When the Wandering Began

Alright, you guys are doing great at sticking around to see what’s next so I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The bug… (the hiking, traveling, soaking up nature) has always been in me, but I didn’t really catch it until I was already too sick to enjoy it. My parents and grandparents made sure I knew it was okay to seek wander. My grandparents had the travel bug as long as I’ve been alive. They traveled to China, Australia and a variety of other places all over the globe. My dad caught the bug, but a more reasonable version of it, and growing up we traveled and hiked all over the US. One of my favorite trips was to the smokies when I was about 8 or 9. We hiked for what felt like ever, but I’m sure in reality was just a few miles. I know for sure we were at Siler’s Bald and Double Springs Gap, where we ran into two baby bears on the Appalachian trail.

I also remember my parents left the windows cracked in our car and when we got back down to the car after a week or so, its was full of water due to all the rain in the mountains. Oops.

I remember going back to church the next week and being so proud of myself for hiking SIX miles in ONE day 🙂 I honestly don’t remember much of the trip, but I do remember it sparked my interest in nature. I, of course, got lost on the way, (like teens often do) but have found my way back.

The man on the far right was named Steve and I remeber he sat and played war with us for hours at the campsite at more than one stop. My brother Kevin is the little guy, dead center, and my parents are to his right.

I guess my heart has been searching for a way back, a way to heal, a reason to change and that’s what I’ve done since finding my way back.

So, if you can still move with your chronic condition, you can find your way too. I’ve been through Dialysis, near kidney failure, Open Heart Surgery, had lupus for 15 years and am still finding my way through neuropathy in my feet. Give it a shot. I bet you will surprise yourself.

**Note**
If you have neuropathy in your feet try these… these pads help spread out the pressure on your feet to distribute weight throughout the foot to help with pain. Click on the picture to visit the purchase page if this is something you think could help you adventure more.