Miraculous!!

Do wonders never cease. I have had this sciatic problem for over a month now and have been getting quite worried because it wasn't getting better. Life becomes difficult when you are in pain all the time. My activities were disrupted and I was really getting concerned about completing my UBBT requirements. My sympathy goes out to all those people out there who live with pain every day, all the time.

I have already missed one of my backpacking trips due to this back issue, and was determined not to let it ruin another one. I live for summer and being able to get outdoors, so when it came time for my backpacking trip this past weekend, I went. I made the decision to go out into the mountains for three days carrying a 50 LB pack, while suffering from a herniated disk in my back. Call it stupid, determination, or mere desperation to get out in the wilderness, but I am now calling it "miraculous."

My sciatic problem is all but gone. Just a small bit of discomfort in my leg once in awhile, but otherwise, I feel no pain at all. When we left on Thurs I was in a lot of pain, and not sure what the outcome of the weekend would bring, but when we got home Sunday evening about 8:30, I felt great. Well, as far as my sciatica was concerned. After a 4 hour drive home, we both got out of the truck feeling, and acting for the first few steps, as if we were a couple of 90 year olds. ha ha The descent had taken it's toll on my arthritic hips, and my calves were as tight as climbing knots. But WOW! In a triumphant, I did it sort of way, it felt awesome! Three days later, I'm feeling like my old self again.

The first day, Friday, we hiked in just under 20 km. We saw amazing scenery, and the solitude and serenity was out of this world! My terrifying fears of bears was met with an encounter on our first night at camp as we went down to the water to prepare for supper. A little black bear amongst the thick brush stood up on his hind legs to check us out, as we checked him out. I guess he didn't like what he saw, because he tucked his tail and ran. That experience did calm my fears in a way that I witnessed what they all say: "they are more afraid of us than we are of them."

The next day we hiked further in for another 9 km. We had gained 3640 ft in elevation in total. Again, B. E. A. utiful scenery. Lots of meadows, streams, lakes, and in some areas very thick brush. Some of the spruce and fir in the area are 250 years old. It was absolute peace at it's best. As usual I did not want to return home, but the next day, we hiked out, and back into reality.

This hike was very intense and demanded a lot physically. Looking back, if I had known what was ahead for the hike, I wouldn't have been sure that I could do it, but I did, and what a feeling that is. The feeling of accomplishment, and knowing that I have the determination and physical ability to go where we went and endure what we did, makes me feel very good about myself. We are off again next Wednesday for 5 days this time and I can't wait.

What has Kung fu done for me? Without it, I wouldn't be going on trips like this. I wouldn't have what it takes. I know that for sure. My life would lack these type of experiences of getting out and enjoying complete simplicity and calmness. My friend and I are booked for the West Coast Trail next August. I know we can do it. I should be able to do it. I am a Silent River Kung Fu black belt. There shouldn't be any doubt.