Anxiety is something that I’ve been trying to understand and deal with my entire life. It works behind the scenes, constantly telling me that I can’t do this or I shouldn’t do that, while other people do those exact things seemingly without much grief. I’ve always been so envious of people, like Eric, who aren’t impacted by these constant worries and fears. To be able to do something so freely, is something I’ve always dreamed of my entire life. There are so many opportunities and experiences I’ve missed out on because of debilitating fear.
And that almost happened yesterday.
After enjoying a nice lunch out with my mom and John, Eric and I set out to tackle our next hike on the famous Camelback Mountain. Naïvely, we had no idea just how “strenuous” this climb would be. Still riding yesterday’s hiking high at Pinnacle Peak, we were eager to tackle the next mountain. We set out on the Echo Canyon trail- the most difficult climb of all 4 trails on the Camelback. We didn’t know this at the time though!
A website describes it as the following: “Beyond the first ¼ mile the hike up Camelback becomes physically demanding and potentially hazardous. The slope is quite steep in spots (there are hand rails and chains to steady your ascent) and the hundreds of trampling shoes have produced a fine coating of slippery, pulverized rock. Many hikers are very fit and use the trail for fitness training.” (source)
Right from the get-go we knew this would be a whole other kind of hike, and at first, I was excited.
The start of the trail is a series of large stairs and rocky parts, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. Within minutes, we arrived at a steep part of the mountain and this is exactly when my anxiety started to kick into overdrive.
I had to climb this…without killing myself?
The pictures really don’t do this climb justice, by the way. I took one look at it and told Eric I was turning back. “I can’t do this, I’m scared”. I felt paralyzed, unable to move forward.
“You can do it Ange! We’ll go slow and you can hold onto the railings as much as you need to. Look at all the other people who are doing it just like you can.”
Looking around, he was right; I wanted to be one of those people overcoming this amazing challenge. I took a deep breath and said, “I’ll TRY,” but expecting to fail. I never considered myself to be afraid of heights, but that became apparent as soon as I got half way up this first steep climb.
I stood there in fear once again unable to proceed. My anxiety was so strong I felt a bit panicked as I thought about how the hell I was going to get down. Eric gave me another pep talk.
“Do you want to let your anxiety win again and miss out on this experience? Imagine how proud you will feel when you overcome it.”
He was right.
I was sick and tired of letting my anxiety win. If I turned back, I was accepting defeat to my fears like I have done so many times in the past. I knew physically I was in good enough shape to climb the mountain, but it was my mind that I had to train. In the end, I decided to give my anxiety a big f-you, imagining myself sticking my middle finger up at the anxiety. As silly as it sounds, it was just the visualization I needed to set myself back on track and proceed forward.
If you would’ve told me I’d be hiking in a desert mountain and not worrying about rattlesnakes, I would have said you are crazy, but that was the last thing on my mind yesterday!
As we climbed and climbed, I felt more and more fear about how I was going to get down. I pictured myself getting stuck at the top and having to be rescued out. I told Eric this and we talked about how my anxiety leads me to think too much in the future, constantly worrying about things that probably will never happen.
“How about we take this climb one step at a time?” He asked.
Not only did I think that was a great idea, but I realized that this climb was a metaphor for life. I always worry about the future and I dream up bad outcomes that are “likely” to happen, so instead, I don’t bother doing them many times. This was exactly what I was doing on this mountain: self-defeating by thinking too far into the future.
“That’s a great idea.” I finally admitted. And that’s exactly what I tried to do for the rest of the hike. One step at a time. I wouldn’t think about the heights, falling, getting stuck, or slipping on a big rock and hitting my head. I would just think about which step I had to take next.
We climbed higher and higher and an hour passed. My confidence was growing, but the fear about getting down still lingered in my mind.
We finally reached the top after about an hour and 15 minutes (I’m not really sure as my Garmin lost reception!), and we were blown away by the 360 views.
“You wanted to quit”, Eric reminded me.
I was so glad that I didn’t.
We grabbed our bag and took out the energy balls that I made before leaving. I suspected we’d need some energy on this hike, but I never knew how much!
While standing at the summit and feeling proud, I decided to call them “Reach Your Peak” energy balls. It just seemed so fitting.
We bit into these crispy and chewy balls and suddenly everything seemed right in the world. Our energy lifted and I felt ready to tackle the long, steep descent.
“We better get going. Sundown isn’t far off.”, I worried looking at Eric’s watch reading 4:15pm.
