Time Out

After hiking with and supporting us for two whole months, Mike went back to his home in Boulder yesterday to address a variety of errands and issues. He accomplished his objectives while out here. He brought good cheer and support to us; he came to a resolution for what he wanted to do career wise moving forward; and he took 5,000 photos in two months. To put the latter into perspective, I’ve taken 2,000 photos in 3 1/2 months. You can see much of Mike Hinckley’s photography on his smug mug site.

Cindy, Mike, Mariana, Carlos

Charissa brought Mike to the Sacramento airport while Cindy and I stayed with our gracious hosts to repackage things for the three of us. I thought this was the right move, enabling me to get a jump on the packing so we could leave for a short hike that day, while allowing Cindy to relax at the home of Carlos and Mariana.

Carlos sat with us as I repacked all our food on his porch, tailored made for relaxing. Carlos talked about his upcoming kayaking trip and Cindy seemed to be enjoying sitting nearby and listening. However, Cindy is not really the relaxing type. She likes to be doing things. The one thing she got into her head she could be doing was putting on her boots that were on the porch, which she attempted occasionally without success. I did not assist her because the boots would have to come off again when we went into their home.

When Charissa came back to the airport I could tell something was not right. Watching Mike take off for home gave her a similar longing. Being young with a budding relationship I could understand. I rubbed her back a bit as she fought off tears, then figured I best pack the car with all our stuff and get us back to hiking.

As I packed the car Cindy again tried to put on her boots, again without success. With a free moment I came over to her at the same point that she dropped a boot in frustration. As I put her boots on for her she broke out in tears. She covered her face with her hands and cried: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me!”

I put my arm around her to comfort her the best I could. She came with me to the car, where I asked her if she wanted to skip hiking today. She said yes, breaking out crying again. We returned to the porch where Charissa came out to comfort her mother. One thing that helps a person with a kind heart forget their own troubles is comforting others.

Carlos witnessed the whole scene and came over to offer me his sympathy and support. At that point I lost it a little bit as well. He placed great emphasis on his house being our house and we stayed for one more night.

By that evening everyone appeared to be in good spirits again. Helping us with our moods were two of our hosts’ daughters, Valentina and Kristel. Both were prone to exuberant, infectious laughter, a sign of their loving upbringing by loving parents. The next morning the whole household prepared for their respective kayaking and hiking journeys, for them a new adventure and for us getting back to business as usual.