Pedal the Parks: Patty's Recovery Challenge

Three (3) weeks after falling and injuring my right wrist, I feel fully recovered. Our break, from "pedaling the parks" has not been without excitement however.

Prior to Patty's Vestibular Neurectomy (cutting the balance nerves) surgery, on December 20th, 2013, she challenged herself. She wanted, to recovery well enough, to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Since room reservations, at the bottom of the Canyon, needed to be made thirteen (13) months in advance, we were put on a timetable. This fulfilled one of the first rules of goal making: "set a start and completion date."

The surgery eliminated all balance nerves on the right side of her body. Consequently, after surgery, Patty was unable to walk on her own. This fulfilled an additional rule of goal making: "make it challenging."

Another rule of goal making is to: "always reach beyond your grasp." Well this too was on our score card. Until June of this year, we had never hiked more than a mile or two at one time.

Last week, August 17th - 19th, she completed her challenge. I attended for moral support and to help record the event. It was not without many trials and tribulations however.

The hike down started Sunday morning at 6:30 A.M. We anticipated the seven (7) mile hike to take six (6) hours. We were carrying packs that contained our clothes, food, and water. The beginning of the trail was a gradual descent, with ample shade and cool temperatures. Once the sun peaked over the canyon, the hike became a "survival in a furnace." There was NO visible shade, NO water stations, and the temperature peaked above 115 degrees. What shade we did find, was in crevices of rocks, under over-hanging rocks, or under an outhouse ramp. The hike took ten and a half hours, and we ran short of water. We both had visions of flies attacking our eyes and buzzards circling above.

Once we reached the bottom, all was well. There was a soothing shower, cold water, cold beer, and a comfy bed. There was even a fast flowing stream to sit in and rest our sore, tired, broken down bodies. Our stay at the Phantom Ranch was two (2) nights, one (1) day, and very relaxing.

Hiking, out of the canyon, began at 5:30 A.M. on Tuesday morning. It also began well. The ten (10) mile hike was slated to take 6 - 8 hours. Although longer, it was a more gentle grade, with plenty of shade and several water stops. The first two (2) hours were quite easy, then the rain started. It was gentle and quite refreshing at first, but it picked up steam and continued for six (6) hours. Once the rain settled in, we were hiking in mud and slippery conditions. The rain not only soaked us but our packs as well, which gained much weight as we ascended the canyon.

Despite the challenges, we were both quite pleased when we reached the top. Accessing our aches and pains, Patty stated that this was probably a "one and done" adventure. She also stated that "hiking the Canyon was the best, bad thing she had ever done."

Suffering through Patty's Meniere's Disease has challenged us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Setting and accomplishing a goal, such as this, has strengthened all of these elements. It is good to see her once again, enjoying life to its fullest and taking a few risks along the way.

Hopefully, a cure can be found for this devastating disease so that others do not have to take medical detours to enjoy what life has to offer. Please go to the website at www.givetoiowa.org/burkey and give what you can.