“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves” – Sir Edmund Hillary.

Things have been a little rough for my body lately and a week ago I received the results from my bone scan which confirmed a stress fracture in my right fibula (outer bone in lower leg).

Major disappointment. Minor shock.

The bone is healing well and with a soft brace, I am walking again. Sadly, I believe my running days are over – but let’s not go there just yet. Meds are prescribed for osteoporosis and another bone density screening is in the works.

When the doctor called me, I happened to be on a family camping trip in Algonquin Park. I was determined not to let this get me down so, after a morning canoe adventure, I convinced my son Rob to go on what I thought was a short 2km hike. At the trailhead, we soon realized that this was in fact an 8km hike with significant elevation!! We headed off thinking we would do what we could and turn around if needed.

As we are both a little competitive, turning around was never really an option…especially with the promise of a lookout at the halfway mark. Spectacular scenery, stunning waterfalls, and some difficult terrain made for an unforgettable trek, and the lookout did not disappoint.

Although we didn’t have the foresight to bring water or snacks or bug spray, I did remember to wear my ankle brace and good shoes! And despite the worry I had over this being too much for my ankle, I relished in the quality time spent with Rob in such an incredible forest.

We did it! And everything worked. It was the perfect day!