Getting old or growing up?

We know we're getting old when the only thing we want for our birthday is not to be reminded of it. - Author unknown

To me birthday was just like any other day, and I’ve never been eager to celebrate it. It was always my daughter who reminded me of the date. But when it comes to our friends’ birthday, I like to celebrate it for them giving my best wishes and bringing them happiness.

Today we goldies got together not only for the monthly reading but also for celebrating Kate’s birthday. Kate wanted to keep a low profile, still Lydia reminded everyone of us of the special day and volunteered to buy a birthday cake. So exciting that we had two aims in one gathering. Like always we changed the date several times before concluding it. Finally Kate, Lydia and Michelle cancelled their clogging class to make it happen and for more goldies to join. No other day was perfect as Kate and Lydia will go abroad for their long planned trip this weekend. We also changed restaurants several times. The one we finally walked in was decided on the spot.

Irene and Kate were already there when I stepped in. Good to see Kate was in a jolly mood. The first surprise came before I sat down. Irene bought everyone two scarves, one golden and one black, always so sweet. Next time, we shall all wear them as our dress code. Michelle, Lydia and Sherry arrived respectively.

We began with a light chat; Michelle’s trip to Hawaii, Michelle father’s health and Irene’s calendar plan. The air became hot when Lydia talked about her birthday party. We were so excited about the upcoming fun. Then Sherry dropped a bomb talking about her unusual encounter, and created an even hotter atmosphere. She is so good at becoming the center of attention.

After enough chat came camera moment. Posing, teasing and making a scene put a sensational period to our reading. Can’t wait for Lydia’s Birthday Party to come!


Trini
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A Long-waiting hike of 14.2 km of distance up to the Peak of Bamboo Mountain

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir


Embracing mountains and embracing nature is my cup of tea, and hiking with friends always excites me. Today over 150 people joined the hike! The biggest group I have ever joined.

The hike to the Radar Tower on Bamboo Mountain was first announced on Aug. 18th. I waited for the day to come for exact two months. My excitement is indescribable when it finally came. Eight months passed since my last hike. The Radar Tower belongs to the military, and normally it’s guarded and exclusive for the military. Today they made an exclusive exception for YMSNP volunteers and opened the gate for them to hike there to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the awesome view around the mountain because it’s the 2nd highest peak of YMS. Thanks to Virginia and Sherry who are YMSNP volunteers, we Toastmasters got the privilege of joining them. .

When the day was around the corner, reminders from Virginia and Sherry kept rolling in:

1. Car pool arrangement.
2. Be punctual!
3. Be aware of the distance challenge, it’s 14.2 km!
4. Get necessary gear ready.
5. Weather warning, warm clothes and raincoat are a must.
6. No photos taking. It’s a military base!
Etc.

Wow! They are really nervous being responsible for the safety of 150 people. Everything went very well as planned. I arrived at the gathering place before the schedule. After Sherry joined me, we took a few photos to record the moment. Then we headed for the mountain in order to get a good parking place.

I did get an excellent parking place. Being the very early birds, we waited for others to come. An hour passed, the place was getteing more and more crowded, the atmosphere was getting warmer and warmer and we were getting more and more excited. Toastmasters belonged to group two. We set off first after all the members arrived.
I kept staying in the first few ones during the whole trip. My naughty and competitive genes were so compelling that I couldn’t help but act and walk fast. I wanted to prove to myself that 14.2 km is nothing. I was so inconsiderate of others, but just couldn’t resist the urge of enjoying the moment and have fun.
Gradually and unconsciously we first four left all others behind. When I told Moses proudly that we may be the first to arrive the tower, four hikers of another group passed through us. Giving our accomplishment up? Moses was kind enough to play along. We over-passed them and made it the first to the tower.

Then we waited for lunch for almost two hours! The military crew didn’t expect that we finished it so fast, either, and tried to help us kill the extra two hours. I was so impressed. We, kind of intruders that disturbed their routine, were received such a warm welcome.

After lunch and some more group photos, we hit the road. Moses strode even faster than he did in the morning. To prove I was not a lamb duck, I kept the same pace and left our group far behind. When we reached the destination, we could do nothing but wait. Sherry showed up one hour later after other hikers left one by one. Next time, I should consider to follow other’s pace. I am used to walk fast, but waiting is not fun.

In the end, must thank Virginia, Sherry and all YMSNP volunteers to make this hiking possible. The distance was perfect for me to enjoy a good exercise, the sky was clear, the air was clean, the mountains were alluring, the view was broad, and the people were warm and passionate. I am a mountain person, hope there will be more hikes for me to join. What a perfect Sunday!

Trini http://picasaweb.google.com/taipeitmtrini/ALongWaitingHikeOf142KmOfDistance#
Virginia http://picasaweb.google.com.tw/vlee1009/091018#
Yi Hsin http://www.flickr.com/photos/flying_hsin/sets/72157622493176115/
Sherry http://photo.xuite.net/ymsblog/3567971
Trini
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