More ADK Adventures

It’s Tysabri infusion weekend, which I’m grateful for this drug that keeps my motor running and mostly keeps MS manageable. However, being on this medication for 12 years, I’m guaranteed my body’s reactions, which means a weekend of nausea, migraine type headache, and feeling off. Usually, by the time Monday rolls around (I schedule my infusions for Fridays) things are back to whatever ‘normal’ for me is, lol.

Last weekend was quite monumental. I had only minimal plans to go to one of my friend’s son’s 21st birthday bbq/party, and received a text from Becky inquiring if I wanted to try to go tackle a couple more 46er’s. I shortened my visit at the fun birthday party celebration and got some sleep, but could have certainly used more.

The weather forecast was beautiful, and hiking is my mental and physical solace so once again I geared up for a 2:45 am wake up call in order to get to the “Garden” a small parking lot, which fills up quickly on the weekends, so getting there by 5-6am is crucial to ensure you get a spot. Dropping one of our cars at Rooster’s Comb parking lot, we arrived around 5 ish to the Garden, and Becky, Tela and I began out on a journey to summit two peaks Lower and Upper WolfJaw. Lesson engrained in my head: In the ADK, there are several trail junctions, and not a plentiful amount of trail markers/signage. Therefore for future adventures, I will be stopping and verifying I am on course much more diligently.

Easy foreshadowing there, as we made a wrong turn, and ended up about half way up the ascent of Gothics. Now, shame on me for not fully educating myself on the surrounding area as well. I had not studied or read about Gothics and suitability for dogs. Tela is a rock star mountain dog with the drive and ambition getting to the summit, she’s 11, and while still amazingly agile, is aging (always so hard to watch).

So we decided to give it a go, knowing if Gothics seemed too much we could try to grab one other peak nearby. It wasn’t really what we wanted for the adventure, but at this point we decided to attempt and assess once we got closer, as you always want ideally to have a bail out plan. We passed a couple of hikers on the way, and they were descending. They mentioned that the cables on Gothics may be too much for a dog. Hesitation began to enter my mind, but decided we would push on to wait and see what these ‘cables’ would be like and if Tela could handle them. As we continued, we met another hiker who we talked more extensively with regarding the upcoming cable route. He was friends with the two hikers we had passed and advised they had bailed on Gothics. However, I hope I run into this hiker again, because he gave the best beta for Tela, watching what she was managing on the semi-technical scramble we were on he felt it could be done, with some assistance, and so we continued on. Thank you so much for your vote of confidence fellow hiker, which meant, we were in it to win it, with the goal of 4 peaks to be summited on this gorgeous day.

Once we arrived at the cables, I knew it would take a bit of help to get Tela up. Thankfully she had her pack on and Becky was amazing helping her when she was ahead. After some bloody paws redirection, up the cables we made it and were happy to summit what may be my favorite 46er I have hiked yet.

From here, we enjoyed the amazing views, felt the relief of getting through a particularly technical part, but did know we would encounter a pretty steep ladder on our next peak post summit of Armstrong. The hike to Armstrong seemed to go by quickly, and we were able really enjoy the views from this amazing vantage point. I took some videos, but don’t want to pay for the upgrade to upload, so a photo will do, but the 360 views are stunning.

Once we summited Armstrong, we knew it was a matter of time before we faced the ladder. By this time Tela’s paws were a bit better so we were trucking along. However, the ladder to descend was not easy for Tela. She would have been fine ascending but she basically wanted to be carried. We managed a one step at a time, Becky in front and me lifting her behind to get down safely. She was really brave, and Becky was such a great support as Tela really was clinging to her :).

We began our way to Upper WolfJaw. Becky was feeling really energetic, I was maybe not as much but trying to fuel. It’s so important even though sometimes you aren’t hungry to fuel and hydrate on long adventures, so some peanut M&M’s gave me a bit of a boost. Upper Wolfjaw required some scrambling, and Tela’s paws begin to get irritated again, and we made it to the top and worked through an assessment of our energy levels to complete Lower Wolfjaw.

After enjoying some views and refueling, we decided to give it our best to grab Lower Wolfjaw. It wasn’t very far (only adding a couple of miles to the trip) so we went for it. I was really happy we did. It was mental, prepared me for more adventures and increased my confidence.

Descending ended up being in a rightful way its own adventure. Only fitting for this amazing Type II fun day.

So squishy socks for a bit (only laziness on my part to keep moving) towards the car. We clocked in at hiking time of 11 hours and 12 hours out in the pure ADK wilderness. What a day! We felt super initiated into these mountains. There is so much that lies ahead to explore. We have been spoiled thus far with incredible weather and few bugs the last 3 weekends. When I return next weekend, I fully expect humidity, bugs, and potentially my first real encounter with with infamous ADK black flies.

