57 anything is a lot. I hit these birthdays with a soft punch reluctantly accepting that I am running out of time. But I am fortunate to have a lifelong friend who loves to seek plan and execute escapes I could not imagine for myself. This time it’ll be the The Hike. The Soumela Monastery in Northeast Turkey. 3900 ascent and I think I’m ready. It’s during these hikes I think about what I’ve become and where am I going. I’m wrestling with the fact that the earthquake in southern Turkey will continue to need help and maybe I can talk my friend into getting there. As I sit in hotel cafe and people watch I am amazed how kind we treat each other in the simplest manner. Next stop Zagreb Croatia. Hope you join me if in spirit and I will do my best not to cry.