Post-Migraine: A rejuvenating post from our desert days

I am finally emerging from my worst migraine and GI event in about a year. I got too confident in my body, and I pushed the limit on what I can eat. I learned my lesson the hard way.

I've spent far too long lying in bed with the covers over my head. Although I don't write about it too much, my spine is still a big issue. I have a 3 level surgical fusion in my lower back and a 4 level surgical fusion in my neck. Lying still for a long time leaves me in agony, with every back muscle in spasm plus pain radiating down my legs. So, now that I can eat and look at my computer again, my spine feels horrendous. I can't even stand up straight.

To get out of the "woe is me" mode, I thought that I remember a typical day from our idyllic time in the desert. Most mornings, there'd be a breeze and I loved capturing Shyla's "Flying Nun" look at the start of our ride together.

She'd get much happier as soon as we started running!

It was warm but not hot - perfect for playing!

After Shyla's run, I'd head out for a spin on my own through some pretty rugged terrain. I had tons of fun this year, riding my Specialized fattie, which is a bike with a very soft suspension (good for my spine) and 3" wide tires (great for traction). I love this bike!

Then, after a good ride, I'd head back to camp. You can see the LabMobile down in the basin.

After some relaxation and maybe a bike ride by the Runner (while I puppy-sat), we'd go for a sunset hike. We loved walking in the labyrinth of washes below the basin where our LabMobile sat. "Washes" are essentially dry and sandy river beds. When a big rain storm comes through, they can rapidly become deep rivers with fast moving water.

Then, we'd climb up to what we've dubbed "Shyla's Mesa" to watch the sunset and let the dogs run.

This year, unlike previous ones, R absolutely refused to be left out of the sunset photo shoots. If I didn't include him, he made his opinion known so loudly that it would echo off the cliff walls on either side of us!

I do have to admit that sunset light is best for chocolate fur (don't tell R!). I love how it glows!

After the sun was lower in the sky, I'd watch it turn the cliffs red.

And the labyrinth of small mesas and washes looked magical under the flowing clouds.

Finally, dusk would fall as we had dinner. Do you see the tiny moon in the top of the photo? That's the "Bear Moon", named in memory of a very special dog for whom I took this photo.

That was a rejuvenating post for me to write. It reminded me that I will feel strong again soon, and we have many more adventures planned for the coming months. I can't wait!