Not THAT far . . .

13,733 steps equal almost seven miles.

Do you remember when I wrote in my column last week about walking 13,733 steps from the Glen Eyrie Castle to the Garden of the Gods? Here’s the rest of the story.

At the end of the Daughters First Retreat in Colorado Springs, my friend Jackie Freeman and I met up with our young friend Jessica Bolyard to walk over to the Garden of the Gods. We could see it in the distance.

We walked down the mountain to the gatehouse, where the 20-something young lady who looked like an accomplished athlete told us it was not “THAT” far.

“Just go on down the mountain and take a right when you see a gravel path. Follow the path to a split-rail fence. Climb over the fence, and you will see a paved path along the highway that will take you to the Garden of the Gods. You shouldn’t have a problem.”

You need to understand that Jackie is 72, I am 69, and sweet, in-shape Jessica is 43. We did not skip or dance our way to movin’ on down the path. We weren’t seeking a brain, a heart, or courage. We just wanted to walk amongst God’s enormous rock creations in Colorado.

While the way may not be narrow, the walk to the Garden of the Gods is certainly long. (Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard)

Along the way, we met marathon runners, extreme bicyclists, and a few novice visitors like us.

You need to understand the elevation of Colorado Springs is over 6,000 feet. Where I live in Indiana, it is 719 feet. If you look up the issues of walking in high elevation, it includes shortness of breath.

If you take into account the altitude, my age, and the fact that my usual walk is three miles, you will understand the challenge I faced with 13,733 steps. Another part of this challenge is that I have a hitch in my get-along. I deal with chronic pain from my tailbone slipping out of place.

Along the way were these well-placed benches for those who needed to take a break. I felt like Goldilocks as I tried out every one of them.

I pondered some random thoughts along the way …

The measurement of “not THAT far” is a personal perspective. I must consider the age and athletic ability of the person using the term THAT.

If faith can move a mountain, I wonder if it could move rocks and move them closer.

It is much easier to pursue a challenge if you have friends come alongside you. Having one who is quite a bit younger is terrific if they cheer you along and don’t mind stopping and waiting while you catch your breath and adjust the hitch in your get-along.

Then there was the scripture in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 in the Message Bible.

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

I might tweak that part about running hard, and I find napping is necessary at my age.

Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard

We made it to the Garden, and its beauty was breathtaking – literally. There were massive rock formations, crazy (IMO) rock climbers, trees growing out of the rocks, and signs warning of rattlesnakes. If I saw one, I was ready to say, “Get thee behind me, Satan!” and run.

Then, we had to walk back to the castle, which meant we would eventually walk up the mountain after several miles. We got to the gatekeeper, and my friend, Jackie, asked if a kind person with a golf cart might be willing to take us the rest of the way up the mountain. Did I mention my friend is a very wise woman as well as a gifted author?

I felt like a princess riding to the castle in a carriage, a.k.a. golf cart. We thanked the kind young man and hobbled up the steps into the castle.

Those 13,773 steps had a story to tell. I hope you enjoyed reading about our adventure. It was worth every step.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.