Dreams delayed are not always dreams destroyed.
~Jane Kirkpatrick
Finding my compass and direction back after 2 ski injuries this winter (first injury was my calf, second my foot and ankle on the same leg) and then walking on the Arizona Trail with the injuries unhealed has been a tough test that I am still studying for.
Thanks to support from family, friends, doctors, chiropractor/nutritionist, physical therapist, and my determination, I am getting back on track.
Many of you have emailed me with questions and well-wishes wanting to find out if I was okay after I got off the Arizona Trail. Thank you so very much, I loved knowing that I wasn’t forgotten and that encouraged me along my healing journey.
I was able to snow ski and cycle during some of my 4 month recovery, but hiking on uneven ground was out of the question.
Over the last month, I was able to start hiking carefully and I added weight a few pounds at a time in a pack. Last week, I was able to successfully complete a short backpack in the Sierras out of Kearsarge Pass with my good hiking friend, Michelle that included climbing 3 peaks. And a couple of days ago, we backpacked to beautiful Meyson Lake just south of Mount Whitney.
- View all photos from Kearsage Backpack on Flickr
- View all photos from Meyson Lake Backpack on Flickr
Yosemite High Route
Last summer, my good hiking friend, Arrow and I heard about a new route Andrew Skurka created that travels mostly off trail through beautiful and remote Yosemite High Country. After looking at the maps, we both knew we had to hike it and planned to start the middle of August.
I also knew, this was almost impossible to be ready physically after my injuries. But what has been so great, is it gave me a goal to work toward and something to focus on. I am thankful for that.
We are using the guidebook Andrew created to navigate. It features beautiful maps, a detailed data book, and a written guidebook. The guidebook is designed with many options for accessing the route, hiking in different directions, hiking it in sections, or as a thru-hike. It really is a choose your own adventure.
For our adventure, we decided to divide the route into 2 sections with a resupply in the middle at Tuolumne Meadows. The first map is our route from Sonora Pass to Tuolumne Meadows and the second half is a loop from Tuolumne Meadows back to Tuolumne Meadows.
So here I go, starting the route this week. I am hoping for the best, but know I now need to listen to my body and respect it. To give me a little insurance for success, I am packing some lightweight extra toys: small rubber ball to work out knots in my calf at night, a small TENS unit that helps with pain as needed, a compression sleeve, and Relief Muscle Balm Stick.
I am looking forward to being outside, touching rock, sleeping in my tent, drinking hot coffee in the morning, traveling through demanding landscape, walking through water and on some snow, taking lots of photos and videos, and just being surrounded by nature.
Thanks for following along and again for being patient with my absence from the blog. You all rock!
Super blog
do you have any plan for next month
So glad you are able to be “on the trail again”. Bet it will feel really good to be out and about after your long furlough!! Good luck!!
Hi Christy,
So glad to hear from you and know you are mostly recovered. Will pray that you heal all the way on this recuperative trip and that is rewards you with an immense sense of peace and enjoyment. Keep on Rockin’ and inspirin’ us all!
So happy to hear from you; you’ve been on my mind all summer. Hey, you’re gonna be in my neck of the woods. Sounds like a fun trip with some beautiful views. I pray all goes well for you out there, and am looking forward to reading about your trip.
Janet, Thank you for your prayers. So good to hear from you. I hope your summer hikes are going well and you are getting out lots.
So happy to hear you’re on the mend, but I’m sorry you were sidelined for so long. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been, having to “hurry up and wait” for your body to recover. I look forward, as always, to reading about your adventures. Sending lots of positive energy and light your way as you begin the YHR! 😊
Ah Nancy thank you. Light and positive energy to guide the way. I love it. Best to you.