Learning The Game Of Golf

That’s right, my better half and I are learning the game of golf. I never took the time or had the patience before to take up the game. Why would we take on this challenge at this point in our lives? First, I believe that age is just a number. Ask anyone over the age of 50 and, most will tell you the same thing. I use my age as a reason and not an excuse. Second, it is something we want to do. It’s that simple.

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It Is Not Easy Learing The Game Of Golf

We signed up for a clinic at the beginning of the year. I was thinking most people taking the clinic would be young and we would look out of place. Boy, I was wrong. Most people are my age or older and, the majority are women. I found out that many seniors begin learning the game of golf. Seniors pick up the game faster because we have more free time to practice.

My approach to the game is like a baby learning to walk. The baby doesn’t get frustrated when they fall. It is just the opposite; they laugh and try again. They keep trying until they can stand, then they take a step. Soon they don’t fall as much and become consistent. They keep walking, wobbly at first until they achieve balance. It is not long before they look like they have always been walking.

First Golf Lesson

On our first day, while waiting for the lesson to start, we met a few people who asked how long we had been playing. When we told them this was our first day, I kept hearing the word frustrating. “You must not have enough frustration in your life,” one woman said to me. Another quipped, “get ready to be frustrated.” You know, I didn’t get frustrated at all that day. Later, I realized these women focused on the outcome and not the process.

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Sofia and I were there to have fun, nothing more. We didn’t have any certain outcome in mind. We were having fun and, there is no frustration in having fun. Our only goal was to become more consistent in hitting the ball. We are enjoying this new journey we have set out on.

Remember Why You Started

Learning the game of golf is frustrating only if the game controls you. Like anything, remember why you started playing in the first place. Was it to have fun? If so, go, have fun regardless of where the ball lands. Did you want to meet people? Golf is an excellent way to meet people for personal or business reasons. Go, play and make new friends.

I am glad we are learning the game of golf even though we are not very good at it yet. On our travels, to Colorado, we met a vibrant and energetic 80-year-old woman. She golfed, skied, hiked, and did anything she wanted to do. I learned from her to give up all excuses and start doing those things that I want to do. There’s nothing I can do about my arthritis and bone spurs from previous injuries. The fatigue from my chemotherapy treatments will always be there. My body is always going to hurt if I’m lying in bed or learning the game of golf. I no longer use any excuses. If it is something I want to do, it will be done.

Go, Do It

If there’s something that you would like to do in your life, go, do it. Don’t hold back or wait too long. Dump all your excuses and go live the life you want to live. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blogs. Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow. Go, be the best you.

Cites

https://unsplash.com/@lgtts

https://unsplash.com/@cs0915

colorado-trip-part-2-sunrise.

Colorado Trip Part 2

On the second day of our trip, I woke and then went downstairs and poured myself a cup of coffee. With mug in hand, I walked outside enjoying the cool air. Sitting on the deck, I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise. After a light continental breakfast, I hiked to the bottom of the mountain, feeling very energetic. Our Colorado Trip Part 2.

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Colorado Trip Part 2

When I made it back to the B&B, I wanted to continue enjoying the cool Colorado temperatures of late summer. I sat at the table on the deck and marveled at how silent it was. The silence was only broken by a car passing by now and then. I looked around at all the aspen trees, which have small leaves that shimmer in the breeze.

Shortly thereafter, 5 or 6 hummingbirds arrived and began flittering about. I then heard something run behind me, and I didn’t know what it was. We were told there were all kinds of wildlife on the mountain, including bears and mountain lions. Therefore, I was a little concerned but not enough to go inside.

Idaho Springs, Colorado

After Sofia finished some work, we proceeded downstairs to begin our day. We told Wilhelmina that we were going to hike to St. Mary’s glacier. She told us how to take a scenic drive to the town of Idaho Springs instead of taking the highway. Without her advice, I would’ve just followed the GPS and probably taken the highway. That would’ve been a huge mistake because the drive was gorgeous.

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Drive To Idaho Springs

We started in a valley and then drove up into the mountains with the most incredible views. Arriving in Idaho Springs, we found a parking spot on the street. Idaho Springs is a small gold mining town with a lot of character. I fell in love with this town. Wilhelmina had suggested we eat it at Tommyknocker Brewery.

Great Beer

The main street in Idaho Springs is blocked off for pedestrians only. We were seated and our server brought out samples of their homebrew. Every sample I tried was tasty. I don’t drink beer anymore since I went through chemo. It tends to taste metallic. Nonetheless, I chose a Chocolate Porter that hit the spot. Sofia had a Blood Orange IPA I also found very tasty.

After a beer and burger lunch, we walked around the town and down to the creek. There was a beautiful waterfall and a large wooden waterwheel in front of it. Across the creek, I could see the entrance to old gold mining tunnels.

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Idaho Springs, Colorado

St. Mary’s Glacier

We then drove to St. Mary’s glacier, which was about 10 miles higher into the mountain. After parking and dropping off the parking fee, we headed up the trail. The hike is steep and full of large rocks. They didn’t smooth out the trail but left the rocks and boulders right where the glacier deposited them many years ago.

It was hard on my arthritic knees, but I trudged on. Wilhelmina had given us sea-level people a tip before we left. She said to stop and fill our lungs with air every so often. At sea level, we only use half of our lungs. I didn’t know that, and I’m still learning at my age.

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Rocky Trail

Finding Inspiration

I found a lot of inspiration hiking up this trail. There were all different types of people despite the ruggedness of the trail. I saw very fit people and some that were overweight. There were young and old. I was most impressed by seeing the children that were hiking up the steep, rocky trail. Every time I thought we were at the top, the trail turned and continued up.

We finally reached the top and were greeted by a beautiful lake and the remains of St. Mary’s glacier on the mountainside. After some photos and rest, we headed back down the trail. It is a lot harder going down thing going up. Eventually, I made it, sore knees and all.

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St Mary’s Glacier

An Evening With Old And New Friends

We drove back to the B&B to shower and change. That evening we were invited to the rehearsal dinner/welcome party at our friend’s house. I always enjoy watching Sofia conversing with her friends. She has known them since she was five years old. I can see the joy on her face when they get together.

Meeting new friends and getting to know them is something I always enjoy. The party shut down early because they had a long day getting ready for the wedding the next day. It was good for me because I was getting tired, and the hike had taken a toll on this old body. It felt good to crawl into bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. To be continued.