Shared Memories

Last week I made a Facebook announcement for Cindy’s birthday, calling her my Expedition Woman. I am proud of Cindy, a woman who has hiked thousands of long distance miles, but that pales in comparison to the pride Cindy has in herself. An anecdote I frequently share with friends and family underscores this.

We were on a practice hike for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with our daughter Charissa. Cindy now was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and, though she could still hike, she needed to be assisted with everything else, including nature breaks. Unlike our previous hike of the American Discovery Trail, Cindy would not be getting better during our upcoming journey.

As we were setting up camp I made the mistake saying Charissa is the Expedition Woman now. The dirty look Cindy gave me made clear that SHE alone held that title. I never again made the mistake of calling anyone else an Expedition Woman in her presence.

After I posted the birthday wish to “my Expedition Woman” on Facebook I got to thinking about why her reputation was important to both of us? The answer lies in the experiences shared.

Experiences like hiking an unfinished trail for months, applying our map and compass skills frequently.

Experiences like camping on a snowfield above 10,000 feet in six below weather.

Experiences like hiking 25 miles in the desert with the temperature climbing as high as 130 degrees.

Experiences like many thirty plus mile days wearing 40-60 pound backpacks.

Experiences like going over two weeks in between supply stops.

Experiences like being sheltered from rainstorms, windstorms, dust storms and blizzards in our tent.

Experiences like crouching on our sleeping pad for insulation in the middle of an exposed desert as lightning strikes around us.

Experiences like the miles upon miles upon miles of conversations and games played as we distracted our minds from hiking over nondescript terrain.

Experiences like the miles upon miles upon miles of breathtaking beauty making music to our souls in harmony.

Experiences like the thrill of treacherous water crossings, hazardous snowfields and wet, rocky descents.

Experiences like the peace of forest streams, alpine lakes and brilliant sunsets.

Experiences like hiking 100 miles around one of the most beautiful mountains in the country with our three children. 

Experiences like pedicab rides and adult stroller jaunts of up to ten miles no matter what my Expedition Woman’s condition is, because that is what we both need.

As I recalled all these rich memories of shared experiences I realized the delight in calling Cindy my Expedition Woman was not about pride. I call her that as a reminder of our life together.

Happy 60th to my Expedition Woman!