Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Evening Hike
We climbed the switchbacks until we were up to the Bonneville shoreline trail, then dropped down into the canyon where the small creek swelled with snowmelt. After 20 days of almost nonstop rain, it was good to be out. We were on a quick evening hike to see the lower falls in Adam's Canyon. As we neared the creek, we could hear the water as it plunged over the fifteen foot falls. It's not a spectacular site, but with the runoff it is a little more dramatic than normal. The water was just a bit off-color, similar to the look of packaged hot chocolate with too much water added to it. The sound of the crashing water was constant applause.
This hike is not a long hike but the switchbacks are nice for a quick workout. The cold spring weather and the coolness of the evening air made the mist coming off the falls feel chill. Getting totally wet was not an option on this hike. On a hot summer day, standing under the falls, or at least close enough to get the cool mist would be a welcome relief.
Last year we hiked up Adam's Canyon to the upper falls. I wondered what the upper falls would be like this year with a much higher volume of water pouring out of the mountains. It's probably worth the effort. I also heard a story about some type of cabin above the upper falls. From what I've heard, it's an older structure. I'm not sure who built it or why it would be in such a remote and rugged area. The cabin whereabouts and history would make a good research project.
We hiked down before the sun was fully set. Clouds on the western horizon hid the sun from view. Gaps in the cloud cover provided streaks of blue, gray and silver illumination down on the Great Salt Lake, Fremont Island, and the Promontory mountains. I always get giddy satisfaction when I see beauty and when I feel a sense of accomplishment, even when that accomplishment is something as simple as a hike. I've always been satisfied to live in the Great Basin and along the Wasatch Front. Everything I've come to love is near. I am humbled and honored to call this place home.
This hike is not a long hike but the switchbacks are nice for a quick workout. The cold spring weather and the coolness of the evening air made the mist coming off the falls feel chill. Getting totally wet was not an option on this hike. On a hot summer day, standing under the falls, or at least close enough to get the cool mist would be a welcome relief.
Last year we hiked up Adam's Canyon to the upper falls. I wondered what the upper falls would be like this year with a much higher volume of water pouring out of the mountains. It's probably worth the effort. I also heard a story about some type of cabin above the upper falls. From what I've heard, it's an older structure. I'm not sure who built it or why it would be in such a remote and rugged area. The cabin whereabouts and history would make a good research project.
We hiked down before the sun was fully set. Clouds on the western horizon hid the sun from view. Gaps in the cloud cover provided streaks of blue, gray and silver illumination down on the Great Salt Lake, Fremont Island, and the Promontory mountains. I always get giddy satisfaction when I see beauty and when I feel a sense of accomplishment, even when that accomplishment is something as simple as a hike. I've always been satisfied to live in the Great Basin and along the Wasatch Front. Everything I've come to love is near. I am humbled and honored to call this place home.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Meniere's Disease and Exercise
I was diagnosed with Meniere's disease 26 years ago. It can't be cured and doctors struggle with what causes it and with solutions to prevent it and even remedy it's severity. Meniere's disease affects the inner ear. Symptoms vary with individuals but most have a fullness feeling in the ear, tinnitus (constant ringing), clicking, dizziness, hearing loss, and drop attacks. I have gone through periods of each symptom. The worst has been the drop attacks. A drop attack is when the world turns upside down very fast. The sensation is one of falling quickly to the ground and that is exactly where you find yourself. Because these attacks happen so swiftly, it is often difficult for people with Meniere's to work in jobs where they are on ladders or high places with the chance of falling. If the attacks come regularly, it would be difficult and scary to drive a car. Luckily for most sufferers, the drop attacks are infrequent. I've had about six such attacks in the last 26 years, two while driving a car. Both times I have had my wife take the steering wheel from the passengers side until the major portion of the attack is gone. This usually only lasts several seconds, but the spinning sensation can last for hours and sometimes days.
My early struggles with this disease were difficult. It is a hard disease to diagnose and all other possible problems need to be ruled out. I had to go to specialists and had to rule out damage to the ear drum and a tumor. Once I was cleared of those two things, I spent years trying to maintain my hearing and remedy the fullness and dizziness. As is common with most sufferers, nothing has worked. I have had to learn to just live with it. I have had good years and bad years. Sometimes the symptoms will last for weeks and sometimes just a few days. I have been trying to understand what might trigger the episodes and attacks. Most of my struggles come with changes in barometric pressure from storms, stress, allergies, too much salt, and not enough rest.
