Another day in the Allipalooza Diaries

Bryce Canyon.

I am sitting at Sunset point while I write this. I can't think of a better inspiration for a post than this spot. It is breathtakingly beautiful here and that is not the altitude talking. (or at least only a little)

I woke up early and broke camp. I was happy I was in the van last night instead of a tent. It got a bit windy. Driving through Zion was awesome. Especially in the morning light. I was not prepared for the switchbacks or the tunnel that was built in the 1930's. Good workmanship without the tools we have today.

I arrived in Bryce Canyon National Park a little after 9am. It was pretty chilly and I was surprised at the snow on the ground. I took a quick nap and then decided to drive around. At first I was disappointed after the bold views of Zion. All I could see from the road was trees. After watching a video at the visitor center I realized that unlike Zion where the views are there at every look, in Bryce you have to go searching for them.

As I drove around the park I started getting a look at the views from pull offs along the road. I decided to go all the way to the last lookout and promised myself to stop at every turn off on the way back. My patience was well rewarded. Walking the short trails to places like Paria, Bryce and Inspiration Points I was able to see the real beauty of Bryce Canyon. Looking across the canyon in what is called The Amphitheater I was able to gaze upon the red sandstone walls, the incredible Hoodoos and the beauty of the natural carved stone. I took a ton a pictures during my 3 hour drive and walks around the park. Only a few are on my phone so you will have to wait until I get home to see the rest.

During the last few days while on this solo trek I have learned a lot about myself and have come to many realizations about my journey the last few years and the events that have brought me to this point. I will try to write about some of these tonight. One thing I have learned is it is hard to not contemplate life when you are surrounded by naturals miracles.

Enough for now. Many thanks to all of those new friends I met this weekend at OMG that are following my travels and providing support. I could not do this without you cheering me on.

Peace, love, hope!

Alli

Zion National Park

Yesterday I left the hubbub of Las Vegas for the quiet pace of Zion National Park. It was a much longer drive than expected due to construction leading to a traffic jam. It took 90 minutes to get out of Vegas but I had music and I was officially on vacation so in the big picture not a big deal.

I arrived at Zion after 6pm. Thankfully I was able to reserve a campsite for last night. Once at the campsite I discovered I had an electric hookup which was helpful to have the portable heater running last night. It was in the low thirties last night Once settled I wrote in my journal and watched the sunset over The Watchman.

I'm not sure I have the words to describe the beauty. It got cold quickly after sunset and I called it an early night.

This morning I watched the sunrise, packed up and drove to the other campground which was first come first served. My original plan was to only spend one night in Zion and move on to Bryce for one night and then spend two nights in Capitol Reef. I realized that it was a tight schedule and I would rather explore Zion and Bryce and will skip Capitol Reef this time so but I did not have a reserved campsite for tonight. Today is beautiful, sunny and warm. I am hoping it will not be as cold as last night since I do not have any power.

Once I got my bearings I took the shuttle through the park and walked the riverside trail. I wanted a short warmup trail for today and it was about a 2 mile walk. Walking along the river gave me a sense of peace even with all the people around

It is a bit daunting camping and hiking by yourself. I realized in the past I always let others decide the hiking routes and pretty much let them lead the way. It is kind of nice making all the decisions. I like being the leader in my life these days.

As I sit here in the canyon I realize that this is the ultimate vacation. Hard to believe that Allipalooza is actually happening. A nap is on tap for the afternoon and then a trip into the little town of Springdale for some exploring and maybe some grub. Onto Bryce Canyon National Park tomorrow. I will be turning off the phone to conserve power and to bask in the beauty of the park. Til tomorrow night

Peace, love, and hope.

All

Technology Withdrawal

I didn't get a smart phone until October when the new iPhone came out. I had a texting phone before, but did not have a data plan. It is hard to believe I have become so dependent to being online all the time. It was weird turning my phone off today and not checking emails when I stopped to get ice cream or was waiting for the shuttle bus. I think that may need to be a goal while on this trip is to not depend on it so much. The ironic thing is I am using my phone to write this post. Except for a few quick hellos, a short conversation with the park ranger at the visitor's desk and asking the shuttle bus driver for directions to the Post Office, my only real communication has been through my blog and Facebook. It will take some time to get used to the silent days and only myself to have a conversation with. Yes, I've started talking to myself.

