Hips are fixed, now what?
Today marks six months since my first surgery to replace my worn out hip joints. I would eventually have total hip athroplasty for both left and right, with about seven weeks in between. My surgeon was a bit skeptical pushing the recovery time, but since I’m a “full time pedestrian” with essentially no cartilage left at all on either side, he knew this was the only way to get me back on the trail for the 2021 season.
For those of you might be surmising that walking all those long distance trails was what wore out my hips, rest assured that is not the professionals’ opinion. Walking 20-30 miles a day has made me strong. My problem is that I am genetically predisposed to wear out my joints and there’s not much that can be done, but give me new ones.
The good news is I live in the year 2021 with modern medical miracles as far as joint replacement and I’m doing fabulously well. Running may not in my future, but I’ve been given the green light to walk as much as I want.
Another big trail…
Many of you have heard me speaking about the Continental Divide, one of America’s National Scenic Trails following the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. There is an “official” path, but most thru-hikers take numerous alternates and create their own route, which is precisely my plan.
I’ll begin with three women – “Girls v Grizzlies” – in mid-June at Glacier National Park, then take the Big Sky/Butte Super Cut Off and add the Teton Crest plus high routes in the Wind River Range. I might have time to add a 14er or two in Colorado, too.
Audio narratives from the trail
For the past year, I have been producing a podcast blissful hiker ❤︎ walking the world that tells the story of my walks as a solo, middle-aged, female, long distance backpacker through personal essay and collected sound.
My artistic practice reflects an enduring curiosity in how we perceive this wondrous world around us, particularly through sound. On the CDT, I will continue sharing these audio essays while on trail. I’d love to invite you to follow and support my work.
…become a patron
As a subscriber, you will play a major role in helping me as I develop my story-telling skills and learn to produce exceptional work.In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive Q&A checkins along the trail, reserved only for Patreon patrons.
I am forever grateful to you for joining me on this unique, artistic adventure and on all of my walks in the world.
Kia kaha and happy trails, Blissful 🐥🎒👣
2 Responses