What Once Was Lost Has Been Found

Many years ago our family of four traveled to the west coast to visit family members and spend a day at Disneyland. During our drive westward we stopped in Colorado for a hike up in the mountains. What we did not know at the time was that I am sensitive to altitude. Whether I acclimate or not, if I go too high (doesn’t take much) I feel the effects in a not so pleasant way.

On this trip we began our hike at around 8,800 feet. Partway up the hike Kristy and our daughter decided it would be best for them to not continue climbing while my son and I kept going. By the time he and I reached our camp for the night, both of us were quite ill. In fact, we heard a large animal or animals sniffing outside of our tent and didn’t even care. We were so miserable.

The next morning we began the descent to where Kristy was supposed to pick us up. By the time we reached the park ranger’s kiosk I had lost my motor skills. Soon I was down and vomiting while our son was feeling not quite as bad. The park ranger called 911 who responded with hydration for our son. I had IVs started in both arms and squeezed in, but it didn’t matter - I went unconscious. Kristy arrived about the same time the ambulance was there and was able to take our son with her. I was transported (unresponsive) by 4-wheel drive ambulance to the Estes Park Medical Center for treatment. It took some time, but eventually I was able to sit up and remain conscious, and then stand without blacking out, and then I was discharged.

That was plenty of information to share to explain this photo. After we returned to Iowa, I somehow misplaced this topographic map we used for our mountain hike. The number of times I have looked for this map have not been counted, but it was often. Last night, while digging through some field guide books, my long-lost map dropped out. Folks, it was as exciting as Christmas! My missing map was found and with it came a flood of memories. Kristy’s memories were considerably different from mine since she had the fear and stress of what Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) does to a person to deal with. Me…I was in “La La Land” and have many more positive memories of the hike.

We have been in the mountains several times since. Even after acclimating I have been stricken every time. Only this trip resulted in serious AMS, but for me the challenge of altitude is real.

Finding my map was such a surprise. I figured it was gone forever. This map will rejoin my collection of other topo maps from wilderness hikes and paddling adventures. Chances are, I won’t ever be using it for navigating again. I don’t think Kristy wants to return to the mountains - at least not with me. I tend to be a fun-ruiner at elevations.