You cannot see wilderness from a road. What you see from a road is something different- a scene, a panorama, a picture; but you do not feel anything. Edward Abbey

Hiking is one of our favorite things to do.  The reason we moved to Alaska was to enjoy its beauty to the utmost, and when we first moved here, we hiked every weekend, regardless of the weather.  Now, it is limited to once a month, mostly depending on how Sam is feeling.  He puts forth an incredible effort, though, no matter what, even though like today, a couple miles is about all Sam can handle.  Today we walked the "Bird to Gird" bike path from the Girdwood side.  It is amazing how many landslides are still blocking the trail. Hopefully they will be cleared in the next week or so as tourist season officially starts Tuesday.

Resting along the Bird to Gird trail.

This past week Sam ventured out a couple times on the bus, managing to walk a mile or so in various parts of Anchorage.  He really enjoys doing that and at the same time, people watching, always coming home with stories of some sort or another.  He even got recognized by a friend who we rarely see and that gave Sam a good laugh.

Wednesday Sam met with his oncologist, Max Rabinowitz, and did tell him about the issues with his legs and the nausea.  CT scans of his abdomen, pelvis, hips and lower back are scheduled in two weeks as well as an MRI.  Rather than try to guess at what is causing the pain and the cold feeling in his legs and feet, Sam and the doctor agreed to do the tests.  In the meantime, Sam sits with a heating pad under his legs to stay warm. From the beginning the doctors told us that there is a good chance at some point in time that the cancer in his back would cause paralysis.  He fought it successfully last summer and fall with radiation but his body cannot handle anymore, so if that is what the issue is this time, I just do not know what will be done, if anything.  It might be that we start preparing ourselves for the next phase.  No matter what, we will make the most of it. Sam and I have talked at length about when, not if, he will need to be in a wheelchair so that we will be somewhat prepared when it happens.  I do not think anyone can be fully prepared for that sort of life changing event, regardless of what a person says.

Saturday Sam wanted to rest, so I took the opportunity and got in a 40 mile bike ride since the Clean Air Bike Challenge is in two weeks.  The ride was spectacular except for that darn headwind on the way back and the two semis who came blasting by me blowing sand everywhere.  There is a bike path which runs from Wasilla to north of Willow, so thankfully I was on that, but sand and gravel were everywhere and some parts are quite close to the road.  Of course, that was were the semis went by me, too.  Oh well, gave me a taste of what the ride is going to be like!

Ciao!