A sort of noob introduction

[OldnSlow]

Hi All,

I've decided to jump onto this board after watching it for a year. I'm sort of a noob to hiking. I started back into it a year ago, and this past year summited San J and Baldy.

I really enjoy the trails starting at Humber Park. I hiked up there on Saturday to celebrate my 56th birthday. Had microspikes and poles and made it towards Tahquitz until time ran out and I had to meet my wife back down in the park. A few pretty unprepared people hiking the Slide and only one other hiker on the PCT/Tahquitz trail. He was backpacking and kept going on.

I wonder if we have any MD's on the board? I have Sickle Cell Trait and can really notice the fatigue at altitude or exertion up there (like slogging through the snow). Hence the name OldnSlow!

I've learned a lot from this board and all of your posts and stand in awe of your abilities.

[Sally]

Hi OldnSlow, Happy Birthday and welcome! I'm 57 and in WAY better shape than I was in when I was only 47! I just hike a lot. So just keep it up and maybe the fatigue will diminish a bit. I don't know much about Sickle Cell Trait, or how hiking could effect it, but hiking has had a positive effect on many of my problems, both physical and mental.

I never tire of the trails starting at Humber Park. So many choices of which way to go when you get to Saddle Junction!

[OldnSlow]

Thanks Sally. I was told in the Navy not to go over 10k altitude without O2 or pressurization. And there's lots of press about NFL players not being able to play in Denver. But other than feeling a bit more fatigued, I haven't had any other symptoms.

And you're right, I have dropped just over 30 pounds in the last year and feel much differently than I did last year or before.

I'll be talking to my new doctor about this soon and until then I'll be out gathering miles.