I have been very fortunate to have been as healthy as I have for most of my life. Until I was 50 years old, I had not spent a day in the hospital for anything. I was an active distance runner, having completed 12 Marathons and climbed many of the Washington State peaks. Starting in the spring of 2008, I noticed that I was winded very easily doing simple tasks like mowing the lawn and climbing a flight of stairs. I was convinced that I was just laying of the couch too much. Upon several visits to the local Doctors in Wenatchee, they checked out my heart, lungs and ability to sleep property, and stomach for acid reflux. Over time the reports continued to come back that all seemed fine.
By the end of the summer of 2008, I was not getting any better. My son-in-law, Michael Jones convinced me to take him up to Camp Muir (10,000 foot elevation on Mt. Rainier). I am glad that he did. To get ready, I pushed myself with some hill climbing and rigorous walking around the community. While we were hiking with only day packs, we did complete the trek and had a great time together (photo above shows me at Camp Muir). I use this experience to mark how rapidly my health digressed after this day as now more than seven months latter, I can not climb a single flight of stairs without being completely exhausted.
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