Getting too old for this hike 4/6/2023

[Starman77]

I haven't been to this hike-in lake in several years, and on this outing I wondered whether I'd be able to make it back up the steep hill. Since that kidney stone procedure I seem to be having some heart issues, shortness of breath and loss of balance (hopefully it is just a medication issue). You need good balance on this hike as there are some spots that are difficult, at least once you get to be my age. But, the scenery is spectacular and the fishing is decent.



The rainbows weren't overly fat or large, but fatter than they used to normally be, and they fought quite well. The 15 to 16 inchers often fooled me into thinking that they were 18 to 20 inchers. A dark olive rabbit fur leech was the only fly pattern used.





The water temperature was 46 to 47 degrees and very clear with at least 12 feet of visibility. No hatches of significance, and I only saw 3 fish rise and no swallows swarming over the lake.

The beavers have been busy, as this beaver hut wasn't there the last time I fished this lake:



The only other fishermen seen were two shore fishermen who left after a few hours, so essentially I had the lake to myself all day.

It took me about 3 times as long as normal to get back up the hill, but I made it and didn't have to get the rescue squad to come get me. However, I may be getting too old for this hike unless I solve the loss of balance and shortness of breath issues.

Rex

 

[Irafly]

If it is any consolation, I struggle with my balance on that one as well.

Excellent report as always!

 

[Billy]

Great report Rex! Gotta love a day you don't have to switch flies!

 

[wetline dave]

Probably your age or a bit older. Going along at 75.

Go to your GP and get a recommendation for a cardiologist and get an evaluation. Discuss your activity level, which is quite high for any age, and get some professional advice. Listen and evaluate and take your want to do and I can do it out of it and do an honest self evaluation.

It may just save you a lot of grief.

Believe me you get a heart attack out in the middle of no where and waiting for help you are basically screwed.

For what it is worth from someone who has been there.

Dave

 

[troutpocket]

You’re an inspiration, Rex! And yes, the beaver population there seems to be expanding.

That’s quite a structure for a rodent.

 

[Anonymous member 148]

I haven't been to this hike-in lake in several years, and on this outing I wondered whether I'd be able to make it back up the steep hill. Since that kidney stone procedure I seem to be having some heart issues, shortness of breath and loss of balance (hopefully it is just a medication issue). You need good balance on this hike as there are some spots that are difficult, at least once you get to be my age. But, the scenery is spectacular and the fishing is decent.

View attachment 60875

The rainbows weren't overly fat or large, but fatter than they used to normally be, and they fought quite well. The 15 to 16 inchers often fooled me into thinking that they were 18 to 20 inchers. A dark olive rabbit fur leech was the only fly pattern used.

View attachment 60877

View attachment 60878

The water temperature was 46 to 47 degrees and very clear with at least 12 feet of visibility. No hatches of significance, and I only saw 3 fish rise and no swallows swarming over the lake.

The beavers have been busy, as this beaver hut wasn't there the last time I fished this lake:

View attachment 60881

The only other fishermen seen were two shore fishermen who left after a few hours, so essentially I had the lake to myself all day.

It took me about 3 times as long as normal to get back up the hill, but I made it and didn't have to get the rescue squad to come get me. However, I may be getting too old for this hike unless I solve the loss of balance and shortness of breath issues.

Rex

Echocardiogram is easy to get.
Are you gaining weight(water weight)?
Are your ankles/feet swollen? Does your ring fit? My ring didn't fit anymore.

I was struggling to get to the top of the slight hill on our property, winded and chest pounding by the time I got to the top. Oh and I'm 37y/o , so problems for sure.

That was 4 months ago, I now have a new heart valve, feeling great too. So don't wait, get it checked out asap. Lost 20lb almost overnight and my ring fits again.

 

[Buzzy]

Great report, Rex. I'm glad you made it up and out and home safely. The opener is coming soon - there's that lake in the CNWR with the cloud of daphnia and some LARGE trout....

 

[Jim F.]

What others have said, Rex. Get in to a cardiologist. I just underwent a cardioversion myself. A person feels much better when the old ticker is working right. Take care of yourself.

 

[Starman77]

Probably your age or a bit older. Going along at 75.

Go to your GP and get a recommendation for a cardiologist and get an evaluation. Discuss your activity level, which is quite high for any age, and get some professional advice. Listen and evaluate and take your want to do and I can do it out of it and do an honest self evaluation.

It may just save you a lot of grief.

Believe me you get a heart attack out in the middle of no where and waiting for help you are basically screwed.

For what it is worth from someone who has been there.

