How do I begin, it is very hard to find the right words to reflect upon and write about 2015. It started out like a Christmas miracle, in Telluride, Colorado- a place very dear to my heart- It ended in multiple surgeries and various personal challenges and struggles. And to be honest, not on a very good note! I thru hiked the Hayduke Route this year, 900 miles off trail, canyoneering from Arches to Zion through the Grand Canyon along the Colorado Plateau. It was suppose to be a trip of a lifetime, in many ways it sure was, but in others it was filled with sadness and strife. It was filled with worry, loss, and even though I did complete it, I remember very few amazing moments. I guess a huge part of a successful long distance hike is who your partner is. I had never done a long distance hike with anyone and so for me, having the partner I did, truly killed some of that joy and pure bliss that my other long distance thru hikes had given me. I finished feeling sad because I had longed for this hike for years, spent years reading Edward Abbey and admiring his words and beliefs. When I began the Hayduke, I felt such a great honor to be hiking it, in the end- I wished I had not- or rather that I had done it at a different time, with a different person. When I finished my other thru hikes, I felt sadness at the end, but I also felt joy and I was at peace. I have hiked over 8,000 miles so far and believe me, my hiking days are far from over. One bad thru hike will not bitter my love for wild lands, and mother nature. I moved to Arizona after the Hayduke, to be near the Grand Canyon, a place so vast, so unbelievably amazing that only dreams can describe it's beauty and wonder- to me the GC is a place of magic-a place that humbles me each time I return to it. It is a very special place to me, it has taught me many lessons and has allowed for some of the best days in my life. Moving to Flagstaff, AZ allowed to me receive a job as a GC backpacking and hiking guide and to work at a Trauma 1 Center as a Mental Health Tech. Both jobs gave me the chance to do what I love to do- help people and spread my passion for the wonders of the outdoors. But, Flagstaff has also taken me away from Colorado, a place I called home for the last 15 years, a place where all my friends are and where I thought I was always meant to be. I always considered myself a mountain chick, but I am making the transition into a canyon/desert chick :)
As everyone knows relationships are hard. And I don't have enough energy or desire to write about my relationship with that guy, it is simply too painful and so in the interest of saving myself more pain and hurt, I will say this. I loved a guy, who turned out to be someone I don't love. I have taken a stand and will not allow any more abuse or hurt from him. I am sad by this and I am filled with regret, but in a few hours this year will be over and it will be time for new trails, new adventures, new lessons, AND in less than 11 months, I will be on a plane headed to South America to begin a 5 year solo trek across the Americas-
www.facebook.com/journeyacrosstheamericas- I am also considering a GC thru hike from March to May, so I have things to look forward to :) Though my heart is broken, I hope in time I will be able to make peace with this person.
In November, I went through neurosurgery on my cervical spine, suffered a mini stroke, had to use a walker and still continue to go to OT and PT, my vocal chord was paralyzed during that surgery and I recently had surgery on them-and on January 22nd I will have heart surgery to close the hole in my heart. I guess I am getting the deluxe tune up :) My body has been through a lot in regards to my health, but I have only been reinforced on how strong I really am. How even when things are at the worse- there is always something great! My patients at the hospital have been a reminder of resiliency, love, courage and strength, so for all of my patients thank you- my clients who have been on GC trips with me have shown me joy and happiness and that means so very much to me that I can be apart of their adventure. My parents as always have been by my side every step of the way- they are generous, loving, brilliant people who inspire me to be a better person- the rest of my family has given me so much love this year and I am extremely grateful for my family. My friends have given me advice, been there to support me and make me laugh- so thank you to all of my friends- and though my sweet Nanuk dog isn't here anymore, she has given me strength and at my darkest moments her memory has brought me joy and put a smile on my face, so to Nanuk for being there for me even though she passed away almost 2 years ago!! I am sure, I could write a lot more, but for now that's all I have. Happy NEW YEAR Everyone- thanks for being a apart of my adventure this year.