The worst part for me has been the dizziness. I've been able live with the hearing loss, the feeling of fullness, and constant ringing. I'm not sure those who try to talk to me or whisper in my left ear appreciate having to repeat things, but I'm able to live with that part. The doctors tell me that with each attack, I will lose more hearing. Hearing test indicate that I have already lost my ability to hear certain higher tones. When I'm suffering an attack it is estimated that about 80 percent of my hearing in the left ear is gone. When not suffering the estimate is around 40 to 60 percent loss.
Why am I telling you all of this? The last few years I have been trying to stay in better shape. I have been running, riding a bike, hiking, and walking a lot more. Last year I felt really good. My theory is this: as we age and get sedentary, it can affect our bodies in adverse ways. I think the exercise has flushed my body of salt retention, provided better blood circulation, increased metabolism, and helped with oxygen and lung capacity. Last year as I pushed myself, I did not have Meniere's attacks or severe symptoms as bad as years past.
This past winter I didn't stay on my schedule like I wanted. I enjoyed the holidays and told myself that I could get with it when spring arrived. Well, spring has been taking its sweet time getting here and I find myself suffering from an episode of Meniere's. It will be interesting to see how it responds to the physical activity. Can I run it out of my system? Did the physical activity of the last two years really help with the symptoms? I'll be finding out.
My early struggles with this disease were difficult. It is a hard disease to diagnose and all other possible problems need to be ruled out. I had to go to specialists and had to rule out damage to the ear drum and a tumor. Once I was cleared of those two things, I spent years trying to maintain my hearing and remedy the fullness and dizziness. As is common with most sufferers, nothing has worked. I have had to learn to just live with it. I have had good years and bad years. Sometimes the symptoms will last for weeks and sometimes just a few days. I have been trying to understand what might trigger the episodes and attacks. Most of my struggles come with changes in barometric pressure from storms, stress, allergies, too much salt, and not enough rest.
The worst part for me has been the dizziness. I've been able live with the hearing loss, the feeling of fullness, and constant ringing. I'm not sure those who try to talk to me or whisper in my left ear appreciate having to repeat things, but I'm able to live with that part. The doctors tell me that with each attack, I will lose more hearing. Hearing test indicate that I have already lost my ability to hear certain higher tones. When I'm suffering an attack it is estimated that about 80 percent of my hearing in the left ear is gone. When not suffering the estimate is around 40 to 60 percent loss.
Why am I telling you all of this? The last few years I have been trying to stay in better shape. I have been running, riding a bike, hiking, and walking a lot more. Last year I felt really good. My theory is this: as we age and get sedentary, it can affect our bodies in adverse ways. I think the exercise has flushed my body of salt retention, provided better blood circulation, increased metabolism, and helped with oxygen and lung capacity. Last year as I pushed myself, I did not have Meniere's attacks or severe symptoms as bad as years past.
This past winter I didn't stay on my schedule like I wanted. I enjoyed the holidays and told myself that I could get with it when spring arrived. Well, spring has been taking its sweet time getting here and I find myself suffering from an episode of Meniere's. It will be interesting to see how it responds to the physical activity. Can I run it out of my system? Did the physical activity of the last two years really help with the symptoms? I'll be finding out.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Back in the Saddle
I just got back from the first bike ride of 2011. It felt so good. The wind was a bit chill, but it was soon forgotten as my body warmed to the tempo of pedaling. Did I say it felt good? I could feel my leg muscles working; different muscles than those I feel when running. On the hills, I stood on the pedals and felt the power of putting extra weight on the down stroke of the motion. I could feel my heart rate picking up, and sweat starting to build on my back between the shoulder blades. In my mind, I could imagine the extra fifteen pounds I put on this winter start to leap from my body and float away with the wind. I pedaled harder and turned a corner making sure the weight could not follow. The first ride always makes me feel like a kid again. It makes me feel like a dancer. I sometimes rock back and forth letting my mind and body feel the motion.
I didn't want to overdue it. It was a pleasure ride more than a workout. I looked around. High slate clouds covered the sky. I looked to the east and saw a panoramic view of the Wasatch Mountains. They stand majestic above the valley floor, snow-covered and uninviting to those who are wishing for summer. Still, a nice sight. I noticed that the willow trees in many neighborhood yards have a tinge of green with the first leaf buds starting to test for warmth of springtime air.
I thought of my favorite mountain bike trails, still buried beneath feet of snow. It will be a couple of months before I can ride them. I will be ready.
The bike is parked in my backyard right now. I know I will have the urge to get on it again before the sunsets on this day.
