Never too Old for anything! Pia!

I went on a winter hike last weekend; woods covered with snow; it was an amazing scenery; but I had not built my stamina enough post surgery for a level 4 hike like that one; and at the end was almost dragging myself to the finish line.

But this hike reminded me of an unfinished blog about an amazing person I met last year; which I had in the list of items to blog about.

Today I write about Pia.

Last year, 2017, I had been to Manitou Incline (famously known as The Incline) in Colorado. It is a very famous climb with maximum incline; and has been athletes favorite workout spot, as well as a tourist attraction. For native Coloradans this is a next door fitness challenge spot. The incline gains over 2,000 feet (610 m) of elevation in less than one mile (.88 miles). So you can imagine it's steep grade; with an average grade of 45% (24°) and as steep as 68% (34°) in places. The trail is fairly maintained, and on weekends it gets really crowded. But the view is breathtaking; and it's worth every bit of hike.

Below is the link to a youtube video best explaining the details by OutThere Colorado
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Yu6ASxFNA

Uphill!

Halfway into the hike uphill, I met an old lady climbing up with the help of hiking poles; she seemed quite fit for her age. I had a slow hiking partner; so we were taking breaks every now and then; hence she and I kept crossing each other every now and then; and we exchanged smiles and greetings. When we reached the top; I wanted to wait for the old lady and applaud when she makes it to the top, which she did and that too with a smile.

I said 'Hello, I am Sarita. You were an inspiration back there, what's your name.'

She said, 'Hiiii, my name is Pia. Not Indian Piya, just P , I, A - Pia. Like Kia' and she laughs.

Me - 'That's funny. You have your sense of humor even after this difficult hike. You nailed this hike. It was so nice to see you encourage people down there.'

She - 'It's my 70th birthday today, and every year on my birthday I hike the incline; to remind myself that I am not too old for anything. I have been coming here for last almost 20 years'

Me - 'Wow that's amazing. For your age, you have been a champ.'

We chat quite a bit, then a bunch of us sing birthday song for her. I hug her, and we click this picture.

That's Pia on my right in Pink T Shirt, apple in the hand and a hiking pole. Look at that effortless smile!!

That was John and yes, his expression was what we all had, when we learnt her age :D

Us on the top!

Downhill - Barr's trail

Panoramic View while hiking downhill.

I call my memory Ghajini memory (short term memory), and some things don't even stay in my RAM for more than few days. But people like Pia remain etched in my memory; for some of the things they say, change the way you look at life.

Pia is one such person, and I will remember her always.

-Sarita

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