Why Hiking?

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis is life altering.  Quite apart from any physical disability that has occurred from lesions comes the realisation that life will never be the same again.  A few months after my diagnosis, I started to think about what my life with MS might look like.  I decided that most of the things I wanted to do (travel, have a productive veggie garden) I would still be able to do even if my mobility was limited.  However something that I would not be able to do is get out into nature and into the beautiful, wild places.  To this end, I started writing a bucket list of hikes I would like to do.  At that point in time, I was still having mobility issues so every single one seemed rather fanciful and far fetched.  However as a family we decided to do the Three Capes Track in Tasmania.  This was a fantastic first multi-day hike as my pack weight was reduced by not having to carry a tent, sleeping mat or cooking gear.  I started preparing by simply trying to walk regularly, and then progressed to walking wearing my pack with a few kilos in it.  I started with walks that were all flat, and progressed to routes that included hills and stairs. Even a few weeks before departure I still had accommodation booked in Port Arthur in case I didn't think I would be able to join the rest of my family! 

I'm pleased to say that I did successfully complete this hike. Even though it was physically difficult for me, I was bitten by the hiking bug and thus my Mid Life Hiking addiction was born!  I have since done more multi day hikes and have lots planned for the 2018/19 hiking season. Hiking has helped my MS in ways I never thought possible......which I will explore in my next blog post!  

Family photo at the start of the Three Capes Track.