KJ is the woman who got me started cycling and introduced me to many wonderful people on a 9 day bike ride down the Natchez Trace (444 miles) to celebrate her 80th birthday. The year prior to this 80th birthday ride, she had broken both of her legs skiing. She returned to skiing and cycling. A year and a half after the bike ride she broke both of her legs again and returned to skiing. In there somewhere she broke her wrist. This past January she had a bizarre accident when a gate raised so she could ride through it came down on top of her head, breaking her helmet, hip and many teeth. I visited her yesterday on my way from Spartanburg to Nashville. We took a 1.5 mile walk including a steep descent and ascent after to walk around a small lake, She does not have a limp. I was stunned when I saw her walking without a limp. She says her limp went away when she got her Hoka shoes. She has resumed cycling although she used a different route that does not involve passing through the gates. We are celebrating her 85th birthday in October with a bike ride near Grand Junction Colorado.
The drive through the Smokies yesterday was the most beautiful it has ever been. The various shades of green on the trees was stunning. This was the first time I have made the trip where there has not been a major traffic slow down between Asheville and Knoxville.
Brady and Carli were very happy to see me and after giving me lots of kisses promptly pinned me down. I had fortunately went home to unload the car, unpack and start laundry before I went to pick up my little “couch magnet”.
I am already thinking about another trip to Provence in June 2024 during lavender and sunflower season – before it gets too hot.
Tamara Unleashed 