Destroying my body!

[JudyJB]

After resting for such a nice week in West Yellowstone, I have been busy destroying my body. Yesterday I went on the cave tour here at Lewis and Clark Caverns state park in Montana. There is a half-mile uphill "walk" to the entrance from the visitor center. Guide said it would take 15 minutes, but they would allow 30. HA! I took the 2:20 pm tour and with all my huffing and puffing kept getting farther and farther behind. It was hot, no shade, and 6,500 feet altitude, plus I am just getting OLD! Finally I just found a shady bench near the top and just sat. They finally sent someone back to see where I was, but I told them I would wait for the 2:40 pm tour, which I could see in the distance had just started up.

Anyway, this is a one-mile walk through the caves with 600 steps up and down. It also has some very narrow and low spaces where you have to duck down, one place where you have to do a duck walk, and another where you have to slide down a slippery rock on your rear! Pretty cave, also, but in spite of being very short, I hit my head at least a dozen times. In fact, I have a big lump on my head still. And once while I was ducking to avoid hitting my head again, I whacked my shoulder really hard, so I have a huge bruise and sore spot there. By the time I got back to my site and settled, I could hardly walk or even move. Managed to eat something and took something for aches and pain, mostly from my back, which is always painful anyway, but was really bad. Knees stiff also. Collapsed into bed. Told my friend from home that I had just passed a cardiac stress test the hard way!

SO, of course, today I drove 50 miles into Bozeman to see the Museum of the Rockies and get some groceries. Spent only about 3 hours there, but am going back tomorrow, trying to get an earlier start. I did get my big grocery shopping done. Had not done serious shopping for almost three weeks so I am out of a lot of things and need to stock up for Glacier on Tuesday.

Finally got everything put away and am relaxing. I like this state park because it has only 40 spots that are well spread apart. Beautiful mountainous surroundings, too. I got an electric spot so I can have my TV and although not very good cell service, I am getting adequate data service for my internet access. Got some work to do tonight and tomorrow night, but I am going to try to get to bed earlier tonight so my body can repair its aches and pains!

[avalen]

so sorry Judy, hope you feel better tomorrow

[chalet05]

I haven't been there in years, but they must have changed that tour if you are that banged up!

[snowball]

oh my...makes that sound hard to do...not sure I could or even want too
been through Bozeman even spent the night with an old high school classmate but
haven't really done anything there...rest up so you can enjoy Glacier I've always wanted to
go there
sheila

[JudyJB]

Could be just my clumsiness! Wished I had worn a hat, at least.

[mitch5252]

..
Man, Judy - I'm sorry that tour was not a good one for you...
But your head conking - I couldn't help but smile at the visual you created in your description.
(not at all in a mean way...you just wrote it kinda funny.)

Hope you're feeling better today.

..

[IrishIroamed]

Could be just my clumsiness! Wished I had worn a hat, at least.

Wow - sorry for the aches & pains Judy. I'm surprised with safety regulations nowadays, they don't pass out hard hats at the start of the tour. Heal well & enjoy Glacier.

[JoanE]

Judy, you are a trouper! The bruises and aches will fade but your memories will not. My cousin lives in Bozeman. Hope to get there sometime but probably not till next year.

[Redetotry]

So, after all this abuse to your body, you didn't say if the experience was worth it!

[Travelinana]

Did they tell you ahead of time you would be in close places and some might have difficulty? Like others said you will heal but you'll remember the tour and be glad you did it...
Seems I remember shortly after you started your fulltiming you questioned your wisdom in doing this...you have certainly stayed active and seen so much while dealing with some frustrations along the way...I think you have officially passed the FT test....I am getting a little more comfortable with Lady Bird, been doing some local camping...I am thinking now I might try for the Fl GTG in Jan.
It's been fun following you...

[carold]

Sounds like u have earned a pin on your hat, Judy We enjoyed Bozeman and absolutely love Glacier. This is the first time we've been up this way and didn't stop. Flash flood warnings here in Zion, but we got a good hike here before the downpour. Looks like more on the way. Enjoying traveling with u even if I don't comment often.

[dayspring39]

Don't feel bad Judy... 38+ years ago we went to Carlsbad Caverns... at the younger age I twisted my knee walking down and it still catches to this day...
Thanks for letting us view your day
Kathleen

[JudyJB]

Yes, they did warn us.

And absolutely, it was worth it. It is really a unique cave. I do recommend it in spite of my lumps and bumps. Recommend hat so!!

Feeling much better today.

[Redwahine]

In spite of the physical challenges, glad it was worth it

[Sandersmr]

I would not have made it!