I didn't want to overdue it. It was a pleasure ride more than a workout. I looked around. High slate clouds covered the sky. I looked to the east and saw a panoramic view of the Wasatch Mountains. They stand majestic above the valley floor, snow-covered and uninviting to those who are wishing for summer. Still, a nice sight. I noticed that the willow trees in many neighborhood yards have a tinge of green with the first leaf buds starting to test for warmth of springtime air.
I thought of my favorite mountain bike trails, still buried beneath feet of snow. It will be a couple of months before I can ride them. I will be ready.
The bike is parked in my backyard right now. I know I will have the urge to get on it again before the sunsets on this day.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
DECLARING SPRING!
I'm declaring Spring!
It's not official yet, but I'm declaring Spring is here. What snow may fall here in Utah will melt quickly in the valley. The temperatures are starting to stay around 50 during the day. Reports of Blue-winged Olive mayflies hatching on some of the rivers is welcomed news.
There's a bunch of snow up in the mountains and the ski resorts will probably run until Father's Day depending on how they planned their insurance this year, but I'm starting to plan my outside activities and that is always a good thing.
As always, I will be posting on my blog the little adventures I experience. I'm planning a few hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fly fishing activities.
I've already started my training runs to make sure I'm in shape to enjoy what the Rocky Mountain Region has to offer. Let the fun begin!
It's not official yet, but I'm declaring Spring is here. What snow may fall here in Utah will melt quickly in the valley. The temperatures are starting to stay around 50 during the day. Reports of Blue-winged Olive mayflies hatching on some of the rivers is welcomed news.
There's a bunch of snow up in the mountains and the ski resorts will probably run until Father's Day depending on how they planned their insurance this year, but I'm starting to plan my outside activities and that is always a good thing.
As always, I will be posting on my blog the little adventures I experience. I'm planning a few hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fly fishing activities.
I've already started my training runs to make sure I'm in shape to enjoy what the Rocky Mountain Region has to offer. Let the fun begin!
Uphill
Uphill
Sherm's store stood at the top of the street,
the place all of us kids took our turn
being accused of stealing.
It was there, we lined up on our bikes,
racers and long distance riders, no need to pedal,
gravity provided speed, three, two, one, go!
Heads over handlebars, we leaned low,
gravel grinds, then flips, ricochets
and pings off frames, pelting ankles.
Spokes spin to a blurr, fast and fun.
Stern looks of determination
rode off our faces with smiles.
Finally, feet touch down miles from the store.
Pleasure replaced with realization,
as we turned and stared uphill.
Sherm's store stood at the top of the street,
the place all of us kids took our turn
being accused of stealing.
It was there, we lined up on our bikes,
racers and long distance riders, no need to pedal,
gravity provided speed, three, two, one, go!
Heads over handlebars, we leaned low,
gravel grinds, then flips, ricochets
and pings off frames, pelting ankles.
Spokes spin to a blurr, fast and fun.
Stern looks of determination
rode off our faces with smiles.
Finally, feet touch down miles from the store.
Pleasure replaced with realization,
as we turned and stared uphill.
Monday, January 17, 2011
TONIGHT'S SKY
Tonight's Sky
An upside down fire
hangs on the horizon.
Drops of splattering rain
cannot put it out.
A setting sun provides the darkness
to douse the feisty flames,
and billowing clouds of cumulus smoke
rise against the evening sky.
On my way home from work tonight, I had to pull over and watch the sunset. The bottom of the smaller clouds were whisps of hot color, reds and oranges aimed downward like flames in reverse. Like brillant burning coals, the clouds darkened as the sun disappeared. Soon, I was left with the vision of darker plumes of smoke rising into the twilight. I grabbed a crinkled paper bag on the passenger's seat and penned the above poem. It needs work, but the rough draft catches the feeling of the moment.
An upside down fire
hangs on the horizon.
Drops of splattering rain
cannot put it out.
A setting sun provides the darkness
to douse the feisty flames,
and billowing clouds of cumulus smoke
rise against the evening sky.
On my way home from work tonight, I had to pull over and watch the sunset. The bottom of the smaller clouds were whisps of hot color, reds and oranges aimed downward like flames in reverse. Like brillant burning coals, the clouds darkened as the sun disappeared. Soon, I was left with the vision of darker plumes of smoke rising into the twilight. I grabbed a crinkled paper bag on the passenger's seat and penned the above poem. It needs work, but the rough draft catches the feeling of the moment.
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