Northern Lights: Hiking In The Rockies
A few weeks ago, a letter arrived in the mail from the Provincial Motor Vehicles Department. I was puzzled, since my driver’s license doesn’t expire until 2017. The letter contained a notice about renewing my ‘handicapped’ parking pass. My husband Dilip had gotten the pass for us after the catastrophic events five years ago, when I had back injuries so severe I could barely walk for even a short distance.
I don’t use that pass anymore. To be honest, I had completely forgotten about it. So, when the letter arrived, I said a silent prayer of thanks for my recovery. These days, I am more interested in getting a parking pass from Parks Canada so that we may park in any national park, because I love hiking.
Part of my myeloma journey started with hiking in Banff Park in June of 2009. I hiked up Tunnel Mountain and back by myself. It was a 4-mile (6-kilometer) hike on a paved road. I remember seeing a deer and her fawn in the shrubbery, and it brought tears to my eyes. I was also almost in tears from the disturbing low back ache that just wouldn’t get better no matter what I tried. My family doctor did not understand the reason behind the pain at the time either.
That early-summer hike turned out to be the last for that season. I suddenly had much more immediate concerns than whether or not I could go hiking, because I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in July. I nevertheless would gaze at the mountains, which are located on the western horizon of Calgary, and wonder when, or if, I could get back there again because of my diagnosis.
It wasn’t until the autumn of 2010 that I got up into the mountains again. Dilip and I went for a restful weekend at Lake Louise after I had recovered from my injuries and undergone all of the medical treatments. We walked slowly along the shore of the beautiful turquoise waters. I was using a walking stick and wearing good hiking boots for ankle support, because I didn’t want to trip and fall again and incur more injuries. Encountering the peace and serenity of the mountains was a spiritual experience for both of us, but especially for me, because being in the mountains is part of my psyche that just ‘is.’
It was more than my bones that had been shattered in the summer of 2009. It was my self-confidence too. For a long time, I was fearful of walking outdoors. I always took my walking stick with me, as well as my cell phone in case I needed to call someone for help.
It wasn’t until I took a couple of hard falls on icy sidewalks two years after my diagnosis that I realized that I really was stronger than before. Those falls could have caused injuries in anyone, not just someone with damaged bones. Yet I was able to get up and walk home both times.
By the spring of 2011, we were back hiking flat trails. We went to Bow Valley Provincial Park look at wild orchids. On trips to visit family on Vancouver Island the same year, we went up to Strathcona Provincial Park and walked on their system of ‘boardwalk’ wooden sidewalks that make walking across boggy areas feasible. These sorts of hikes were not difficult, since they were mostly on flat terrain. To just breathe in the fresh air and to be out walking in a group again, with much diminished pain in my legs and hips, felt wonderful to me and put me into a euphoric mood.
Last summer, I finally went on a regular mountain hike again. The hike took us from the shores of Lake Louise up to Lake Agnes, a small reflective ‘tarn’ in a glacial cirque high up in the mountains above the lake. We hiked up a little more than three miles (five kilometers), and gained 1,300 feet (400 meters) in elevation. That put us up in the clouds at almost 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) altitude. The trail is stony, and coming down on uneven ground is always more difficult than walking up, so I was once again glad to have a walking stick. I was very footsore and stiff the next day, but it was well worth it
This summer I went on three wonderful mountain hikes, which once again confirmed that I am getting stronger.
The first one was to Ptarmigan Cirque in Kananaskis Provincial Park in July. We parked in a lot on Highway 40, the highest paved highway in Canada, which put us already nearly above tree line. A short but steep hike with an elevation gain of 750 feet (230 meters) took us through an alpine meadow up to where many trickles of water coming down the mountain peak converge into a stream. We passed the diggings of grizzly bears, we saw mountain sheep grazing only a few feet away, and we could hear the whistling of marmots. The spring wildflowers, such as saxifrage and paintbrush, were a joy to see after our long winter. I had only hiked this trail once before, in late September of 2001, with a hiking club. Even though we climbed much further in 2001, I was very happy with my performance this summer. I realize that I don’t have the strength I did 13 years ago, but I am very grateful for the strength that has gradually returned since my diagnosis.
