Autumn Light | S2:E6 - Seasons End

Last fall, I was in the throes of a rhuematoid arthritis (RA) flare-up, limiting me to walking only a painful steps from the van. I thought that was it. I thought that I'd never hike - much less backpack - again. The winter/spring became a search for mind and body wellness. By mid-spring, I had tuned into a treatment regimen that kept the RA in check. I could walk well again. But anxiety continued to rage! Panic attacks and depressive slumps continued. Through weekly - sometimes twice weekly - therapy and finding the correct medication, I found some semblance of a footing again.
I share all of this not because my struggles are unique but precisely because they are not. We all struggle. We all have are trials to overcome. It's never pretty. It's actually super messy. Sometimes it's two steps forwards and one back. Other times it feels like a complete regression. And it's never over. There is no arrival, there is only change. Now I'm writing in trite platitudes. Bah! I just want to wish you all grace and healing. These are two factors that I continue to focus on as one day turns to the next. Because ultimately a complete life is a string of moments that we survived, with inspired moments of thriving sprinkled in.
Thank you all for your support this fall! It has been such a delight to make these vlogs. I only intended on doing a couple of backpacking trips this fall, but was feeling so good in mind and body that the entire season became a backcountry one. A dream!
In this season's final episode, I head back to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to check out the first major snowfall of the fall. It was a true delight that resulted in a truly memorable night under the stars and an image that makes me smile.
I'll be taking a break from vlogging to focus on art shows for the next couple of months while letting the snow accumulate in the mountains. I'll be back at it in January, February and March with several winter trips.
Thanks again. I appreciate you. I wish you all grace and healing.