So it’s been a while since I updated.
I woke up on the morning of Day 6 with tears in my eyes. Just lying in bed, I had pretty terrible back pain. I knew I would not be hiking out. In the end, Snorkel and Mr. G came to pick us up at Road’s End and we headed all the way back to their home in Claremont. Over the next few days, I saw a chiropractor, met with a sports trainer at the college where Mr. G works, and we all drank a lot of beer. I was starting to feel a little better, but not 100%. We made a new plan to head up 395 to the east side of the Sierra and day-hike 14,252′ White Mountain in the Inyos. Based on how that went, we’d determine if I could return to the SHR.
The hike went fine, but the next morning I woke up with enough new soreness to know that the strenuous SHR would put me into debilitating pain in remote territory. Note: I came into the hike having tweaked my back pushing too hard while CrossFitting back in mid-June. I just wasn’t 100% recovered when starting the hike.
Welp, this was not to be the grand summer adventure I had planned. Snorkel headed home, and I dropped Dan off at the Reno airport. I spent a few days driving home, hitting up some mellow peaks from the 100 highest of Oregon list that I’m working on, and hiking some of the McKenzie River Trail with my friend Bright.
Of course, I’m really bummed, not only to not get my month of hiking in, but especially to miss the beauty of the Sierra with its high snow levels this summer. I never even got to the actual SHR. We did have a few days of lovely warm-up, so at least there’s that.
What’s next? Well, I’m still working on recouping. I’ve got a bunch of stretches and exercises that are supposed to help my back. If all goes well, I’ll be hiking the Wind River High Route with Bubs and Marmot in August. If the weather holds, Snorkel and I have talked about returning for the SHR in October. And hopefully Dan and I can get in a bunch of weekend outings while the weather is nice.
Whew! Feel bad that you weren’t able to hike the SHR but relieved that are going to take some time to allow your back to heal before trying again!
I also live in Claremont and guess I missed buying you a cup of coffee, maybe another time if your find yourself in our fair city?
No way! Next time 🙂
Injuries suck! Hope that you heal well between now and August so you can get out there.
Thanks, Warren. I’m definitely feeling better already, just need to get that last 10% or so!
I’m so bummed for you, but know the mountains will be there. These things happen. And when you do get back to the SHR it will be amazing, be it in October in the future!
What type of beer is best for back recovery? What’s your favorite exercise for healing your back?
Enjoyed an evening at Last Name Brewing (trivia night!) – though at this point I can’t actually remember the name of the beer I had there that I liked. It was a sour.
Piriformis stretching and clamshell leg lifts are my jam these days.
What a bummer – really put a kink in your summer plans but hopefully recovery will be fast and you will soon be “on the trail again”. Maybe you should skip the Cross Fit and stick to the trails???? Just sayin’
I know, I know….my the CrossFit is just so dang addictive. I worked hard for those arm muscles!
I am so sorry you had to drop the SHE for now.
I think you were wise under the circumstances. Seems like both Wired and Why Not considered that route to be the most stressful of all.
Wired compares the most difficult day of her current bike in the Pyrenees and says the SHR is that day on steroids!
I am confident that you will conquer it in time, but also know you want to hike for many years to come.
Thanks, Lynn! I feel pretty confident in my abilities (under healthy circumstances of course!) to hike the SHR, and I will get back there, hopefully soon!
Arrgh, autocorrect is more like autogarble!
SHR
What is the SHR
Sierra High Route
When will you be in the Winds– if you go? I’m heading to the Cirque of the Towers Aug. 22-27 (after watching the eclipse on Aug. 21).
The plan is to head in several days before the eclipse and be in the mountains for it! Probably will just miss you by a few days. Yay for playing in the Winds!!
Wow! The ultimate eclipse experience.
One of my cancer patients I drive wanted to go SO much to one of the prime locations for it but $$$$ not there.
Turns out he will be seeing hi brain surgeon that day.
So happy that some of my favorite hikers will be in place to check it out.
And for sure I know you will have no problem with the SHR. 💜