On a long weekend at the beginning of August, my husband and I decided to hike up to Bow Glacier Falls, a large waterfall that empties from a glacier on the Wapta Icefield. Hiking along the lakeshore up to a delta where the meltwater flows in braided streams into the lake, we had come to the headwaters of the Bow River. Since the trail went up to the waterfall and back, we knew that we could always turn around if we didn’t have sufficient time or energy to go all the way to the waterfall.
From the gravelly delta, the trail led up to a set of stone steps that must have been designed with giants in mind, for the rise on them was very steep. I struggled about half way up this ‘staircase’ and then realized that it was just too dangerous for me to attempt what was fast becoming ‘rock scrambling’. I didn’t want to fall into the small canyon where the stream was flowing down. I also didn’t want Dilip to have to help me down off the mountain with a twisted ankle or other injury. So we decided to turn back. It was a lovely hike even though we didn’t reach the waterfall, and I am proud of how far I have come.
Then, later that week, I went back to Sunshine Meadows with three friends for another high-elevation hike. This back-to-back hiking was perhaps a little ambitious, but I did not want to miss out on spending time with my friends.
The trail took us around three small lakes – Rock Isle, Grizzly and Larix. On the approach to the first small lake, I was winded due to tiredness and the altitude (we were at 7,500 feet, or 2,300 meters). I wasn’t the only one, though, who felt the effects of the altitude. We went slowly and paused often to take in the glorious scenery. On our drive back home, we were all elated, and we decided that we should make hiking together an annual event. I realize that things may look differently a year from now, but, at the end of our hike, I felt confident enough to make this commitment.
Overall, I am so grateful to be back in my beloved mountains, because it was not clear five years ago that I would ever be able to be there again.
However, I have learned over the last five years to just do what I can at the time and not push myself too hard.
I hope to keep on hiking in years to come because it means so much to me.
Maybe there will be an autumn hike to see the mountain larch trees change color from green to golden this year. If not, I can always look to my backyard, since we planted a larch tree 20 years ago.
At the time, I thought that there might come a time when I could no longer get up into the high alpine zones to see the fall splendor.
Hopefully, that time is still very far away!
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The quotation for this month is from Emily Carr (1871 - 1945), a Canadian artist and writer, who said: “It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw.”
Nancy Shamanna is a multiple myeloma patient and a columnist at The Myeloma Beacon. You can view a list of her columns here.
If you are interested in writing a regular column to be published by The Myeloma Beacon, please contact the Beacon team at .
Go Girl!
Nancy,
I had to use a handicap place card too shortly after I was diagnosed. My GF has done 11 Ironmans and many full and half marathons. She has Ironman, marathon, and other endurance event stickers all over the back of her Subaru Outback. She absolutely hated it when we used her car and parked in the handicap spaces. She was self-conscience and worried people would see all those stickers on the back of her car parked in a handicap space and get upset.
I have been doing a lot of hiking in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra the last two summers. I have really enjoyed it. The altitude can get up over 9000 feet on the trails there, but, so far, I have been doing fine with it. I hope I can do hiking again next summer and you can too.
Thanks Joann and Eric!
I now have more appreciation as to why there are designated handicapped zones for parking! Eric, the hiking I have been doing is not for long distances, as you can read, but it did represent a return to normal for me. That's awesome that your girlfriend is really really fit! My son-in-law is now into Ironman triathlons, and finished the Whistler, BC one in July, and my daughter's fiancé ran his first marathon two weeks ago in Edmonton. So it's great to be in a family that enjoys outdoor fitness activities. I find it helps to encourage me too.
Maybe Dil and I will try hiking the even higher elevations that are found in the Sierras and in other parts of the Rockies further south of us. I can vouch for the fact that the trails in Banff, Yoho, Jasper and Waterton Parks are very scenic!
Nancy,
I too used / needed a handicapped parking pass after my myeloma diagnosis. Haven't used it in over 2 years. My wife and I have a lakeside lot, 0.75 acres, that is fully landscaped and on the shores of Lake Huron. This year we put in 40 cubic yards of wood chip mulch, most of it wheelbarrowed, as well as several new Colorado blue spruce and a significant veggies garden. I never thought I'd ever do that again. We thank God every day and are happy to let the parking pass expire.
