QOL post , etrike trip to Eaton regional hike & bike trail.

[Kaliber]

this post about a nice regional park to visit in the Central Valley of California California . Plus it’s about “ mobility “ , being able to make this type of visit , alone, without a caregiver.

Today I drove over to Woodward Park in Fresno, ca…. Home of the trailhead of the urban style ( paved surface two lanes ) Eaton Hike & Bike trail. I drove about 9 miles …about 2.5 hours with all the stopping for pictures, rescuing a land turtle , taking in the scenery and health garden photo ops. It was beautiful, magnolia trees heavy with giant “ flowers, heavy fragrance of ancient juniper tree musk , children and mothers playing …. Beautiful special “ healing garden “ intended to provide a restful green space for cancer patients . I highly recommend it if you are local driving distance, or drop by in free time on your way up to the annual Huntington Lake sailing regatta , Kings Canyon or Yosemite national parks.

Also interesting about going was, I went alone without a caregiver …. First time out by myself in several years. Previously, it was difficult to take my legs ( my etrike ) out because attaching them to the Silverado was labor intensive and took two or three people. In the past week I worked out a new application of the trike ratchet strap system, making it dramatically different and easier. The luxury of being able to enjoy a “ by yourself “ time - trip anywhere without a caregiver cannot be overstated. The mobility freedom is wonderful and I can even go pick up my own Kaiser prescriptions ( opiates cannot be mailed ) for a change or go to appointments, ….. ….. being more self sufficient, and less heavily dependent on other people is really nice. Maybe I got healed a little in the healing garden. Yayahahahaya

❤️❤️❤️

[Kaliber]

Eaton trail out to Copper river from Woodard park.

Eaton train towards Friant Dam.

[treedown in reply to Kaliber]

That is one nice clean looking trail. We don't have anything like that here. How long is it? Did you drive your ebike on it 9 miles?Good job saving that turtle. I had a box turtle in my family for for 45 years and it passed away last year so I am sure it was older than me. Its name was Rover. Never spent a day in a cage just walked around the house.

Glad your getting out and moving all the while feeling groovy. Nice post.

[Kaliber in reply to treedown]

h & b trails here have restrooms, park bench’s, water fountain’s yayaya yaya. Not much roughing it but to fair a lot of young families / little kids and old people ( me ) use the trail.

The 9 miles were about three and a half miles out Eaton trail and 3.5 back ( Eaton trail is over 7 miles long but interconnects with the 21 mile cross city, Fresno Clovis trail. ). And two miles around the Woodward Park Lake Trail. All on my etrike because I can only walk about 15 - 20 feet, hunched over , stiff ADT zombie, shuffling my feet. Yayahahahaya. And , I can only stand up for couple - few minutes before my atrophied , muscle wasting and cancer damaged left knee / leg gives out and I have to sit down or fall down. I have to sit on a roll around stool , just to hook up the trike and do most things

Fresno is VERY bicycle friendly. Massive bike lane street infrastructure and a large dedicated h & b trail system like the photo. My house is only 1 block away from the university’s ( CSUF ) hike and bike trail system that connects all the other systems.

As I made the part of the trail on the back ( woodsy ) side of the lake , I met and helped a lady save a box turtle that almost wondered into 6 lane traffic. She saved it from the highway and wanted my help putting it back into the lake. I pointed out that it wasn’t a water turtle , but was instead a beautiful box turtle, a land turtle. We took it to the woods area and let it loose.

I seem to get stuck on my couch or in my bed all the time. I’m groggy , tired, exhausted , spent , weak and sleepy from all the meds, Im generally “ uncomfortable “ a lot too. I have to “ make “ myself get my butt up and go. I Fight it hard sometimes . It’s so easy to sleep all the time …. I want to “ go “ , not waste / throw away my remaining life asleep if I don’t have to . Waste not want not 😂😂😂

[treedown in reply to Kaliber]

I hear you. I tasted a small part of what you deal with daily and it shocked me. Its amazing how brutal the Xtandi /lupron combo was this time around so I understand that desire to sleep more than ever before. That said good for you to push through it even if not every day. Just shows what a little ingenuity can do to help out and help you to have such a fine QOL day on the trike. Here's to many more for you.

