At this time I was feeling pretty good, and looking forward to enjoying my summer, looking forward to several more backpacking trips, in August in the Sierra once more and in September, exploring the Desolation Wilderness.
It was July 6th and I ventured out on another hike on one of my favorite local trails, just a day after summiting Mt Baden Powell. This one was just under 4 miles, but it’s not the miles that matter, it’s the feeling. I saw a rattlesnake laid out across the trail and had seen more rattlesnakes this year than ever before, so much that if I didn’t see one on the trail, I was mildly surprised.
Around the second week of July, I headed off to Temecula wine country to celebrate a wedding, waking up to this. Throughout the week, I had developed back pain, and sciatica, making sitting down, painful. So what did I do, but just keep doing as much as I could, stretching out every morning, with a yoga routine, and sun salutations. But things did not improve. I was in major pain, and didn’t know why.
So after realizing it was not getting better, I sought help, and tried to have hope. I was forced to slow down my hikes for the first time in many years. No more long epic hikes, no more mountains, no more running, and no more backpacking. I was injured, and I still didn’t know why. So I did what people do, and made doctors appointments, and slowed things down.
On July 23rd I was anxious for a real hike on dirt. I had not hiked in almost two weeks. My walks had been 1.5-2 miles every few days. I had good days and bad. On this particular day, I told everyone to go on without me, not sure if I could make it 4 miles roundtrip to the flag. Somehow I did, though I was in pain later. Worth it, ok course, since I missed my trails. But it was a fine line between worsening my condition, and not. I still did not know what was wrong as I waded through a maze of insurance and referrals, though I soon would have a better idea thankfully.
By July 26th I was on another short walk, at the beach.
It was getting warm, so the beach was a good call. During this time, I was not driving myself anywhere. My boyfriend and daughter, were there for me, taking me where I needed to go. I was forever grateful. For the rest of July, I continued taking a short walk every few days, usually on a flat trail. I guess that is the lesson in all this. We need people, and be grateful for the little things in life. The healing journey continues. To be continued.
If you’re struggling with an injury, keep the faith, and be sure get expert opinions. Faith is carrying me through all this, reminding me that I am not in control of everything in this universe. We can make our plans, but the Lord decides our steps.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2024 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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