I'm so happy you're able to hike and enjoy the mountains again Nancy. It feels like a miracle when we're able to do things that we thought we'd never do again. I believe that getting out and experiencing the places and activities we love is critical to our health and recovery.
Eric, we live in good societies where handicapped parking is a priority, I think, and it is there for those of us who need it at the time. Since the pass went for five years, I was lucky to not need it for most of that time. Like you do, we count our blessings in life every day!
Sounds like you and your wife have a lovely place on the shores of Lake Huron. The one time we visited there, to the Pt. Clarke Lighthouse (near Kincardine), I was so impressed by that inland sea! Even though I am stronger now, I don't really know just how strong, so I still don't lift really heavy objects. I like to garden too, and now use a trolley to wheel stuff around, a kneeling bench for weeding, and electric hedge sheers. I still am 'not allowed' to do mowing or dig holes for planting trees! Your Colorado blue spruce will probably grow to be very tall, mine is. Ditto the larch, the green spruce, and the weeping birch ... all planted more than 20 years ago and now over 30 feet tall!
Thanks Holt, I agree with you 100%. It's like we have been given a whole new chance in life, after such a horrific experience such as having the awful bone fractures of myeloma. I credit the advances in treatments over the last decade or so for this recovery, actually. I really wish that everyone could count on such a recovery too, even though I know that we are not there yet.
Nancy, thanks so much for your encouraging article. Like you, I had multiple (7) vertebrae fractures when first diagnosed in the fall of 2012. I am doing well now, post kyphoplasties and SCT, and am pain free and in remission. I have been walking but hesitant to resume hiking for fear of falling. I have a bone density scan scheduled for this week to find out if I still have as severe osteoporosis (-3.5) as I did in 2012, and I think that will be helpful. Your success in resuming hiking is VERY heartening. Ginny
Thanks Virginia, I am glad to hear that you are doing so well now, after an awful way of finding out you had myeloma. I checked my 't-Score' from November 20008, when I was diagnosed with osteopenia (before the myeloma diagnosis), and it was -3.7. My current family doctor rechecked it for me this June and it is now -1.7. So I have gone from a 'high' risk of fractures (which is what happened) to a 'medium' risk. I guess that three years of bisphosphonate treatments (Aredia) really helped my bone health. Also, putting the myeloma into a remission prevented more damage to the bones. And I do 'weight bearing exercise', i.e. walking (or hiking), almost every day. So, I hope that you have the same results for healing.
I don't see hiking as being much different from walking, but I find that good boots and a walking stick are essentials. I just carry a day pack too, not a heavy pack. Good luck!
Nancy - I woke up this morning at our cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and was greeted by a magnificent sunrise on the tops of fall-colored aspen trees. It was great to read your column as a reminder of why I am so grateful for today, being able to rejoice in the mountains I so love. Stay strong, and may peace be the journey!
Thanks Bill, you must be up at high altitude, for the leaves of the aspen trees here in Calgary (3500 ft. elevation) are still green. That is, until it snows on Tuesday! (Hope not, but it's in the forecast). You express my thoughts too. I guess the mountains do 'grow' on a person, hard to explain, but there is a spiritual aspect to them.
If I might add, in some cultures, such as in India, the headwaters of rivers that arise in the mountains are considered to be sacred places (headwaters of the Ganges River, for example). Being up at the headwaters of the Bow River and also up on the continental divides, where the waters flow to the east on the eastern slopes and the west on the other side, and even north to the Arctic, seems to be a profound place to be. The continental watershed where rivers flow in three directions is up on the Columbia Icefields. I was so impressed the first time we went there years ago because of that.
Hope you are well, and enjoying the fall splendour, and able to put your worries aside about health also, at least for now.
Inspiring and enjoyable article, Nancy! We have a pond near our house with a walking trail around it and benches. After my ASCT (July, 2012), I would walk around it (about 1 kilometre). Then I'd sit on the bench and enjoy the scenery – ducks, birds, trees, water, fresh air and sunshine. It really was a "healing place." My husband and I would enjoy the sunset each evening.
The rhythms of nature and solace made me deeply appreciate life. The words of a favourite hymn played in my mind, "All nature sings and about me rings. This is my Father's world." Despite fatigue and uncertainty, this time was a gift. I was forced to slow down and savour the moment. Two years later, I'm enjoying longer hikes, but still love my bench by the pond.
