From wheelchair to backpacking 120 kilometres in 6 days
I am 68 years old and had a cerebellum stroke 2 years ago that affected my balance (I used a wheel chair for about 3 weeks and then a stick for the next six months. I had to learn how to cross the road again and walk up and down 4 steps at home because I felt I would fall over. ) I had cognitive overload ( couldn’t go to a shopping centre for about 9 months) and also lacked emotional control. I also had cognitive fatigue with some memory issues.
For the last 18 months I have exercised daily for about an hour, to improve my balance and strength
Ten days ago I hiked on the Cape to Cape track in WA with my 30 year old son. My wife organised the logistics. For the first 3 days she picked us up at the end of the days walk and next morning drove us to where we had completed the previous days walk. This way we could stay in a cabin at a caravan park, our packs were light, we had comfy beds to sleep in and cooking facilities.
My wife had to drive back to Perth after 3 days so then our packs became heavier with hiking tents, sleeping bag, small air mattress, food and clothing. But we were lucky to get accommodation in camping ground cabins along the way and only slept in our tents for one night.
Although it was hard for me at times, I managed to complete the walk.
After my stroke I thought about selling my hiking gear but now feel I may be able to go on other hikes.
The last 2 years has been a hard journey of learning to do things again and I am indebted to my wife and family for their support.