Dave

Actually, I already do have an appointment with my cardiologist in a couple of weeks, although something definitely changed after that kidney stone procedure, so I think it has something to do with the medications. Appreciate your advice and concerns.

 

[Starman77]

Echocardiogram is easy to get.
Are you gaining weight(water weight)?
Are your ankles/feet swollen? Does your ring fit? My ring didn't fit anymore.

I was struggling to get to the top of the slight hill on our property, winded and chest pounding by the time I got to the top. Oh and I'm 37y/o , so problems for sure.

That was 4 months ago, I now have a new heart valve, feeling great too. So don't wait, get it checked out asap. Lost 20lb almost overnight and my ring fits again.

I've had a couple of echocardiograms and lots of EKGs, treadmill tests and so on. My heart appears to be basically fine, except for atrial fibrillation (A-Fib). When my heart goes off-rhythm a lot, then I really get short of breath, and I wouldn't attempt a hike with that going on. No weight gain, no swollen ankles or feet. Thanks for your advice and concerns.

 

[Starman77]

You’re an inspiration, Rex! And yes, the beaver population there seems to be expanding.
View attachment 60894
That’s quite a structure for a rodent.

It really is amazing where the beavers find enough sticks to build their huts and dams. There just don't seem to be enough willow trees to supply them with enough wood.

 

[Starman77]

Great report, Rex. I'm glad you made it up and out and home safely. The opener is coming soon - there's that lake in the CNWR with the cloud of daphnia and some LARGE trout....

Actually, Pat, I think you're referring to the lake with lots of glassworms, right? Hope we find some good fish in there this year, but after last summer, who knows which seep lakes might have summer-killed. Only one way to find out, and that's to try them...

 

[Wanative]

Great report, Rex. I'm glad you made it up and out and home safely. The opener is coming soon - there's that lake in the CNWR with the cloud of daphnia and some LARGE trout....

Hmmmm? I was thinking about that myself.

 

[Buzzy]

Actually, Pat, I think you're referring to the lake with lots of glassworms, right? Hope we find some good fish in there this year, but after last summer, who knows which seep lakes might have summer-killed. Only one way to find out, and that's to try them...

I was trying to be uber-secretive! ;-) Yes, I meant glassworms.

 

[iveofione]

Just 2 days ago the ice came off of the steep part of my driveway so I am walking again! I wear a pedometer and am trying to get my number of steps up prior to the opener in two weeks. I noticed that I am slow after sitting on my butt in a virtual ice prison all winter. Today I am going to be pushing my Super Fat Cat on the new cart for the entire walk and see how that works going uphill.

There are a lot of things to dislike about old age, slowing down is just another one....

 

[Wayne Kohan]

Rex, the last time I fished that lake we came in from the west side. It is a longer walk in but relatively flat, though anything is relatively flat compared to the other hike from the east. I happen to like the fishing better on the west side anyway, so the time to get to the west side is about the same as finning yourself across the lake. (Although as your finning across, you are fishing and probably doing some catching....)

 

[Starman77]

Rex, the last time I fished that lake we came in from the west side. It is a longer walk in but relatively flat, though anything is relatively flat compared to the other hike from the east. I happen to like the fishing better on the west side anyway, so the time to get to the west side is about the same as finning yourself across the lake. (Although as your finning across, you are fishing and probably doing some catching....)

I've also hiked in from the west side in the past and it is a trade-off. Long and flat, or short and steep; pick your poison. Maybe the mountain bikers who can carry a float tube on their back or on their bike can make short work of the longer route?

 

[Wayne Kohan]

I've also hiked in from the west side in the past and it is a trade-off. Long and flat, or short and steep; pick your poison. Maybe the mountain bikers who can carry a float tube on their back or on their bike can make short work of the longer route?

Yep, a mountain bike would be good. Looking back at my Apple Watch, it is 2.75 miles and takes 52 minutes hiking. I remember the hill taking 22 minutes (of pure hell.)

 

[Canuck from Kansas]

I've had a couple of echocardiograms and lots of EKGs, treadmill tests and so on. My heart appears to be basically fine, except for atrial fibrillation (A-Fib). When my heart goes off-rhythm a lot, then I really get short of breath, and I wouldn't attempt a hike with that going on. No weight gain, no swollen ankles or feet. Thanks for your advice and concerns.

Great report, and a beautiful spot - would be a shame to have to drop it from your "must do again" list.

A lot of Meds can exacerbate A-Fib (some quite significantly), so absolutely take you meds list with you to your cardiologist - best of luck.

Cheers

 

[dep]

Rex:
as the Tom Petty song goes:

you got to listen to your heart,
it's gonna tell you what to do.....
you might need a little loving, but it don't need you

good for you for continuing to get out and fish!