended up in a car filled with women. They were very nice and if only I knew normal guys, I would probably set them up. One even offered to set me up but I did mention that I believed I was on a special path with Tali (assuming she doesn't push me off the cliff for picking up eager women (IN MY CARRRRR)).

After our respective body-breaking activities, I managed to see Tali for a half hour. Even though she was worn from the day, she still looked radiant. I can't get enough of her. So much so that I think my poor mood this past weekend and all the subsequent sequelae (difficulty getting the kids under control, which hasn't be so bad in months), may very well be her fault. Err, I mean, because I missed her so much. She is my anchor, my stabilizing drug. Speaking of which, where is my Alleve?
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