Editor’s Column

Get off the couch and get outside!

Icould feel my soul coming to life as my son and I stepped outside our home in early March. The sun beamed gloriously as temperatures crept into the 60s. Jaxson and I were getting to do something we hadn’t done since late fall—play some driveway basketball.

This is exactly why friends Rocky Shockley and Tim Jones created their book, “Easy Hikes to the Hidden Past.” In a world of too many screens, it’s easy to get sucked into living life on the couch. As we’re hopefully set to see warmer and warmer temperatures, why not get outside and take yourself on an adventure? Shockley and Jones’ book has hikes for all levels—some right here in town!

In their book, the duo seeks to inspire others to get outside, enjoy the great outdoors and discover historical relics and remnants around the Pikes Peak region. “Easy Hikes to the Hidden Past” details 20 trails in the surrounding area that guide hikers on a scavenger hunt through history. You can learn more in this month’s cover story.

So, leave your phone at home and get outside. You’re not likely to miss anything super important. However, you may find the trails slightly busier, as the pandemic has led to more and more people venturing outdoors to bicycle, walk, hike or play golf. (Darn you, COVID, for making the golf courses so busy now!)

Earlier, when I returned home from delivering Life After 50 issues, I worried that the mention of going outside would be met with sighs and grumbles from Jaxson. I figured he’d want to play video games or sit in front of the television. But I was pleasantly surprised when he enthusiastically said “OK!” and laced up his Jordans.

Following a few games of pig and one-onone, my dormant legs began to feel stiff, but I smiled when Jaxson wanted to keep going. It showed how simply getting out in the sun can brighten up one’s day or mood. SOCIAL DISTANCE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION

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SHOW OFF YOUR PETS

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Anthony Welch, Managing Editor , Managing Editor Anthony@LaFifty.com

LETTERS

from our readers

“Thank you so much. We continue to enjoy reading through Life After 50, cover to cover.”

- Patsy Williams

“I just love your magazine!” - Michelle Smith

“Love the Life After 50 magazine we receive where I live. I noticed something missing this month—the little blue strip that notes all the businesses that have senior discounts. Did I just miss it or has it been discontinued?”

- Patricia Yates

Anthony: “Hi Patricia, we’re currently in the process of revamping the Divine Discounts list in Life After 50. Hopefully, it’ll be back in a future issue soon. Thank you!”

RE: “Castle on Wheels” (March) “Thank you for bringing your great magazine to the Heritage Park Condominiums on Palmer Park Boulevard. We use all of your vendors. Great article ‘Castle on Wheels’ about the motor coach tour written by Sue Ann Carpenter. I used to work in the motorcoach business, but she didn’t mention the company she was referring to. I was just curious.” - Joellen Mesa

Anthony: “Hi Joellen. Thanks for calling in and for reading Life After 50! We’re working on getting a response for you but we’ve been unable to reach the writer. I will let you know as soon as I have an answer for you.”

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