[Kaliber in reply to treedown]

❤️❤️❤️

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

That's gorgeous Bruddah and so pristine.

Life is a Highway...

Motoring...

You did it Bro, all by yourself, that's F' in crazy Good for you!

Gots some moxie/verve going all alone. Proud of you man

Roll on

Randy

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

right on buddy … thanks .

❤️❤️❤️

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

Keep on keepin in Bruddah KalQoL on

Randy

[Kaliber]

healing garden plaque

Healing garden plaque

[Hidden]

I applaud your "solo" determination.

[Kaliber in reply to Hidden]

❤️❤️❤️

[dockam]

Love that they placed a Serene Garden to relax, recharge and QoL it Babee

Soak it all in 💙

Chillax on

Randy

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

yea that cancer garden is a kewl touch, and I know you like / visit those places too. It’s Beautiful there and you could even play music on outdoors instruments they set up . 😁😁😁

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

Forests, beaches, and gardens esp Memorial Gardens will always attract meyoutu.be/8BdG28kWf30(Not working as expected?)

Nature on

Randy

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

❤️❤️❤️

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

LoL youtu.be/qSCUhqsy4Nk(Not working as expected?)

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

yayahahahaya hysterical and so appropriate since it looked like most of the audience were old hippies anyway.

Funny ❤️❤️❤️

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

youtu.be/hNBgEirKxq8(Not working as expected?)

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

I actually heard this just two days ago … I was listening to Pandora’s 60s hippy music channel in my truck and they played the long version. I could probably write a book about all the experiences I’ve had listening to that tune … back in the Haight and later in Telegraph Ave. ….in the late 60s. Wild times filled with VERY adventurous seekers of a new society. ( stoned hippies yayayaya. ) a classic …

❤️❤️❤️

[dockam in reply to Kaliber]

I'd buy that book💙

[Kaliber in reply to dockam]

yayahahahaya I’d probably get arrested if I wrote it 😂😂😂

[j-o-h-n in reply to dockam]

Re: Rickey Nelson, singing "Garden Party".

Unfortunately the Garden party in this song is a put down of Madison Square Garden since his fans booed him for singing his unknown new songs and not their old favorites.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 06/05/2023 11:13 PM PST

[Kaliber in reply to j-o-h-n]

I’ll be darn … I never realized that. Yayahahahaya. There’s probably a lot of “ chit “ back story stuff if we knew more about “ things “. Ricky had some good songs but was a little “ goodie two shoes “ for me . he sure could make the ladies swoon. Yayahahahaya yayahahahaya.

❤️❤️❤️

[B8ssist]

Kudos to you Kaliber!

[Kaliber in reply to B8ssist]

❤️❤️❤️

[TeleGuy]

You are simply amazing how you have managed to maintain yourself in this precarious state and have the courage and emotional stamina to literally pull yourself up and get yourself out. Whatever rig you created for your trike on your car is ingenious, and I'm so glad that it is giving you so much pleasure! The trail looks lovely and smooth for such a conveyance.

Bikes, Fresno? Wow, my only time in Fresno was about a 110-degree day heading home from FAT after a trip to Yosemite. I suppose the drive to the airport wasn't a good representation of what the town has to offer.

Carry on, Kaliber!

[Kaliber]

lol …. Thats fresno alright. Gonna be high 90s today too. It stays cool mornings here which gives you half a day comfortable every day tho.

Thanks brother, and I’ve discovered other benefits to getting up off my couch besides the emotional and mental lift …. My bg this morning was 35 points lower than usual lately , no doubt due to the exercise I got yesterday …. and interestingly I can stand up straighter and have a bit less discomfort trying to move around. Probably from exercising some “ stiff as a board “ ADT zombie muscles in my lower back and legs.

