Rocky Mountains Oh My...

 Written September 2, 2019

5am on August 31,2019 my husband Beau and I left for an adventure of a lifetime. We watched a movie called Vertical Limit earlier in the week and talked about climbing on a mountain during a snowy season. I honestly said that I do not ever see myself climbing Mount Everest or any famous mountain because I had never climbed Mount McLoughlin. At that moment, Beau asked " Do you want to climb Mt. McLoughlin this weekend? I said yes with very little hesitation, and this is how we ended up starting our Saturday morning with a small journey to the Mt. McLoughlin Trailhead. I figured that since I walked 2 to 4 miles a day that this trek will be easier.

After we put on our hiking packs which had water, food and small emergency items we looked at the map before we set foot on the trail. For many people looking at a map and seeing it say 11 miles round trip you think to yourself "I can walk 11 miles no problem". Once you begin your hike you begin to ask yourself what have I gotten myself into because the path begin to add some uphill and altitude changes. We were both very stoked when we came across a sign saying Pacific Crest Trail which we happened to cross onto for a bit. We talked about walking the PCT when we first got married and it only took 5 years for us to step foot on a part of it. 

We met so many nice hikers but our favorite was an older man in his 60's (named Mike) who has hiked several mountains in the past 2 years. He became our hiking buddy. He was very kind and definitely kept us motivated on the way up. The path has quite a bit of rocks to walk over. We stopped about every 1/2 mile for a water/food break or sit down to rest. I knew that this trek was going to be pushing a few of my limits but I came prepared. Every 2 miles I pulled out my roller blend of essential oils (Deep Blue, Copaiba, Lemongrass and Frankincense) and applied it to my leg which started cramping up at mile 2 1/2. 

The view was simply amazing everywhere we looked. When we began to get out of the tree line and into the upper part of the mountain, we began to feel the sun and the altitude change. We did get a little lost from the trail, but we managed to make it back to the actual trail. That is the unfortunate part about treks like this. Trails are not clearly marked so one wrong turn can take you on an adventure. We made it to one of the false summits which was about 1.5 miles from the top. At this point my legs were cramping and around the 4 miles I had to stop multiple times because my legs were locking up. Breathing was a little harder but still manageable. We sat at the false summit, ate lunch, looked at the beautiful scenery and watched people try to figure out which route they wanted to take to get to the top. The path stops at a point and the final trek is pretty much an incline and major altitude change. We already figure that this would be a good turn around point because of the pain levels we were both feeling.

Last Part we did not complete about 1.5 miles to the top. 

Yes, I was a little upset with myself by the time we got to the false summit. My goal was to make it to the top, but I had to listen to my body which was telling me to stop. We started the trail around 7 am and made it back to the trail head around 3 pm (4hrs up, 3 hrs down). The trek back definitely was a little easier because we followed the correct path back, but it was harder on our legs which were already shaking and cramping up. By the last 2 miles my walking became very turtle like. I felt like my knees were not straight while walking, my feet felt like they had sunburns on them, and I knew that i had blisters on my toes. It was a long and strenuous trek, but I did not let my MS take control. I worked hard to maintain control of my body temperature, stayed hydrated, added support to my leg pains and most of all enjoyed the nature and the fresh air provided. My goal next time is to make it to the top. We might have to start even earlier than 7am for that journey but it would be worth it. 

Final trek

I am proud of what I have accomplished. I will continue to stay Renita strong and do things that I love. This adventure showed me that I am capable of anything that I put my mind to. Many individuals are scared to take a challenge such as this due to their symptoms. I am lucky to have control of my symptoms and manage them. Exercise plays a major role in my health journey, and I want to let others know that it can make a difference. MS may be a part of me, but it does not control me. I am who I want to be, and I will work hard to continue being healthy. I am also thankful for my trekking partner Beau. He has been by my side this whole journey and continues to give my love and support no matter how crazy my ideas are. We are in this fight and journey together. We are learning to grow and adapt which is what life is about. 

I will see you next time Mount McLoughlin and be prepared to feel the air beneath my wings as I soar up to the top of the summit where you will hear me roar.