Friday, July 24, 2015

My New Goal

What is this I see?
So, since money is a thing of the past (what else would I expect with a blog title called Four Mares. NO GODDAMN MONEY) I started to get over the fact that I will not be competing in my first recognized event this year. That's ok because I haven't been able to ride and I would actually hope and like to do decently at one of those things.

Also, why can't I ride? Welp, when you don't put a base down in your arena, and someone has burned a big pile of stuff where you placed your arena sand, that stuff starts to come up over time. Stuff like nails. And an exacto knife. And more nails. So, until we get our hands on a metal detector, everybody is on vacation. It's not like I can do much anyways, because, health. But still. I like to toodle bareback to keep my sanity.

Now that my sanity is out the window, I came up with making a bucket list. First: Go to Rolex and the Kentucky Derby (and all stud farms and Keenland, etc). Second: Compete in recognized event (I'm not letting that dream go). And third: hike up to Goat Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Part of the Sawtooth range
That's all I have. I showed my husband the list. He looked at number three and said "let's do it". You see, my arthritis has begun to cause me far more pain than before. Just the other day while I went to pick up my meds, I had two people point at me and talk to the person next to them. Why were they pointing? Probably because of the way I was walking. One of them was a kid, so he hardly counts, but the other two old ladies made me feel pretty bad. I am starting to get use to people looking and staring, and there are a large handful of people that ask what is wrong with me. They always assume I am sore or hurt a leg and none are ever expecting the answer I give them. Some laugh, like it might not be true. Others look at me funny. That is just the way it is now.
My brother is going with me!
I have an appointment with a new doctor at the state's arthritis center. He may not be able to help my Lyme disease, but maybe he could help me alleviate some arthritis pain. I also have had some swelling in my right leg just above my ankle, somewhat edema like, and that is a bit concerning. I noticed it about a week ago, no idea how long it has been there, but it doesn't seem to want to leave. I threatened to wear a polo wrap around the house to see if that helps.
Picture of Goat Lake from here
You are probably now thinking, how the heck are you going to hike up a mountain? It is an 8.5-mile round trip to an alpine lake in my favorite place, Stanley. Since I appear to be getting worse and not better, might as well try to bust this thing out now. I may need the help of some left over pain meds from my surgery (shhh, don't tell) but hey, if it let's me have one happy day where I feel like I accomplished something this year, then fine. Blake is very excited and has been researching and gathering items for the hike. You start off at a campsite and hike up a trail along Goat Creek to Goat Falls. This is where you take an unmarked trail and over some scree to get to Goat Lake. If I am doing alright with that, we may hike the additional 1.5 miles to Sawtooth Lake, which is bigger. The trail is marked as moderate, and based on what others have said, it should be doable.
Picture from here
And another of Goat Falls borrowed from Boise Weekly
August 9th is the big day. And hopefully I will feel on top of the world.
Sawtooth Lake captured from here

17 comments:

  1. Go for it!! Love your determination. :)

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  2. Awesome goals! :) It looks like there's lots of beautiful views

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  3. I've been following your blog for a while but had not yet commented because I felt like there was nothing I could say to make things better. But I want you to know that I think you are amazing, that I love the sense of humor that you manage to find despite the ever-increasing odds that life seems to continue to set against you, that I wish a cure could be found to make things easier because it breaks my heart to see someone so young and full of life have to deal with so much physical pain, and that I admire your incredible will and determination. I know you will be able to succeed at everything you set your mind to.

    For the edema in your ankle, I would try any of the Back on Track products if you haven't already. They have socks and an ankle wrap thing, and of course all of the horse products...you could wear a BoT polo wrap to help increase circulation. ;) I know it's only targeting one symptom but it might at least help the edema. I have a wonky ankle that I periodically treat with the BoT ankle wrap and it is a wonderful thing. Their human products are more affordable than their equine products.

    I wish so badly I could say, "Here, try this! It will fix everything."

    Wishing you the very best, now and always. <3



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    1. Silent followers are as welcome as anybody. Thank you for your extremely kind words and following along in my journey :) And I will be exploring those Back on Track options as well!

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  4. The very fact that it's called Goat Lake has to be a sign. Get out there and get it, girl! We're all rooting for you!

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    1. It would be even better if I could take the goats with me, but alas, this goat journey will be without.

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  5. Such a GREAT goal! Love your positive thinking, even when you're in pain :) Go for it girl!

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  6. What a pretty hike! I think this is a fabulous idea and a good time to try it. Plus, if you ever want some blog company at the Kentucky derby I'm down for a meetup one year :)

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    1. Um, heck yes! I've got big plans for whenever I get to Kentucky. The more the merrier!

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  7. 1) I have back on track polos and I would definitely let you try them.

    2) Yay hiking!

    3) Let's have a no money party at someone else's house.

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  8. looks like an amazing hike - and i hope you have a blast making it a reality! also good luck with the new doctor

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  9. How cool! That's going to be an amazing trip and you are going to get EPIC pictures. I can't wait to hear all about it :D :D :D

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  10. I am looking forward to all of the pictures I am sure you will take! You go girl!

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