I’m going to try getting out every other day … just for the fresh air , sunshine and exercise …. I might reverse a bit of my muscle wasting if I’m lucky and the other benefits are obvious. Don’t want to over do it because my cardiac is adt screwed , but easy does it should be OK.

A lot of guys on here rave about exercise helping with adt SEs and looks like they are spot on. Once I see where this takes me over a period of time, I’ll make another post updating everything.

Thanks again TG .

❤️❤️❤️

Etrike looks like a moped from front, like a mobility cart rear view

[16starsky]

Well done that man ! Looks beautiful Dusty. Glorious sunshine as well (as we are having in the UK!!!! whoo hoo ) got up to 25d today.

Long may you continue with your solo excursions, it is nice to have a bit of 'ME' time

Glad your doing ok, as is Clint at the moment.

❤️❤️❤️

Kim x

[Kaliber in reply to 16starsky]

thank you Kim and say hi to Clint for me. Sunshine is something we, here in Central California , have an abundance of usually. Some would probably say OMG at 60 days in a row over 40.56C sometimes yayayaya yayayayaya. That’ll be later in the year. We still have 5 - 7 or more meters of snow pack left to melt from our record breaking winter, up in the nearby Sierra Mountains. 25C sounds lovely, I hope you get out and enjoy it too. It’s great to hear from you guys …

love ya

❤️❤️❤️

[16starsky in reply to Kaliber]

We went to North Wales a few week ago to visit relatives, stayed for a week. Weather was great !

Off to Crete in two weeks for a fortnight, weather SHOULD be good there. Then the dreaded OC appointment on our return. Lovely to hear you are getting out and about, take care !

Love ya back ❤️😃❤️😃xx

[Kaliber in reply to 16starsky]

I hope Crete is wonderful for you ….it’s such an exotic paradise. That should be soooooo good yayahahahaya.

I’m envious……

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[Carlosbach]

Damn K! Looks like another patent - this time for trike attachments is in the offing.

Beautiful trip out, but even more exciting is feeling the freedom of being able to just go, and be on your own. Yesterday I was following a couple of teenage boys who were out on their own in an old ford fairlane. Brought back memories of what it was like to be able to be on my own as a teen. What a fantastic time that was. Now, you've kinda recaptured that Rebel Without a Cause feeling (for croakers). Way to go K. Hope the outings continue.

[Carlosbach in reply to Carlosbach]

Sorry to have missed your reply big guy.

[Kaliber in reply to Carlosbach]

don’t be sorry …. It wasn’t worth all that. I just described the difficulty it takes for me to get around and accomplish something but after I thought about it, I didn’t want anyone to see it in case they are following close behind me. 😂😂😂

[CAMPSOUPS]

This is really good stuff to hear brother Kal.

I'll celebrate by watching Svengoolie with ya. (well, you know what I mean). I always have had a thing for the Lon Chaney movies.

[Kaliber in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

yayahahahaya … yep perusing DoorDash right now in anticipation of Sven tonight and we’ll be like minded with you too yayaha yayaya. The hammer has been there since noon. Looking forward to it and Saturdays are my “ off diet “ day to eat. It’s goooooood bruddha …. Woooohooooo, The simple pleasures.

😂😂😂

[Zengal79]

Their concept of the Healing Garden is beautiful. I remember what it was like being dependent on others, feeling trapped by my immobility. What peace you must have felt to get out and about in solitude with safety and ease. Such a great way to get your mind right! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

[Kaliber in reply to Zengal79]

the healing garden was nice … I’ve been there many times playing the outdoors percussion instruments there. This time it was overwhelmed by zillions of little kids on a park school visit … but watching them having fun is enjoyable too. The ruckus was wild yayahahahaya.

Thanks Zengal79.