I'm going to hit the sack and make it an early night. I want to get up early and drive to Bryce to try and get a campsite in the park.

Peace, love and hope

Alli

P.S. Bought the best t-shirt today. Will post a picture tomorrow.

OMG!

It's Monday morning and the 2012! OMG Cancer Summit for Young Adults is over. After months of planning more the 500 survivors, caregivers and advocates attended what was the best conference in cancer land.

I think there was a good balance between the social activities and the educational sessions and first time attendees had the opportunity to meet someone who has walked in their shoes. I had the wonderful and somewhat daunting task of kicking off the summit on Saturday morning by sharing my story. It was empowering to stand before people who get it and although I was so nervous my legs was shaking from it went really well.

I also participated in two sessions including one on chronic cancer and the possibility of death. While a very difficult and topic it was well received and important to share that part of my journey.

I met so many new friends that I hope to keep in touch with. I talked about my upcoming trip and handed out hundreds of Allipalooza stickers. I can't tell you how loved I felt when I walked around and saw people wearing the stickers in support.

I hope all the attendees had as good of time as I did.

In a few hours I check out of the hotel and go to pick up the conversion/camper van for a nine day trip across the southwest. I am extremely excited and will try to post every evening. You can also find short updates and pictures on twitter. You do not need a twitter account to follow my adventures. It is www.twitter.com/THEallipalooza or @THEallipalooza.

Allipalooza-Southwest Has Begun!!

As I write this I am sitting on a plane flying across the country. Allipalooza-Southwest has officially begun.  I begin my trip by spending 5 days in Las Vegas for the 5th Annual OMG 2012! Cancer Summit. 

On Monday I am renting a campervan and driving around the Southwest including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase / Escalante National Monument, Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona. 

I am very excited. I've been planning this leg of Allipalooza for months.  Not only do I get to spend the weekend with 500+ young adult cancer survivors, caregivers, and advocate, but I get to spend 10 days exploring the desert. 

A few minutes ago we flew over the Grand Canyon.  Such a beautiful sight from the sky. Hard to believe I will be there in person in just a week.  I am truly lucky to have this opportunity to make a dream come true and travel the country. 

I will try and update this blog and post pictures on twitter throughout my travels.  www.twitter.com/THEallipalooza.  (You do not need a twitter account to view my updates and pictures on twitter) 

The pilot has just called for us to turn off all electrical devices so I must go.  I will post this as soon as I can get connected. 

Goodbye for now, 

Alli 

Shamrock 5K

Things have been quiet on the Allipalooza blog, but I can assure that life has been anything but.    I came home from Colorado on March 8^th and three days later completed my next Allipalooza activity – a 5k as my Team FD challenge.

I was very worried about the 5K.   I was only 8 weeks out of knee surgery and still in need of another surgery on my other knee.   I had been walking in Colorado and I figured that if I can train at high elevation walking at sea level would be easier, but I was still nervous.

Wearing my Team FD gear and my hat from camp.

The day after I got home I picked up my race packet and I was super psyched.   I have been planning on walking a 5K since I got home from camp and it was finally happening.

At the finish line with Aimee

My friend Aimee wore my race jersey and walked with me. She was a great companion and I could not have done this without her support. I dedicated the 5K to my fellow FD camper Sage who passed away in November, my father and in celebration of where my experience at First Descents has brought me. 

Below is an update I wrote for my fundraising page after the walk.

UPDATE:  On March 11, 2012 I finally completed my 5K with a great time of just over 1 hour.  It was a better time that I could have dreamed of.   I find it no coincidence that it comes exactly 8 months from my first day on the water at First Descents.   That day was life changing for me, just like today.   In Montana I had to overcome my fears, today I overcame my body.   A lot has happened since that first day at camp.  I have reclaimed my life, but it has been a roller coaster.   For every milestone of achievement there has been a challenge, but that is what life is all about.  
I was not sure I was going to be able to complete my 5K, but that is not what Team FD is for, it is about taking a risk and challenging yourself.  If you would like to support First Descents and the wonderful work they do, please make a donation at http://teamfd.firstdescents.org/2011/fd/Lolli/Alli/ and help another young adult have a great experience at camp.  

Having fun with shadows on the way to the start

We had to walk about a mile just to the starting point so by the time we completed the walk and got back to the car, I walked over 4.5 miles.   Pretty good for someone who was afraid I could not complete the 5k. It did not matter that I was at the tail end of the walkers, it only mattered that I tried. 