The descent turned out to be fine and we just took it slow. The hardest part I had was not slipping on the rocks with my runners (proper hiking sneakers are highly encouraged!!), but we just took it easy. I was jealous of Eric’s long legs, able to reach the ground without having to stretch and slink downward on a big rock.
We finally reached the bottom of the mountain after about 2.5 hours, with legs like Jell-O and a pride for overcoming such an amazing challenge. This climb taught me so much and I felt myself feeling emotional by the end. I walked away feeling more proud than I felt after my half-marathon races.
I also realized after this hike just how much Eric enjoyed this type of activity. I’d never seen him so eager and excited about any type of “exercise” like this! And I use the term exercise loosely here, because while it’s a KILLER workout, that doesn’t seem to be the main point. It’s much more than that.
Eric kept saying how much he loved it, and I’ll admit, his confidence and enthusiasm was infectious.
I think we are hooked.
Here’s a short video I put together about our experience. Please excuse how tired I am in the video!!! Also, there is a really shaky part in the video that Eric taped, so if you get nauseous easily I would take caution when watching.
Now that I’ve overcome such a strong fear, I find myself asking: What else can I do?
Have you ever overcome a strong fear?
OMG Ange I’m SO SO proud of you!! What an unbelievable experience, both physically and emotionally for you. Congrats on conquering your fear, and just think about how much you can do now that you’ve completed such a challenging climb. I get really scared on steep descents so I would have been coming down the peak just like you were in that one photo! Great video too by the way. :) Enjoy the rest of your trip!!
I admit, when I first read your inspirational posts, I always feel like they are cheesy… until I start really thinking about them and how I have had similar experiences. I think it odd that there is so much pressure to not discuss struggling to be happy and calm, because most people do.
I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for most of my life (Much like yours, not so serious I was starving myself, but enough that I was obsessed with my weight and eating habits). Back in college we had an amazing personal training program in which all students could have free personal training if they wanted it. Even though I was a dancer growing up, and certainly had my fair share of PE classes (blech), I had no idea how to exercise in a gym or on my own! For two years I had a personal trainer and began appreciating my physical accomplishments and gaining muscle definition. It’s been four years since I started going to the gym, doing yoga, and pilates classes. Now, when I look in the mirror I admire myself instead of criticizing my body. Overcoming this fear has made me so much happier and stronger! Last weekend, I tried Bikram Yoga for the first time and made it through the entire 90 minutes. I was so proud of my body, I bought it a new, bright pink work out tank top : )
I have never really overcome a fear like this. I always let the fear get the better of me and just don’t try. This is so inspirational! We are going to Mexico in 42 days! I have a great fear of water and heights (pretty much everything to be honest) but if you can do it so can I….. I am going to pick a couple activities that scare me and try them on our trip in March!!!! I’ll let you know how it goes (this will keep me accountable). Thanks!
Wow, what an accomplishment! Your portrayal of challenge and accomplishment in this story makes me want to book a trip right now to Pheonix! There is nothing like that high from hiking. This type of hike reminds me of the challenges we faced while hiking in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps–and we also often wound up on trails which were much more challenging and dangerous than anticipated! Those Europeans consider our “medium” hike an easy one, and their medium hike was super hard! I remember my legs literally shaking at points, because the trail was so narrow at parts, leaving nothing but a steep mountain wall on one side, and a sheer cliff on the other! The views from the top were all worth it though!
Jen
Anxiety is a b%tch. Glad you put her in her place. There is no room for anxiety in our lives. She likes to fill in the blanks. Good for you for giving her a sharp kick in the pants. This life is too wonderful to allow her to have the control. :)
I love this post. I really do. I am so happy for you that you accomplished that major climb, and it truly is a great metaphor for life. ;) You rock!
Congratulations!! You did it. I know how paralyzing fear and worry can be, and always wonder how other people can get through certain obstacles in life without even seeming to blink an eye. When we overcome these fears, it feels SO good, though, and I’m constantly working on the process of breaking down fear into more managable ideas and tasks.
WOW what an experience you should be so proud of yourself!
The pictures are beautiful, Arizona is a place I have always wanted to go..
Enjoy the rest of your time there :)
I loved reading your story – thanks for sharing!
And isn’t this feeling just overwhelming when you completed something you thought you couldn’t?
Congratulations, Angie!
Oh, and I desperately want to look like that when I’m tired, lol.