Thank you, Nancy for sharing your hiking stories! I know your daughter is getting married soon and September is busy. I hope you can enjoy more hiking experiences.
Sue Witcher
Thanks Sue, I so enjoy working with you and your husband on our committee for the local support group! Isn't the weather glorious today? That's so typical of the Foothills, up one day, down the next! I think that it makes us flexible in our outlooks too. That's a wonderful image of the pond with the birds and plants.
Yes, I am really busy with our daughter's wedding next Saturday! But I did get out for a nice calming walk with the 'grand puppy'. See you soon!
Hi Nancy,
Great to see you are out doing the things you love! Gives me hope that after my transplant (this week!!), and with summer coming in the Southern Hemisphere, I will get back to doing the things I love as well.
You are truly inspiring!
Jen
Thanks Jen, I can imagine that summer is lovely in New Zealand! Just from the 'Hobbit' movies I saw your mountains on film. Walking and getting other forms of exercise will be really good for you during your recovery (at least that was my experience). Some people who posted on the Beacon were able to access stationary bikes in their hospitals too. Best wishes with you transplant and keep us posted too at the Beacon.
Hello Nancy! Great article on one of my favorite activities, hiking. In Oregon, we have great opportunities for wilderness exploration. Going cross country is my favorite when possible. Today, though, we are staying warm in Canmore, visiting one of our daughters.
As you well know in nearby Calgary, we are in a summer snowstorm! It is beautiful, but way too early. Overnight we expect another 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). We were hoping to visit your town, but have to start driving back tomorrow. Good thing our Subaru has winter tires!
Hiking with a walking stick or hiking poles is sure appreciated, especially on uneven, slippery terrain. We keep collapsible poles in our car just in case. I feel fortunate to continue to enjoy the wilderness despite recurrent MM. Chanterelle hiking is my favorite in the fall.
I hope we will have a chance to meet at our next Canmore visit. All the best! Jan
Thanks Jan, Dilip and I would be happy to have you visit us if you are coming thru Calgary. I take it you are driving west then to get to Oregon? Wow, what a storm, and it is a double one also, 10 cm. of snow yesterday and more tonight! Branches are breaking off trees here since they are still in full leaf. Yikes, this is Murphy's Law. At our first choir practise of the season last week, we were singing 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas'. Guess it's our fault it snowed?
I forgot to mention in my column about using two hiking poles. I see lots of people doing that. It's even better than one pole on uneven ground. Take care, hope you and your family are well also. Drive safely!
Hi Nancy - Yes, our cabin is at around 9,000 feet, and near the headwaters of the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park. I did not know about the Hindu beliefs around sacred headwaters, but I have felt it in Fraser Valley here since I was a child. We got a dusting of snow last night, and it is beautiful. Don't have an appointment with my onc until October, so lots of time to enjoy.
Thank you Nancy! The tone of your article is as soothing as the sight of your beloved mountains, I enjoyed reading it. Being able to do pleasant activities again feels like getting back to normality, who knows how long it will last, but in the meantime life makes sense again. For me it is swimming. When I was very ill, at the time of diagnosis, one of the hematologists said to me "You will be able to go to the pool again in just a few months" and I started picturing myself doing front stroke, back stroke, breast stroke and butterfly (which tires me quickly, but at the age of 60 it is only normal). And just the thought was pleasant and reassuring. True, when I went back I knew that thoughtfulness had become something of the past. But it is still very pleasant!
Thanks Bill and Annamaria for your comments! Bill, I have spent a lot of time in B.C. since many family members live there, and also lived there for a few years in my teens. When I was younger we drove thru the mountains from Calgary over to Vancouver or the Island often. The Fraser canyon is just beautiful, with its steep cliffs and the river raging below thru narrow channels. I like the concept of 'salmon ladders', which let the returning salmon get upstream even thru areas of dams.
Best wishes on your appointment in October. I know how nerve wracking it is to wait on those check ups even after five years! My next one is next week also.
Annamaria, the swimming sounds good! Whatever exercising we can do, must be helping our immune systems to stay strong, nest-ce pas? I am not a good swimmer, but do enjoy aqua fit exercises when in the pool!
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