No Backup in the Tortolitas

[jbeegoode]

The 22nd of January, four years ago. A solo hike into a new exploration in the Tortolita Mountains:

https://thefreerangenaturist.org/2017/01/13/no-backup-in-the-tortolitas/
Jbee

[nudewalker]

nice Jbee. Just out of curiosity I looked up my journal for the same day over the last few years. It seems that we were either enjoying the warmth in Florida or battling the cold and snow here. In all the cases there is no note of any free range activity so to enjoy a January day as you did is a blessing! Thanks for the pictures and the narrative!

[jbeegoode]

There are strings of cold and overcast in Tucson during January and December. Usually a thick winter rain in each month. Sometimes a freeze or two...typically. Then, this is surrounded by sunny days some partly cloudy....typically. With the 30F and 40F degree variation each day, there will be several hours on each of many days that reach mid-60F, which in the sun, and only little breeze rolling across the relatively open desert, give a nice opportunity to hike a few hours. Sunshine is the naturists saving grace.

The rattlers hibernate, giving access to off trail and rocky spots without concern. Too hot in the summer places are pretty darn nice. Water flows after rains. I can always do a quick Havarock, or lay about being saturated by sun, while I lie about in a windbreak.

This year, so far temps are up, typical when the north has real harsh crap. We have had many 70F days, more typical of February.

Sciatica seems to be getting better. My part-time work will be over in a coupe of weeks...I'm determined to get my MORE exercise kick on. Being stir-crazy due to less immobility helps stimulate turning over new leaves at a new year.

I am certainly temped to make more forays uphill from my house, which would be very similar to this one. Gotta get into shape; I got plans!!! Today, DF and I are conjuring up black bears with the ancient methods of the hunters who drew game on the walls of caves. Well, we have a jigsaw puzzle of a bear and bear lit. Chance of rain, 80%, has destroyed our trip to Eden hotsprings and a party near Safford. We're going to play winter, hunkered down indoors with warm tea. BUT, we will have a nice sauna this winter, so no clothes, no way. I'm gonna burst out into the cold and experience contrasts.
Jbee
Jbee

[nudewalker]

This has been the oddest winter I remember. This is usually the coldest week of the year but now we are predicted to be close to 60F (16C) for the near future. We are going to get rain however so any forays outside would be cold and damp not free range weather of any type. Since the holidays I've felt myself getting stiff from sitting to much so today there will be a used treadmill in the garage. None of the electronic stuff works but at least walking can be done (naked) and endurance built up for the hiking season. A few free weights and the arms will be ready for the kayak also.

Being that you and DF are into the more holistic side have you tried having her compress the nerve by massage over the Ischium (sit bone)  in the buttocks?  We have used that therapy on the misses a few times with success. I use the fat part of the pad of my hand and push in while moving in a circular motion over the bone. Her sciatica can be debilitating at times and cannot find a spot to be comfortable.





 

[jbeegoode]

Anyway, I've decided to rewrite that last "Tortolita" post on my site. A couple of paragraphs just suck. I put time into fixing the old original post and make it more meaningful and legible, but that wasn't enough, as I reread it....after I post the next trip report, this weekend.
Jbee

[jbeegoode]

This has been the oddest winter I remember. This is usually the coldest week of the year but now we are predicted to be close to 60F (16C) for the near future. We are going to get rain however so any forays outside would be cold and damp not free range weather of any type. Since the holidays I've felt myself getting stiff from sitting to much so today there will be a used treadmill in the garage. None of the electronic stuff works but at least walking can be done (naked) and endurance built up for the hiking season. A few free weights and the arms will be ready for the kayak also.

Being that you and DF are into the more holistic side have you tried having her compress the nerve by massage over the Ischium (sit bone)  in the buttocks?  We have used that therapy on the misses a few times with success. I use the fat part of the pad of my hand and push in while moving in a circular motion over the bone. Her sciatica can be debilitating at times and cannot find a spot to be comfortable.

DF did that bone with her elbow power, she has been trained professionally. She also, gave a very full miafacia (probably spelled it wrong, the connective tissue that holds) treatment and cranio-secal (I know I spelled that one wrong) as well and some massage. Minor doses of hydrocodone and many anti-inflammatories, regular chiropractor, rest, earthing, sauna, stretch, stretch directed by prayer, yoga...and, etc., perseverance etc. Stuff from the neck down to the feet. Ways to change muscle memory to react differently and undo progress has been employed.

It all helps. Then one day it just happens to get better, when I walk around doing what was previously too much. Baffling, but the last few days have been such a relief, getting up, walking and then realizing that I did it without disappointment, frustration and torturous pain.

Over two months, this time, I'm thoroughly determined to get this body into a condition that will refuse injury again and there after maintain it as such. My gauge will be how vigorous and well that I walk in the mountains NAKED, this spring and summer. How I stretch and move and dance the Jappa Yoga to keep the support system to allow the 5th lumbar to flex without making the pinch that sciatic nerve. Goals have been set. The sweat needs to be finished, the garden has been left soil unturned, love must be made without pain, life must be acted upon.

It is a lesson to endure sciatic pain. It helps to break bad habits and neglect. It's good for an an attitude of gratitude and blessings.
Jbee

[nuduke]

Sorry to hear your pain is such a constant companion, jbee.
My wife has arthritis in the lower back and similarly carries some pain round all the time with some days abated and others acutely painful.  Medics are of a uniform opinion...you got arthritis, put up with it, no cure.  I guess you've had plenty of professional medical advice so my remarks may be superfluous but sciatica is pain originating from nerve damage or inflammation.  I guess you have pressure on your lower spinal cord from something ...and it sounds as if you know that already

the support system to allow the 5th lumbar to flex without making the pinch that sciatic nerve

Glad to hear, however that a combination of therapies has a positive effect.  Sounds quite a time consuming and detailed regimen though.   My more minor back problems have, I believe, been much alleviated by yoga.  So that's my favourite at present for staving off the mechano-corporeal ravages of seniority!  Trouble is, I never seem to get into a routine of daily (or even every other daily) asanas.  Always something to distract, divert or defer the necessary quiet time to yoge.  Must make an effort!


May the powers of earth and stone, wood and water, air and light, body and soul, herb and home conspire to help and heal, soothe and salve, calm and comfort your affliction!


John

[eyesup]

That motivates me to try another 'no backup' hike. It changes the tenor of the hike to one of heightened awareness, for those of us that hardly ever try it.

Another good report.

Duane