You really, really glow. :)
You are so adorable, Ange….your beaming enthusiasm and self-pride are so evident in that video! You deserve to be proud for working through your anxiety… your “one step at a time” philosphy is so applicable to many challenges in life – starting massive projects, changing habits, health obstacles, etc. As always, I admire how generous you are in sharing with your readers your personal issues,alwasy with the goal of teaching and inspiring.
How is it that you’re able to go hiking all day and still look gorgeous in your video. I’d look like a sweaty mess. Oh well, I guess we all can’t be beautiful. Speaking of beautiful, those pictures you took are awesome. What a great view and what a great workout! I’m glad you had such a good time. Seems like a great trip so far!
This was so touching. I am proud of you for making the climb! And you are so lucky to have Eric and his support and encouragement! I love those out-of-the-ordinary* moments that remind us why we love our partner!
*like on vacation, not as if real-life can’t have those sexy moments too :)
Wow, Angela! Way to go! Having done this hike multiple times myself, I know what a beast it is!! That first ascent is pretty scary, even when you know it’s coming! Congrats on conquering your anxiety, that’s awesome! And the view is definitely worth it! :)
What a powerful post. I am so pleased for you. Anxiety can be absolutely crippling, and you did so well to overcome it. I can relate, as I often talk myself out of doing stuff just because I overthink it and imagine some awful outcome. Also, you look stunning in the video. Just sayin’. :)
This is amazzzzzing!! And you were actually able to capture how steep it is in a photograph- I can never do that! That hike is definitely something my husband and I would love to do.
We hiked the Grouse Grind in Vancouver during our honeymoon. Have you ever done it? I was very proud of us- we didn’t stop once and finished in under an hour. That was the most intense hike I’ve ever done in my life (it gains 2800 feet in 1.8 miles!!).
Such a wonderful accomplishment, and you were rewarded with that beautiful view! Awesome pictures!
Cool hike!! I have the same problem with anxiety and thinking too far ahead. I always envision what would be the worst possible outcome in any given situation, and once I have that vivid image stuck in my head, it’s pretty damn hard to follow through.
That said, challenging myself in the mountains gives me more confidence than anything else in the world!
Hey Angela!
Great pictures! I was in Italy last summer and we hiked Cinque Terre which is 5 cities built into a cliff/mountain. The trail looked very similar to that steep up hill part you showed! Except straight up, then down over and over, things were crumbly and since it was Italy.. it was old school.. no railings, just about a foot wide path with a cliff dropping to the sea Right next to you. OMG. it was crazy but amazing and SOOOOO beautiful. Takes about 4/5 hours to do the whole thing.. and during scary times (lots of them!) my boyfriend just kept telling me “watch every step, one step at a time” and that’s just how I did it. I would Love to do more hiking now too it was so fun! Not so many mountain trails in Ontario though! Guess it means more travel :) Love your stories!
PS we were wearing sandals… UMMM oooops! LOL
I was in Phoenix a few months ago to visit a friend and we climbed Camelback too! I was really surprised by how steep it was, especially the first part with the super steep incline and rail. I was so out of breathe the whole time! I’m so glad you were able to finish the climb, congrats!! I never really thought about it, but you are right, hiking/climbing definitely provides a great metaphor for life :)
I totally and completely understand your fear. The first thing that popped into my mind when you said you climbed that hill was, “man, i would die if I had to climb down that thing!” I have had many, many, many issues with fear and something I try to combat daily. I know how crippling it can be. Just two days ago my sister said to me that I have a lot of fear in me. I wonder why that develops in the first place?! Well, I am super proud of you. You accomplished this amazing goal and the pictures and memories you have are all worth it.
Since the first time I fainted when I was nine I’ve been very prone to panic attacks. Once at school it got really bad to the point I felt I was going to die and had to rush to the nurse’s office only to not be able to explain what I felt. I kind of dreaded going to school after that. I’ve overcome it somewhat but when I still go to swimming competitions I become extremely anxious to the point I start experiencig tunnel vision when I’m swimming. It feels like i’m watching myself swim and all I can think is don’t die, don’t die, just finish and then you’ll be fine. I’m glad that you overcame your anxiety today, its defintely a step in the right direction.
P.S. You must share your recipe for Reach Your Peak Energy balls soon!!!!!
