The day hike that wasn't possible three years ago.

L

lwt210

Joined
Mar 21, 2007
Messages
511
Three years ago I was tipping the scales at 252 on a 6'2 frame. Lethargic, out of shape, high BP....the works. Not good for a cop. I could still run bad guys down but to say I was out of shape was putting it nice.

Dr. told me to get it in check or face diabetes. Big slap in the face. Not getting the D word if I can help it.

So I went low carb and now tip the scales just shy of 220. Lost about 35 pounds. Been three years now and I have kept it off. Figured it was a shame to live so close to Monte Sano mountain and not take advantage of the trails. That used to crank my tractor as a kid: getting out and hiking.

So I took the family a few weeks ago up some of the moderate trails. Good time had by all.

But McKay Hollow? Difficulty level is extreme. Yeah, had to do it. Wanted to do it alone, just me and my gear. Went on to the Natural Well trail and conquered that one too. Took me four hours to navigate my way back to the car. And even though a couple of guys came RUNNING by me (yeah, running), I am still proud of this accomplishment. Three years ago it would have killed me.

But not today. Today my ankles are toast, but I am still here to tell the tale. And show some pics.

Get out there. It's good for the soul.

Regards.

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Beautiful pics, and congratulations on losing weight and - much harder - keeping it off... it's not an easy thing to do, but well worth the rewards!

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a great area to explore!
 
That's both beautiful (scenery) and impressive. Congratulations! I miss that scenery. I grew up in New England and took it for granted, now that I live in California, I miss it...a lot! I have lost the same 50 pounds 3 times...time to do it again. (lose it...gain it back over 5 yrs) This is inspirational to me and screams to my "inner child"...just do it. (5'8" 240# BP 120/80 Cholesterol 175) Thanks for the motivation.

Kind Regards,
1S1K
 
Well done, and nice pics too. Thanks for sharing.

This is quite an inspiration to read, as I start a program in late January (eating program, blood work weekly, fully monitored, the whole works) and I'm looking forward to some more of these outdoor forays with my son and his Scout Troop.

~Chris
 
Thanks. Hopefully, I can return and do the entire McKay hollow trail. I branched off and went up to the Natural Well to see that for myself. It is a vertical cave that goes like 180 feet down. Folks rappel down inside that hole. If I weren't approaching mid 40s, I'd love to learn how to do that.

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And thank goodness for timers on digital cameras. lol

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lwt210 said:
Thanks. Hopefully, I can return and do the entire McKay hollow trail. I branched off and went up to the Natural Well to see that for myself. It is a vertical cave that goes like 180 feet down. Folks rappel down inside that hole. If I weren't approaching mid 40s, I'd love to learn how to do that.
And thank goodness for timers on digital cameras. lol

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Click to expand...

Rapelling is *so* easy!!!! I'm in my mid-forty's and though i've backed off the hard climbs of my youth (20's - 30's), i'm still up for adventure!!! Just go with some folks who are experienced - rock-climbers would be a good group to ask - and usually a friendly bunch.

Congrat's on dropping the weight and changing your life/life-style!!! I'm needing to get rid of 30lbs and was moving along nicely, but the Holidays have temporarily derailed that - *temporarily*!!!
 
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