Conquering the Wind Cave
A Journey of Resilience and Determination

Tuesday marked my triumphant return to a hiking trail I hadn’t tackled in a decade – alone, and with 30 extra pounds and a body not quite as fit as it used to be.

Let me paint a picture of this trail. Usery Mountain Regional Park in the Tonto National Forest has been a cherished destination for my family for years. Whether it was ascending to the Wind Cave, exploring Pass Mountain, or taking many of the other trails, we’ve spent countless hours trekking this park. The Arizona desert holds a special place in my heart, with its stark beauty a far cry from the greenery of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

One memory that stands out is when our youngest, still in elementary school, attempted the Wind Cave Trail but had to turn back due to an asthma flare. It was tough as a mom to see him struggle, but the next year, he conquered it alongside his dad. Now, he leads the way on our hikes, a testament to his resilience.

As I geared up for my own challenge, starting with easier hikes to build up to the Wind Cave’s difficulty, I wondered if I could do it. But on Monday night, I made a decision – I was going for it!

Tuesday morning arrived, and as Mom dropped me off at the trailhead, I felt a surge of determination. The sunny skies welcomed me, a stark contrast to the dreary weather back home. The trail was relatively quiet, with just a few fellow hikers making their way up. I plugged in one earbud for a replay of a seminar from last year to motivate me and keep me out of my own head. I only used one earbud, wanting to stay connected to the nature around me.

With each step, the climb became more grueling. An hour in, my energy was waning, and I almost gave up. A short break to refuel and hydrate was what I needed to push forward. Half an hour later, I made it to a shaded cave – a welcome respite. After a brief rest and some stretching, I pressed on, fueled by the words of KB from the training seminar “You can do things alone.” Heck ya! I can do hard things- alone.

Finally, after an hour and a half of relentless ascent, I reached the Wind Cave -a  sight to behold. The view was as breathtaking as I remembered. As I stood there, catching my breath, I recalled KB’s encouraging words from the training seminar replay and what I have frequently shared with my grandkids. “I can do hard things” These words echoed in my mind, reinforcing my belief in my own abilities.

After a well-deserved break, the descent began, aided by one of my dad’s hiking sticks for support.

As I made my way down, I reflected on the journey, both physical and mental. I had proven to myself that age and shape were just numbers; the power of mindset and determination far outweighed any physical limitations.

So here’s a reminder, for both you and me: no matter the challenge ahead, we are capable of overcoming it. Whether alone or surrounded by support, we can do hard things. So keep climbing, keep pushing forward. You’ve got this. We’ve got this.