I have social anxiety and it’s reallly hard for me to feel okay when I’m stuck in small talk with one or more people I don’t know well. I wish I had someone who could help me calm down, but I think it’d probably look really weird if my husband walked up and said “it’s okay, you’ll be fine.” lol
But I have been able to deal with my fear of heights by slow breathing and trying to think of whatever it is that I want to see. I can make it up somewhere if I know the view will be worth it, but it’s a little hard each time.
way to go!! i’m from AZ, so i’ve climbed camelback a few times and can definitely attest to it being a tough one. that feeling once you’re all finished and conquered something you didn’t know if you could feels SO GOOD!
Congrats on completing such an amazing hike!! I can only imagine the anxiety you were going through about suriving it. I get nervous and anxious and think about all the possibile negativites of the futre that I work myself into a crying mess. Luckily, my hubby Eric also speaks as the voice of calm reason and helps me get through it.
If you ever make it back out to CA, come see Yosemite and hike there. The Upper Yosemite Falls trail is intense, but after looking at what you accomplished, you’d breeze right through it. I did a small recap on my own experience on the trail: http://mexigarian.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/there-and-back-again/
My sisters and I are planning more trail hikes in the park for later this year :)
And I want those balls.
Way 2 Go!!!! That was awesome and I would have felt exactly the way you did. What a great coach and partner you have.
I too suffer from anxiety and I was SO PROUD of you after reading this! A lot of people don’t understand just how debilitating it is and for you to conquer the hike, you must have felt amazing. It’s weird but after I push past my anxiety I get a sort of adrenaline rush…just me? Congrats!
I absolutely LOVED this post!! I suffer from terrible anxiety myself (to the point of requiring medication to stop the panic attacks) and I completely understood when you said about it being debilitating as I, too, have missed out on many things in my life because of the fear. Thank you soo much for always putting youself out there for us to see… It allows me to know that I am not the only one suffering from this crippling disorder. I have been following your blog now (everyday!) for over a year and you have helped me make many lifestyle changes! Thanks!
I’m so proud of you! That hike looks incredible. I would love to try that although I’m sure it would be some sort of battle, either physically or mentally. The harder things are the greater the reward…hopefully! :)
Hey Angela,
You did an awesome job overcoming your anxiety to reach a worthwhile goal! While hiking, I often get scared easily and I also envy people who seemingly have no fear. But I’m always glad after I push through it and I could tell in your video how happy you were too!
To answer your question, I used to want to learn to rock climb – I thought about it for years and years but I was scared that I’d have an accident and fall and end up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life or something. I did finally overcome that fear and got into rockclimbing, only to find that it’s actually a reasonably safe sport. I had a lot of great times rock climbing, went to some beautiful places and met amazing people.
I hope you continue to hike because it’s a lot of fun! And when you do you’ll have to visit BC, because we have the best hikes around :)
Cheers,
Docia
Thats so great to know, thank you!
Great post! I watched the video on YouTube and was surprised… I always thought you would have a British accent for some reason?! Congrats on conquering your fears!
I hiked Camelback with my fiance (now husband) right after we got engaged in 2008, and I was blown away by how hard it was. Rounding the corner and seeing that ascent with the handrail was when I knew it was going to be a completely different experience than I had imagined. We made it to the top though! We were also really humbled by all the people trail-running to the top and passing us. We felt like it was hard enough to just hike! Congratulations on making it to the top yourself. What an inspirational post.
This post and experience are simply fantastic.
It is AMAZING what kind of stuff bubbles up to the surface when out in nature. I was hiking the Flatirons (in Boulder, Colorado) last winter and had this crazy career epiphany that really had nothing to do with the act of hiking, but hiking up steep mountainsides in the snow was what caused it.
My husband and I are planning on hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim this Fall and I hope I get to have half the experience you had on this hike. :)
So awesome! I didn’t even make it to the top my first few times hiking Camelback, but once you get your mind right, it’s seriously the best hike. & you’re SO right about it being a metaphor for life. Fantastic!
Camelback Mountain brings up many memories for me – not physical like you faced – but emotional. . . I am proud of you for taking on step at a time – after all isn’t that what we need to do physically, mentally, emotionally to get through the tough times? Thanks for the post!
I climbed Camelback a few years ago!
It was actually a huge feat for me too:
I have suffered from Agoraphobia & Panic Disorder since age 12. Panic attacks struck usually when leaving home or my parents – at times I had to literally have them in sight in order to stay calm. In college, I was invited on a leadership retreat in AZ (I went to school in Ohio). Though my symptoms has lessened over the years, flying alone was still a huge trigger. But, I persevered and went anyway… and even made new friends (that took me on that gorgeous hike!). It was a huge victory for me. I totally understand where you’re coming from ( I realize that I still mold my life around a schedule that reduces stress and anxiety), and am so happy to hear about your success.
