Not in any particular order . . . literally, a rear view my beautiful, wonderful, supportive, brilliant, loving, logical, fearless, strong, helpful,
kind, generous, bla, bla, bla . . . wife. Attached is a foto I took of her of her a few years ago. (It is represented by the largest stock photography
agency in the world; is licensed regularly, so don’t get any ideas) And yes, this image was her idea. And for those you who don’t know her, the
front view is better than rear view.
The back story . . . this foto was taken on June 21st, which isn’t just the start of summer, it’s also Naked Hiking Day! Naked Hiking Day marks
the summer solstice and embodies the spirit of being free. Though not recognized by any organization in particular, it common knowledge
that the trails on June 21st may lead to some shocking discoveries.
As some of you may recall, my wife recently spent the better part of a summer, backpacking, pretty much nonstop and solo, through the
mountains and deserts of California, on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Before she left, we did a blood test and some careful recording of her body composition and measurements. (You know me, I'm almost fanatical
about keeping accurate records). And when she returned, we did the same. FYI . . . experience tells me that if I had done what she did, I would
have lost 10-15 lbs. . . . of muscle all over.
Here are the results: she lost only 4 lbs. of bodyweight and gained some muscle. Lost zero arm size. Lost 2 3/4 inches from her chest. Lost 3 3/4
inches from her waist. Lost 1 inch from her hips.
And added 3/4 inch to her thighs. Added 1/4 inch to her calves.
Her shoe size remained the same. I expected her feet to grow one full size, but they did not.
And her blood tests came back perfect . . . same as before she started.
No bad for walking all day long, 1,330 total miles in about 3 months, sleeping on ground, eating only what you carry and that never being able to
meet your daily choleric needs, having very little protein (by most standards) and being an over 55 year old vegetarian female.
So much for all this talk about protein requirements, cardio, and muscle loss . . .