The big climb

When I first started working toward my goal to walk a mile, four (!) years ago, I didn’t really make a plan for what I'd do after met my goal because I was so focused on meeting it. But once I made it, I thought, "I can do this again!" and continued to walk and keep up my stamina so I could maintain my progress.

Four years later, I am happy to report that I am stronger than ever, and I even accomplished another goal: hiking down to Crater Lake.

And it was the best thing EVER. And the hardest.

CMS can’t be “cured” by diet and exercise, but I think I am a shining example of how a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms from a chronic condition. I am very careful to eat a diet full of good fat and protein and not a lot of processed food. And early last year I started walking stairs in my building to build muscle and get into better shape.

Because I was working so hard to keep up my stamina and maintain a good diet, I wanted to pick a new challenge. So, when Josh and I decided to visit Crater Lake earlier this summer after a friend's wedding in Sunriver, I suggested we hike from the rim to the base of the lake and back up. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is known by many able-bodied people as an extremely challenging hike. It is only 1.1 miles long, but the elevation (almost 7,000 feet) is extremely challenging, and so is the steepness of the trail. In fact, the official description says that it should not be attempted by anyone with heart, breathing or walking problems. Josh had also done the hike before and knew it was hard, but he also knew that I could do it, so when I suggested it, he was on board.

The night before the hike, I made sure I got a good night sleep and the morning of we ate a good breakfast. We also made sure to pack lots of snacks and water. Given how prepared we were, you’d think that I was getting ready to climb Mt. Hood! The hike down was hard and I was pretty unsteady for the second half, but I was able to walk the entire distance without having to sit down and rest, which surprised us both.

When we got down to the water, the view was breathtaking, literally and figuratively. We sat for at least an hour to rest, eat lunch and take in the beautiful scenery. And then, to our delight, two friends of ours, Cam and Julia, walked down the trail! They had been at the same wedding and also decided to take a trip to Crater Lake, unbeknownst to us. We chatted for a while about the funny coincidence and then said goodbye as we made our way up the hill.

A little while later, Cam and Julia caught up with us. They walked with us for a while and were polite when I had to stop to rest, but unaware of the reason. Eventually, when I was so tired I was about to fall over, I told them.

When I was finished, they were shocked. Julia exclaimed “But you look so fit. I totally thought you did CrossFit!” I laughed (and thanked her). They insisted they continue walking with us, which was really nice of them. And when we got to the top, they cheered for me, and we took some photos.

And I cried. Not a lot, but a little. 

Every time I accomplish a physical challenge I never thought I could do, I feel so thankful. Thankful that I have a husband, family and friends to support me. Thankful that I've figured out how important of a role diet and exercise play in helping me manage my CMS. And thankful that I have a disability doesn't stop me from hiking a trail noted as "not accessible for people with mobility impairments" down to the base of a dormant volcano.