Thank you for the encouragement and advice!
This post gave me goosebumps and I am so happy for you!
I have hiked Camelback Mountain and it’s no joke…great job for hiking it and for overcoming your anxiety, fears, and for just DOING IT. For not letting those things stand in the way of you living your life to the fullest (and highest!)
Glad you two are having an awesome time. The weather’s a little better in AZ than in Canada this time of year, eh? :)
Ahh, anxiety. I’ve struggled with it too and you hit the nail on the head when you said a part of it is worrying about possible (and unlikely) future scenarios. “What if this happens, and that happens, and that, and then I die?” Or something. But it’s all complete and utter fiction, isn’t it? Congrats on tackling Camelback, and showing your fear what’s what. :)
Hi Angela,
Good for you for overcoming your anxiety/panic attacks and telling them to take a backseat while you enjoy and live your life!! I am so glad you had an amazing hike and I hope you have many many more adventures like that!
Hiking and camping are a big part of my and my boyfriend’s lives and two years ago, out of nowhere, on a new years night camping trip I had my first panic attack which lasted all night and into the next day. From there the anxiety and panic attacks become an almost every day thing, preventing me from doing the things I loved. What terrified me the most was the feeling that I was losing my mind. Where was this irrational fear coming from and why was I suddenly terrified of doing the things that only months before I had loved so much? At it’s worst it was so bad that I spent both an entire baseball game and an entire concert vomiting in the bathroom. I tried seeking help through the typical route of medications but that only made the panic attacks worse and wreaked havoc on both my mind and body. I decided to go the natural route and over the past two years (with lots of yoga, chamomile tea, lavender, and breathing exercises) I have been able to quell the anxiety and panic and am finally almost back to normal!
The turning moment was when I realized one evening that what I was actually afraid of was the fear itself. I was afraid of being afraid and that struck me as being both ridiculous and wonderfully instinctual at the same time. It actually made me feel sorry for my mind that was so confused and, instead of being the enemy, poised to fill me with fear at any moment, my anxious mind became a separate part of me, one that needed to be understood and treated with care.
I still get worried that a stressful situation will send me running for the nearest toilet but with some breathing and reminding myself I’m not in danger the anxiety quiets and I am able to enjoy myself again, although in a more quiet and thoughtful manner than before. The irony is that after the fear, what I am left with is a mind that is more open to my own needs, more compassionate to others, and I am left with a desire to help the people around me overcome the things that prevent them from being happy.
…and I also love cooking your amazing recipes!! (The oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were a favorite this last fall). Thank you!!!
Keep hiking and loving life!!! <3 Modie
Hey Modie, Thanks for your comment! I’m so happy to hear that you have been successful with the natural route. I too tried anxiety meds in university and I felt horrible on them. I loved what you said about being afraid of the fear itself…I can so relate to that. The feeling is so uncomfortable, it’s easy to want to try to do anything to not be scared. We can’t wait to hike more…thanks for your enthusiasm!
Oh my god, Angela! That mountain is huge! So proud of you for overcoming your anxiety with climbing it, and what an inspiration. I really enjoyed your writing style for this post, I felt so involved I think it’s because you wrote it in such a personal manner. I feel happy for you as if I were one of your friends in real life (God hope that doesn’t sound creepy haha). You and Eric look so happy at the end, HIKE MORE! Seriously, you guys look glowing. Going to watch your video now.
Much love, from England.
http://hannahalehandra.blogspot.com/
Thanks Hannah!
Oops sorry, didn’t mean for my link to appear on the last post!
Oh my god, Angela! That mountain is huge! So proud of you for overcoming your anxiety with climbing it, and what an inspiration. I really enjoyed your writing style for this post, I felt so involved I think it’s because you wrote it in such a personal manner. I feel happy for you as if I were one of your friends in real life (God hope that doesn’t sound creepy haha). You and Eric look so happy at the end, HIKE MORE! Seriously, you guys look glowing. Going to watch your video now.
Much love, from England.
