On May 31, I did my second annual Skyline hike before speaking at a sports medicine conference in Palm Springs the following day. Last year (the first annual pre-talk Skyline hike), I managed to fall off the trail before Flat Rock and impale myself on a cactus. This earned me the rather unfortunate nickname of "cactus ass."
This year I hiked Skyline as an affirmation of still being alive after my hiking misadventure in February. The goal was to hike Skyline mindfully and savor the experience. Karin Meyer was kind enough to accompany me as I made my way slowly up the trail. My left ankle is stiff, painful and doesn't have normal range of motion due to scaring/damage from the fracture/dislocation. Combined with my multiple lumbar fusions, it made my hiking style very interesting
We were passed by numerous people who were focused on their time. Prior to my injury, I timed myself as well, so this Skyline was a very different experience.
At about 8000 feet, I heard a voice call out "She's BACK!" It was our own wonderful Scott Scott who was one of the many caring people on this board who visited me in the hospital. He was hiking with a group of extremely fit individuals (triathletes, cyclists, etc.) who also knew Karin.
It was fabulous to come up the final switchbacks through the rocks. I limped up the ramp and was greeted warmly by the employees of the mountain station before we made our way up to the tram bar to enjoy celebratory beers. A perfect end to a perfect day.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Rising like the Phoenix from the ashes
