Back from hiking in the Smokys

[William]

Hi Folks, I just got back form a short (5 day) trip to Gatlinburg TN. The purpose of the trip was to do some more trails in the Great Smoky Mtns National Park. I go there every year to do some more of the 800+ miles of trails in the park. One day, I'll have them all highlighted on my map. I did some hard hikes (16 miles, 4500' gain on the first) and noticed some physical changes after my OHS. One, is I seem to get tired fasted and two, I don't recover from sleep/rest like I use to. I worn out fast. Anyone else seen this? Will

 

[Mary]

Hey Will!
I think you got back just in time. Weather forecasters are calling for snow in Gatlinburg today.
I can't answer your questions, but I am glad you enjoyed the hikes.

 

[tommy]

You're still within your first year. I'm guessing that your endurance will get better. Enjoy!

 

[hiker]

Hiking all the trails in the Smokeys

Hiking all the trails in the Smokeys

I hiked all 940 miles of trails in the Smokys. Had mitral valve rebuild in 95 and did 1500 miles to do all of the trails in the last 3 years. (Since I hiked many of the trails alone, I had to backtrack to double the distance.) My mitral valve was failing again. Just had OHS 4 weeks ago to again repair the mitral valve. I made certain accomodations to be able to do the 17 mile days for several days in a row. I lightened my pack. It now only weighs about 16 pounds--mostly food for a 3 night 2 1/2 day backpack trip. I don't know if you are interested in backpacking. If so, and want some info on ways to lighten your pack, please let me know. I also arranged shuttles so that I could do the hardest trails starting at the top and hiking down hill most of the way. I have had a difficult time after this last OHS and was on a ventilator for 10 days and many resulting complications. With it all, I was able to hike 7 miles a day on the treadmill and in the hospital hallways. These were flat miles. I haven't tried to do any great changes of elevation yet. I am a 63 year old woman with a passion for hiking. It was one of the reasons I was willing to go through another mitral valve repair.