Aw Ange just watched the video and felt compelled to write again! Don’t know how often you are reminded of this but my my you are BEAUTIFUL. You really really do glow. Go girl :)
Great story and the views are amazing. Also…I think it’s so fabulous that you were wearing big, pretty earrings while hiking!!! You rock! ;)
I’m from Az and I have hiked on Camelback and Pinnacle Peak and all these pictures are making me so homesick!
Congratulations on overcoming your fear!
I’m so glad you were able to enjoy Camelback! My dog and I hike Echo Canyon every weekend. Hope that you were able to enjoy some great vegan food at True Foods. As a vegan who follows your blog and cooks your recipes at least once or twice a week, I have a feeling that this is the type of clean great food you would love.
Hi Angie,
thanks for the post! It is really lovely and encouraging, particularly the part of your overcoming your anxiety and fear which actually reminded me of a story that my therapist told me some years ago. In 2006-7, I suffered from depression for some time and talked it through with my therapist and with the help of some anti-depression pills. Once she told me a story which reminded her of my mind chattering and anxiety issues. Here it goes!
There was a woodcutter living in a nice forest with his beautiful wife. As part of his work routine, he went on a couple of days trips and often came back with some hunted animals for food. He also liked stuffed animals and exhibiting them on the wall of their living room. One day, he attended his usual business in the forest and came back home finding his lovely wifey crying out load with big sore red eyes in front of the wall and staring at the stuffed animals. He rushed to her, asking:
“Honey, are you all right? Have you been hurt? What is wrong?”
She sobbed:
“I was..I was sitting here after finishing up my daily house work and waiting for you.”
“Yes?”
“Then I thought what if a bear, one of those stuffed bear’s wife or husband, found the traces of your footsteps all the way in the forest and ended up here. What if the bear entered the house while I was ironing your shirts, attacked and killed me? What if you came back and found me laying dead on the floor? What if..?”
My therapist cut the story here and told me exactly how I acted like the woodcutter’s wife and worried about things even before they started to happen. She advised me to live “now” not in the future although it may take a lot of practice to stop acting like that, which I was pretty much used for many years. I cannot say that I am all over it yet, however this story comes to my mind whenever I feel like in the shoes of the woodcutter’s wife, and right that moment I tell myself to take a deep breath and leave the negative thoughts aside, especially those which will probably never happen in the future. Trying to be realistic and focusing on potential results of my actions often help me a lot. At the end of the day, life is short; why to shorten it with negative feelings and people instead of enrichening it by going out and trying something new, no?
Hope this helps! Keep your chin up :)
You can see my house in your pics :). I’m glad you enjoyed Phoenix! Camelback is one of my favorite hikes–you should try Squaw Peak if you get some more free time.
really? So cool!!!
So, one of my fears is commenting on blogs of people I don’t personally know! I just love your blog- and you should know that I’m a total fan of you and your recipes! I’m actually from Phoenix (I now live in Oregon), and it’s been so fun seeing all the places you have been visiting that I grew up around. Piestewa Peak is also a great and fast hike, and close by to Camelback. You are such an inspiration, and perhaps the next time I visit, I’ll finally conquer Camelback too!
Thanks for your comment Andrea! I also have a fear of commenting on blogs, haha. Thought I was the only one! Thanks for the tip about Piestewa Peak. :)
I’m going to go completely off-topic here and back to FOOD :-) I just made your graham crackers, after wanting to and not feeling like I had time for a month, and then I toasted my first Dandies marshmallows in front of my woodstove :-D and had the best s’more OF MY LIFE! AWESOME! I knew I needed to make a double batch, but I was almost out of molasses. After the next trip to the store I’m baking a better (longer-lasting) supply …
And then after spoiling my dinner :-)P, I reheated some pasta with your avocado sauce. You might be interested to know that I had to keep some leftovers, although you advised against it, and it actually reheated just fine. (I tossed the sauce with the pasta when it was fresh as advised, and just reheated it all together for 40 seconds in the microwave.) I thought it might dry out or the avocado would turn disgustingly brown while in the fridge, but no! Not the same pretty green, but not bad, and just as creamy as the first time!
Wow good for you getting to the top!! What an incredible physical and mental accomplishment!
Thank you so much for being so open sharing so much of your mentality throughout the hike! Mental health is one of those shied away from topics but I think that it’s so important to talk about! So, I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate this post as well as others in which you’ve discussed your anxiety.
Also, I just want to comment on what an incredible husband you’ve got :) Sounds like he was so supportive!!
what a thoughtful posts with such gorgeous pictures. Proud of you!
-Sarah