So It was late and there was nobody to let me through the gate.

So I started to quickly climb over it. I know precisely how.

I'll stipulate to being an idiot off the bat because I already have a sore lower back and right hip and neither has been imaged let alone diagnosed.

Also, I should have been aware of my surroundings. I would have had to wait for a minute.

Well, I think I know what I'm doing and don't hesitate.

I get to the top and I'm straddling the gate. My hands are on the pole that doesn't move and basically the rest of my weight is on the gate itself.

All of a sudden, I realize the gate is opening. Of course I realize it's not going to stop. I can see the ground about 6 1/2 ft under me and know time is running out. I have to let go.

So, I let go and control my landing, and land on my feet.

The damage? Two small but open abrasions on the inner part of each thigh, a small but open and wide scratch on my wrist, a bloody spot on my right palm with a flap of skin I later remove because it's useless, and torn (?) muscles on the inside of my right thigh causing me to limp.

I think I will take this as a sign that I've aged out of being able to climb over physical obstacles.

Oh, well.

It was a practical skill to have while it lasted.

Daniel, quit gymnastics at 36, quit climbing at 58.