Love ya ❤️❤️❤️

[timotur]

K good to see you gain your freedom to drive with a few tweaks of ingenuity. Enjoy those moments outdoors-- nothing like the simple pleasure of being in nature, especially before July-Fry starts. We've had about 30-days of May-gray and June-gloom here in SD, ready for some sunshine! Take care!

[Kaliber in reply to timotur]

thank you brother … I appreciate it …

We’re expecting our first 100f day here in the Central Valley, been hitting 97f - 99f already in late afternoon’s. Lots of sunshine tho yayahahahaya yayahahahaya.

Later 🐊

[SeosamhM]

You rock, Kal! I’m groggy , tired, exhausted , spent , weak and sleepy from all the meds, Im generally “ uncomfortable “ a lot too. I have to “ make “ myself get my butt up and go... 'Nuff said and I hear you, brother. Out the door I go to the Ohio State University James Cancer Center's "Hope Grows Here" garden event that I was considering not attending because of the heat (a measly 90F)!... 😀👍

[Kaliber in reply to SeosamhM]

thank you brother , and I hope you enjoy your event. I rested yesterday and ima tryin to get out again this morning. ( Sunday) got everything loaded up but had to turn back after about 4 blocks to get to the restroom fast …. My opiate laxatives are unpredictable and having their way this morning. Yayahahaha. I’m hoping to be able to continue my trip to the h&b trails but it’s uncertain at this point. Seems like stuff lines up to get in my way sometimes, like my body has a mind of its own… and wants to lie on the couch and veg out. 🎼 “ only the shadow knows what lurks in the minds of men “ yayahahaha. I am determined, we’ll see.

❤️❤️❤️

[SeosamhM in reply to Kaliber]

Dude...LOVE the Shadow... there's a good veg out listen on the couch!

[Kaliber in reply to SeosamhM]

probably had to be there , in the times … under those life conditions to fully appreciate them tho.

😂😂😂

[Fightinghard]

K

great story of a good day. Hope you get many more good days ahead

[Kaliber in reply to Fightinghard]

thank you brother and backatcha. 😁😁😁

[K-xo]

Awe, I can’t get past the land turtle rescue. This post made me smile, Kal! Glad your having fun & enjoying your freedom!

[Kaliber in reply to K-xo]

makes you wonder why that turtle decided to walk into 6 lanes of busy traffic. Hope it was healthy.

❤️❤️❤️

[K-xo in reply to Kaliber]

Like the chicken… To get to the other side. Duh

[Kaliber in reply to K-xo]

yayahahahaya …. It probably crosses all the time and is angry because we put it back in the woods.

❤️❤️❤️

[Hidden]

Bravo! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

I don’t want to hijack your uplifting post but wanted to convey that my hubs also feels like crap and can barely walk/shuffle. Turns out he has a compression fracture of his T7. Neurosurgeon said surgery not possible due to his spine looking like Swiss cheese (my words, not his). Hubs started water therapy and absolutely loves it! Told me repeatedly how great it felt to be able to stretch and use his muscles again without the fear of falling.

Keep drinking in that fresh air!

[Kaliber in reply to Hidden]

my posts are opportunities for anyone to get on and say something if they want, anything you feel you want to say , jump in … offshoot conversations are quite welcome , encouraged even …. Hijacking isn’t a” thing “ for space on my posts yayahahahaya. If I can stimulate discourse among - about croakers and / or our support …then so much the better. Interpersonal exchange, camaraderie, in any form …. Good stuff.

I hear ya about hubs …. My spine is so screwed / paved with Mets , the radiologist shows my films to everyone ….but … I don’t think I have cracked or broken , lots of slipping and compression tho. I agree with you , I have a medical jacuzzi with massage jets and they certainly do provide a lot of relief, and my calf’s and skeletal long muscle that are hammered by ADT as well. It doesn’t seem to last long tho … but it’s great while it’s there yayahahahaya. I hope your guy can hang in there , and be as comfortable as possible…for a long time.

❤️❤️❤️