Lesson Number One

I am sure I have already had numerous opportunities to learn lessons at this point, and yes, it has only been two weeks. However, this past week I had a huge AHA! moment. Isn't this what is important? 

I was feeling great, racking up the miles and then WHAM! (just like in the old Batman show) I was in serious pain. Pain that was reminiscent of pre-surgery. Self: "What if surgery didn't fix the problem? What if I'm stuck with this and can't walk, hike, bike, kayak, play? What if... What if...."  Stop it, Mary. What is the truth here?  A Still Small Voice.

The problem: too many days of the same exercise in a row and a tendency I have to push and push and overdo. My PT encouraged me that my back and all the nerves involved are still healing, I should mix it up with a little cross training. How did I forget the importance of this?  

I was quite tentative to get on my bicycle; it's been over a year. Four miles later, I felt great. No pain.  Self: "Do those mile really count on your adventure? You planned on walking this.  A bike moves much faster. It really doesn't count." Ugh.

Here was the beautiful AHA! What is the point of this adventure? To get stronger. To celebrate life and enjoy all that God has given me as well as the challenges that I come up against. To glorify Him. It will take time, I must practice patience. What am I fussing about? Biking, swimming, walking, hiking. It is all a gift and I will be enjoying any of it that I can do, as long as I can do it.  Thank you, God for this lesson. And, thank you to my husband and sister who wholeheartedly remind me to enjoy the journey.

If I were out walking on the route I would be just a bit north of the tiny town of Garfield, WA. If I turn to the west and look across the horizon I would see Steptoe Butte State Park. The butte stands about 3600 feet and provides impressive 360° views. Evidently, the geology up there is something out of the ordinary.

Total Mileage: 31 miles

Miles remaining: 429 miles

Rolling, rolling, rolling along

The last stretch of June proved to be the hottest on record in many places here in Washington.  I believe our average high temperature was about 111 degrees over twelve or thirteen days. A few substantial fires started over the holiday weekend, but none nearby and we have avoided the smoke as well. Keeping firefighters and those affected in prayer.  Wildfire has become the new norm in the west, and it's no joke.

My friend, Elizabeth, who is joining my sister and me on this adventure, drove out to the ranch on Saturday and we had a glorious hike in the cool mountain air. Wildflowers, birds, serviceberries ripening and importantly...no bears. Plenty of sign but they must have been finding their cool spot for the day. Six miles!! Wahoo!  That may not sound like much but I have not been able to walk that far in over a year.

I took in a 3.5 mile walk Monday morning before physical therapy and then had a great 4.5 miler this morning. I have a very low tolerance for the heat so early morning is my favorite time to walk. Lots of critters out today, another benefit to walking early. I saw a cedar waxwing in her nest. She must have been sitting on eggs because she didn't budge when I walked by, giving her a little room of course. 

Others hanging out in the neighborhood: red-winged blackbirds, many families of quail with babies just learning to fly (they are adorable!), the ravens were telling interesting tales in the aspen grove, a pileated woodpecker found a really great tree to broadcast his message, mourning doves, and a couple of red-tailed hawks looking for breakfast. The highlight was a doe and her two teeny, tiny, spotted fawns. 

Today's walk puts my grand total at 19 miles, which puts me at waypoint 5 - Kamiak Butte County Park. This was a favorite getaway when I was going to school at WSU. Why? It is a beautifully forested high spot with great walking trails. I love the forest. You can check out specifics and see photos here:  Kamiak Butte County Park

Most of my childhood was spent in Bellingham, we moved there from Pullman when I was about four. Bellingham has amazing trail systems that wind all around and through town, most with tree lined paths. Kamiak Butte was a little reminder of home out in those rolling wheat fields. 

I try to see the landscape around me, where ever I am, with appreciative eyes. If I were standing on top of Kamiak Butte today I would see rolling fields for miles. Different planting times and crops create a pattern across the landscape like an heirloom quilt. If you watch for it, you can see the wind blow through the wheat like waves at the ocean, switching directions and cresting the hills. Occasionally, there are 'eyebrows' at the crest of a hill, planted with fir and pine trees or shrubs. However, Kamiak Butte is much bigger than an eyebrow and is an enchanting little forest and I am thankful for being able to enjoy it.

Off I go! North on Hwy 27 to Rosalia and then north US 95.  Next waypoint 65 miles away: Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA. Hope to see you there!