February 17th, 2011

My hiking buddy Wanda visited me yesterday. It was so nice to see her. She told me about a new hike she’d like us to do together in the fall if I’m well enough.
She and her son have started this crazy list of Yosemite summits that they want to climb. Since the seasons rule our beloved park, our time outdoors is limited. As for me, it is even more limited now. I already said goodbye to my yearly spring hike. But I keep my fingers crossed for a nice and easy fall hike.
Wanda said that I should be fine for North Dome, a canyon off Half Dome. It’s only a seven miles round hike and the trail can be reached after Tioga Pass which is good since it means started at a good elevation.
As she spoke, the familiar pre hike excitement tingled inside me, and I enjoyed the anticipation as if my legs could carry me right away.
I spend a much better night. I still wake up three times before the alarm clock but I am able to fall right back to sleep. My husband brings me a cup of tea before driving the kids to school. I’ve learned to enjoy small pleasures. A cup of tea at 6:30 am and a good book, both enjoyed under a warm comforter and a dimmed nightstand’s lamp while the rest of the world is waking up, are among the most delicious moments of life.
After icing my leg, I eat my breakfast and I take a shower. I am now able to enter and leave the shower stall without help. The only issue is the brace on my leg. It can’t go under water, so I still need someone to pass me a towel to pat my leg before putting the brace on. They should make a special one for showers.
Then I do my exercises and check my e-mail. I am now waiting from the agent who has requested one of my recent manuscripts. .
I have physical therapy early afternoon. One exercise has been added to the series of exercises I have since the surgery. Using wood or tiled floor, I need to slide my bent leg until I reach pain or strong resistance. The goal is to regain flexibility in the knee for my check up with the surgeon on March 14th. I must also walk as much as possible at home, concentrating on my gait. I must reach the most natural gait, the one I had before I tore my two ligaments.