So on to reflection… there’s no place I can feel more alive than hiking mountains. The challenge, the beauty… I wish I had another sabbatical for months to just hike. Now, how to make that happen…

2020… Hindsight is not what I expected

The last time I wrote in my blog, life was so different, the world was a completely different place. We were celebrating the life of Chris’s grandmother, spending time with family and friends back in Colorado. Although I had heard of the initial outbreaks of Coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV–2) in January, like much of the world, I had no idea how this tiny virus would alter and dominate the world’s economic, social, physical, and mental well being. In the first weeks when the virus was really impacting our bordering country, Italy; my husband thought I was overly obsessive about this virus. I have always been a bit of an epidemiology dork and watching the data and trying to understand the science behind this virus was quite consuming. In the beginning days , I was fascinated and wanted to absorb all the analytical data and information I could get into my brain. Fascination soon turned to concern, worry, uncertainty and all the fun an unknown pandemic brings to the lives of us all.

I went back to my email, and noted that on 01 March I sent a mass email to many of my close friends expressing my concern about what I felt could be evolving. Here I am in August of 2020, and it’s still difficult to find the right words. Let’s face it, our entire lives have changed. Being someone who has a pre-existing condition, and considering there are so many unknowns still today about exact transmission risks, asymptomatic carriers, and very strange side effects post infection, we are still living a life of hyper-care. For me, until we have an effective safe vaccine, or efficacious therapeutic, this is life.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
J.R.R. Tolkein

Tela and I hiking the Panorama Trail above the Davosersee

I am grateful to have a job that I along with all my colleagues have adjusted to a time of new normal. This year was intended to be full of travel to many places for work. Now, I am adjusting my time zone and they are adjusting theirs to meet virtually via video conferencing, and utilizing technology, intense planning and communication to keep things moving along. Working from home, or home office is not new to me, but always being at home and not traveling at all has been an adjustment. Just like everything in life, a new normal presents itself, and we as human’s find the best way to viably thrive and keep on keeping on. I long to keep in touch with friends and family more, but also find myself mentally exhausted from staring at a computer screen all day on video conferences for work.

What’s happening across the world, and especially in my home country of the USA is very difficult to watch, especially from afar. From the political environment, to the racial injustices, the stories of these days leave my heart heavy. Sadly, it seems there is a lot of misinformation about the pandemic, and the truth is for me there is still much to learn about this virus.

As always in times of challenges with life, I am very grateful to be able to still get outside and hike and take in the beauty of the mountains that surround me. Mountains, music, and food have always been my happy zones, and though some of these have changed, they continue to be my go to’s for strength.

The beautiful world of Switzerland- Glaciers and Mountains give me peace

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Socrates

Yesterday was Swiss National Day, and we celebrated Switzerland by reaching the summit of the Niesen otherwise known as “The Swiss Pyramid” from the valley floor. At an elevation gain of 5882 feet in six miles, it kept my heart rate going. These moments in life- the ones we really feel we are doing our best, pushing ourselves the hardest, are the one’s I live for.

I hope if you are still reading- you are all safe, healthy, and living the best life you can in this crazy world. Until next time, I keep with my current theme song…

Lyrics: (Anastasio/Marshall) Time to get out, I paid my dues
I need to shout there’s no time to lose
No more to give, the well is dry
The pavement’s warm, my brain is fried
It’s time to get out, I paid my dues
My shoes have holes, my socks are bare
The mirror’s secret is I’m losing my hair
I’m in prison without a crime
The sentence stretches on undefined
It’s time to get out, I paid my dues
I paid my dues

But, everything’s right, so just hold tight
Everything’s right, so just hold tight

Just hold tight

I’m going downhill with increasing speed
Compassion gives way, if you listen to greed
Focus on the past and that’s what will last
Nothing that is real and nothing you can feel
Focus on tomorrow you’ll have to borrow
Images and mind and friends you left behind
Focus on today, you’ll find a way
Happiness is how rooting in the now

Because everything’s right, so just hold tight
Everything’s right, so just hold tight
Everything’s right, so just hold tight
Just hold tight

Look into the eyes of everyone you meet
Try not to step on your best friend’s feet
The line is in the sand, the flag is planted
The rest of your life don’t take it for granted

Cuz everything’s right, so just hold tight
Everything’s right, so just hold tight
Everything’s right, so just hold tight
Just hold tight

Beginning to run again

My journey with MS is quite cyclic with the seasons. Summer is always my most difficult battle. We are now in a turning point with the season, and my favorite season is heading our way, autumn. Autumn bright colors, falling leaves, fires, brisk nights and mornings. It has always been my favorite season. This past week, the temperatures dropped here enabling me to consistently run again. I was able to run 22.2 miles last week, and my first 10k in ages. This week I have continued to wake early and take in some 5k or more sunrise runs. Running… something I never thought I would ever do helps me focus, control stress and increase my health benefits.

