Hi Everyone. I just popped in for a minute to tell you that I finished the first of two Grand Canyon hikes. This one was from the North Rim to Roaring Springs. Here are a couple of pictures.
The first is where I stopped to eat my breakfast. The second is Roaring Springs.
Of course, there was an Al-Anon lesson.
At the Ranger station just a half-mile down from Roaring Springs there is a cottonwood-shaded picnic table where hikers can rest and fill up on water. On the table, the rangers have taped little laminated tips.
One was titled: "Sit down and put your feet up." It said that you should stop every half-hour to an hour and sit down. When you do that, it gives your legs the chance to rid themselves of 20-30 percent of the waste products that build up in them. It's these waste products that make your legs feel tired and heavy.
I know those same waste products also make your legs feel sore the next day. The card when on to say that doing this would not slow you down, I'm guessing, because you'd be able to hike with renewed strength.
It felt like my Higher Power was putting in front of me just what I needed to see.
Not just in hiking, but in everything in my life, my strategy was just to power through, no matter how tired I felt. This was another reminder to me that "Easy Does It."
I took that advice, and made it out in the average time of four hours. The next day, my hip joints were stiff and my calves a little sore, but it was very minor. It really did work. I've tried to carry that lesson into my day-to-day life. When I'm tired, I take a break. I get back to my work renewed, and I enjoy my life more.
So now, I'm training for my three-day backpacking trip from the South Rim at the end of the month. Keep me in your prayers.
Meanwhile, I wanted to let you all know about a blog carnival that Shen has coordinated on the topic of 12-step recovery. There's lots of good stuff on it. Please go check it out. Here's the link: http://stepperswisdom.blogspot.com/
I hope to be able to get back to blogging soon, and will stop by for a visit as soon as I am able. Until then, please take good care.
I miss you....but love that you are out hiking and living a rich life. :o) My first hike is scheduled for Aug 28.... an easy but beautiful 4 miles round trip to see the wildflowers at their peak and beautiful Lake Winnemucca. :o) Its a beginning.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Thanks for the pictures. I have not been able to go anywhere like that. I feel like I am living though your trip. Miss you lots. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tammy
Nice to see the photos. Glad you weren't very sore and that you could see the wisdom in the advice on the table from the rangers. You have been on my mind often and I send you a big hug.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful how we can learn important lessons in the most obscure places? Definitely at the doing of our Higher Power, of course :)
Way Cool shots!
ReplyDeleteU GO Girl!!!!!!!
Kathy, thank you for checking in dear! What a way to share with us all your stunning photos. Wow, I am right there with you! Blessings dear one, JBR
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures, Kathy. I'm so envious! I guess we are all "hiking" on our own paths, but yours certainly looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNice photos and some good thoughts on getting all the stuff that has built up in us out. Have an enjoyable time Kathy on your next hike.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Wish I could have been there!
ReplyDeleteKeep enjoying life.
beautiful photos! :) i've been wishing you well and thinking of you, kathy~ hoping that your summer and your grand canyon trip is going well.
ReplyDeletewhat a great reminder. i have the same problem about not giving myself the breaks i need. which is what i've been dealing with lately.
thanks for sharing and take good care!
thanks for the heads up on the blog carnival. And these pics are amazing. It must be even more amazing to stand in the midst of them....for real. Awesome adventure.
ReplyDeleteWell done and thanks for sharing your experience. Keep trucking, one foot in front of the other... : )
ReplyDeleteWow - I get scared just looking at the pictures imagining you there actually taking them! Heights... yikes! But so proud of you and what you are doing :) Thanks for sharing the pictures, and the tip on resting your legs up - and of course the corresponding Al-Anon insight!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear from you and that things are going well. You're truly an amazing person :)
God bless. Haven't been on the blogs much myself lately, but I do continue to pray for you everyday!
I loved this - the pictures are awesome, but the lesson gleaned from the hike is even better. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI just miss you...
ReplyDeletehope you are back to blogland soon :)
hi kathy~ shen's not the only one :) i have been thinking of you lately and wanted to stop by and say hi and that i hope life is going well for you~~~
ReplyDeleteEven victims of family alcoholism won't admit that parenting isn't for everyone.
ReplyDelete