Well, at least temporarily distracting powers of passion. . .

I’m getting increasingly creaky. I’ve had scoliosis and a fused back with supportive surgical steel rods installed along my spine from major surgery since I was about 14. Yep, the rods are still there at 65. . . .

And over the last few years the hips and knees have begun complaining more often.

Friends five to ten years ahead of me in life say I should start getting on joint replacement lists now, because it will likely take five  or more years to actually get a surgery slot. . .

And then, when I get excited, the aches temporarily dissipate.

Patrol for spawning salmon? Start out sore, gradually feel better, start seeing salmon spawning, and. . . what pain?

Well, heading back home up the ravine, yeah, that pain.

Same for nature and wildlife photography. The excitement and the endorphins kick in and I’m good to carry cameras with big lenses and tripods for hours. . . and it’s not until I’m home much later that I’m reaching for the Ibuprofen. . .

It’s a progression. I’m dealing with it. It’s life, so no point in getting upset about it.

Life just is. How you choose to react to it is up to you.