New trails.

Six months ago I couldn’t walk more than half a mile on a paved flat trail. I dreamed of hiking again, but was humbled by pain and stiffness after many sedentary years, two hip surgeries, and slow rehab. While sheltering at home, I started taking daily walks, and slowly increased the demand on my legs and feet. Three months ago, I was exhilarated to attempt my first four-mile hike on the lower slopes of this mountain, with a 650-foot elevation gain. Every few weeks I stretch farther—steeper trails, higher up the mountain.