I was also able to take my dog, Tela for a beautiful hike last Saturday to the SeeAlpSee https://swissfamilyfun.com/ebenalp-seealpsee-hike/. Prior to reaching the hike, I was stuck in a traffic jam of a mini-Appenzell cow parade that lasted almost 3 miles. Tela was not too happy as the cows were coming close enough to the car to sound the sensor alarms. But we managed to navigate without any issue but a delay.

Along the hike, there was full exposure to all kinds of Swiss wildlife. Cows, sheep, ibex, there’s nothing like hiking in the alpine areas and listening to the sound of the cow or sheep bell. It’s simple for me, the more activity and exposure to the outdoors, the greater my personal happiness. Sometimes circumstances drive us to put things on hold, but it’s important to take the time, and make the time to contribute to your own self happiness.

“Go outside. amidst the simple beauty of nature and know that as long as places like this exist, there will be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.”
Anne Frank

Spring Forward

“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward.
If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” -Roy T. Bennett

Although my home country, the USA went through Daylight Savings time a few weeks ago, today marks time change in Switzerland. Now that I have full clearance to physically to enjoy life in my own way, yesterday was indeed a true sunshine daydream. Physically and mentally challenging yourself to get back into what you love is uplifting bliss.

Two of my dear friends and colleagues are visiting Switzerland for the weekend, and we were quite blessed to amazing weather and the ability to truly enjoy the beauty of Switzerland’s great outdoors. Due to the funicular up to Harder Klum not yet being operational, we were forced to begin the hike from the bottom of the valley, adding quite a bit of elevation and hard work to our journey. Once we reached the top of Harder Klum, we realized why the funicular is not so operational, as the trail to Augstmatthorn still has snow fields, and dicey sections with washed out ridge trails. We used our “A team” skills with agility to navigate as far as we could, and ended the day with a respectable 10 mile hike with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

The first of many sketchy narrow crossings

Spring is often a time of re-birth, new beginnings and enhanced perspective. As I’m close to celebrating a new year of life and the anniversary of living one year abroad, yesterday was a reminder that although we have many challenges on our journey, it is indeed our responsbility in life to live the best life we can, spend more time with friends, and do the things you love. You cannot control what life throws your way with obstacles, but you must keep your mental and physical focus through the challenges. Stay positive, believe in yourself, and keep on moving!

A-team reunited overlooking the beautiful Brienzersee

So on this last day in March as we spring forward, I’m feeling quite happy. Keep living your best life! Inspiration song of the day- “Three Little Birds”… 🙂

Allow yourself a Sunshine Daydream

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
~ Grateful Dead

**Tela really wanted to catch the trout in the Blausee, but I don’t think this would have been appreciated by anyone else 😉**

It’s post infusion Sunday, which typically means I am at home recovering and resting. Today, my cup was drained empty, and I desperately needed it to be refilled. There is no easier way to accomplish this than to push myself to gain the energy for a jaunter into nature. Snow White (our new Subaru) provided easy access to walk into splintered sunlight into this glorious landscape of the Blausee. Today’s short hike provided us with geniune smiles, and despite the pain I am enduring, love and laughter in my heart. Today was truly a gem of a day to be in nature, meditate and redirect my thoughts and feelings.

**Reflections of a bluebird day in Switzerland**

**The beautiful variation in the aquamarine hues of the Blausee is something a phone camera fails to truly capture**

I have been blessed in my life to experience many wonderful places, and to be surrounded with love from many who are thousand of miles away supporting me in the processing of current challenges and the pathway ahead. Specifically this week, I have received a beautiful prayer shawl from my family’s church, and lots of kindness, energy and healing from a few special women I am priviledged to call my friends.

As with all life obstacles, we go through stages of acceptance of our challenges, and no matter how independent we are, we all are blessed to have support. Thank you to all those who are by my side and giving me your support, good thoughts and love. I’m geniunely grateful in all ways for your friendship, love and kindness.

**I have been missing the mountains and snow so much, glory to Tela’s soul and mine!**

I have said many times before, but I will say it again, if you are lucky enough to not face health challenges, you should never take this for granted. In the same vein, if you do have health challenges, fight, take in every moment you can. Refill your soul with whatever makes you happy. Seeing my golden girl play in the snow and the beauty of the majestic mountains put my mind at ease over the next few weeks of challenge.