July 16, 2019
The south rim trail hike a couple of days ago was quite discouraging. I thought I was in better shape. The hike became very difficult after 1/2 mile. There were very steep hills, both up and down, and the temperature was in the 80’s. But I never questioned whether I was up to the challenge. The hiking stick was useful and certainly increased my endurance as usual. Without it, it would not have been possible to complete the hike. We pressed on stopping for short breaks and water, and eventually made it back to the trail head. It was one of those times I was glad I inherited the Davidge grit.
I felt awful afterward. My feet hurt as badly as they ever had. Exhaustion and fatigue lasted for the rest of the day. I experienced shortness of breath when walking 10 feet.
We decided to skip going into the park the next day and hung out at the motor home. Still the fatigue and shortness of breath persisted though less intense. I was becoming concerned because it was taking too long to get back to normal. Day 3 we decided to go to a state park for a picnic and light activity. Still shortness of breath when walking short distances. We skipped the planned short hike.
On the way back to the camp sight Bill recounted someone he knew who had altitude sickness when in the mountains. Google confirmed his suspicion and what a relief!!!! No need to ponder going to urgent care. I was probably at the fitness level I thought I was, and not suddenly incapable of mild to moderate difficulty hikes.
Today we went back to Yellowstone, did a slow two mile hike, on mostly level ground stopped for water breaks often, and by the end of the hike I had no shortness of breath or fatigue. I am one happy camper!!!
So much more than travel 