When my first boyfriend went off to college, he left me with a broken heart and a weightlifting program. I gradually got over the former, and I have been modifying and using the latter more or less regularly until this day. Because of the “less,” I won't win any weight-lifting contests, but because of the “more,” my arms are fairly strong. My taste for adventure, however, is bigger than my muscles. In order to conquer the steep hills and miles of trails that take me deep into the woods, I need help.
In addition, the trails I choose are
not exactly wheelchair-friendly. Kudos to the park leaders and volunteers
who build and maintain wheelchair-accessible trails and boardwalks in the
wilderness; those trails, however, are few and far between, and most are short
and paved, only superficially touching the actual wilderness. I have looked instead for unpaved
hiking trails with minimal elevation gain that are designated
family-friendly. In doing so, I’ve
discovered that Washington kids must have hiking super-powers, since these
trails often turn out to have large rocks and roots, fallen trees, tilted
paths, rough surfaces, stream beds, or rocky gullies. Often, a destination is rendered unattainable by the
obstacles in the way. Again, I
admit that – in order to conquer these obstacles and hike these trails – I need
help.
My Rock Star! |
In a country that values people who
pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, and especially for a stubbornly
independent personality, asking for help is anathema. However, a little help can open doors to experiences not
otherwise possible. Skiing alone requires a psychological confidence I
can not conjure, but skiing in tandem allows me to tackle fresh powder on black
diamond runs. Tandem hiking has expanded my access to trails, views, and
adventures.
All of this assistance
complements an equally important non-physical component. In 1993, Cupid’s arrow found its mark when
Ted and I were back-country skiing in Northern California. We discovered in each other a mutual
love of adventure and play, and this bond was strengthened over the next
several years in a collage of outdoor activities. This part of our lives was integral
to who we were individually and together.
The progression of MS has been maddening in
its relentlessness, but its slow timeframe has given us time to adapt. Perpetually thinking two steps ahead is
awful, but it allows you to figure out how to make reality workable and life as
fun as possible.
The tandem hiking concept
has been extended to family. With the
help of siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews, I have hiked trails in Washington,
British Columbia, the American Southwest, and Iceland. I’ve seen geysers, glaciers,
waterfalls, canyons, tidal flats, and suspension bridges. I’ve slid down snowfields and swum in
inland lakes. Fortunately, GRIT
has developed a pair of push handles for just this purpose; they are higher and
stronger than the push handles on most manual chairs, which make the pushing
more efficient (and less painful for those tall brothers).
Yes, I had to swallow my pride and give up some independence by asking for help. However, in return, I get to travel on exciting trails with spectacular views -- adventures that I most likely could never accomplish by myself. I know I am lucky to have willing hiking companions. What a great excuse for us to spend time together!
Yes, I had to swallow my pride and give up some independence by asking for help. However, in return, I get to travel on exciting trails with spectacular views -- adventures that I most likely could never accomplish by myself. I know I am lucky to have willing hiking companions. What a great excuse for us to spend time together!
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