 

We were almost lapped by the parade and had to sprint to the finish line, but that added to the excitement of the day.   My final time was 61:42. Average mile time: 19:52. I beat my previous time without even trying.

Needless to say my knees were not particularly happy with me that night nor the next day, but I was still flying high on my achievement.   I had my follow-up appointment with my Orthopedic Surgeon the next day and he determined I need to have surgery on my left knee.   I have that scheduled for April 19^th, right after I get back from Allipalooza – Southwest .

All smiles at the end of the walk

More to come in the next update on the plans for Allipalooza Southwest.   Thanks for all your support. 

Another glorious week of Allipalooza

This has been a crazy week.   Saturday afternoon two great friends came up to the mountains to visit.   We had a wonderful day/evening chatting and catching up.   While one of my friends went skiing, I talked to the other one about the experience of writing her books.   I am seriously thinking about writing a book about Allipalooza and it was good to hear someone’s experience with writing.

On Sunday, I went back to my new favorite coffee shop, drank fresh brewed Chai and spent an hour or so writing.   It was glorious.   After spending the rest of the morning and early afternoon working on my fundraising letters, I had more visitors.   Ironically, it was friends that were moving from Maryland to Seattle and had stayed at my house in MD the prior weekend.  While I had the privilege to fly across the country, it was nice to hear their adventures from driving.   Later that night I went to a local pub to finish my “mini-tour” of beer tastings and receive a St. Patrick’s  day t-shirt.  

Not all my writing inspiration was from Chai

As expected I enjoyed my beers, but what I didn’t expect is to sit next to an incredible woman from Iowa.   After talking for a while we learned that we had a lot of things in common.  It was almost eerie.   Both of us are on the cusp of taking a big risk and embarking on an adventure that will likely change our lives.  Hopefully, our paths will cross again during another stage of Allipalooza.

On Monday I headed into Denver and had lunch with the founder of First Descents and later that day made dinner for a bunch of First Descents Alumni.   It was so nice to share experiences at FD and my thoughts about Allipalooza with these wonderful people and get their take on it.     I am also planning for a 5k on March 11^th as a Team FD challenge (more on that later) and I am very nervous about being able to complete it.   I voiced my concerns and received so much encouragement from these people that I had no doubt I will be able to not only complete the walk, but do it with confidence.

Awesome Chair in one of the Clubs

Tuesday morning I had to get up really early and head to the airport.  I went to Las Vegas for a planning meeting for the event I am working on for the end of March.    I was actually a little peeved that I had to interrupt my vacation to go to this meeting, but it was a great day.   I hung out with awesome young adult cancer advocates putting the last minute touches on what will be an incredible event for 500+ young adult cancer survivors, caregivers and advocates.  I even won a hundred dollars from the slots.

Wednesday, I flew back to Colorado and drove back to the mountains.  I felt like I was coming home.   This place speaks to me in a way I never thought possible since my time in California.  I feel so alive and love life so much.   Someone asked me how much I’m loving life and I responded “more than my nearly 40 years times a trillion”.   I feel like singing from the mountain tops.   Don’t worry, I will not pull a Julie Andrews and sing “The Hills are Alive”, at least not anytime soon.    

Thursday was a productive day of work and writing.   I spent most of the day at the coffee shop soaking in the atmosphere and being inspired.   As is my habit has been the last two weeks, I went to bed early and unlike most mornings today I slept in.   I did not get up until 7am.   If only I can continue this schedule when I get back home and stay productive.   Speaking of home, I really do not want to go back to Maryland.   I do miss my friends and family, but I am enjoying my times in the beautiful mountains that I feel like I belong here.  For twelve years now and twenty-some before that Maryland has been my home, but I am not too sure that hold true anymore.  I think one of the purposes of Allipalooza is to ponder not only what my future is, but where it will be.

Enjoying the outdoors

Yesterday it snowed again and I loved walking Maya in the snow.  It was one of my favorite things to do with Oscar, my golden retriever.   The world seems so fresh and unspoiled when it snows and all the missteps of previous days are covered up and we get the opportunity to begin anew.

This weekend three more friends are coming to the mountains and we will enjoy each other’s company, good food and the peaceful surroundings.  We are going tubing tomorrow afternoon and I plan to take them on a walk to the coffee shop one morning.   

Did I mention that Maya gets to go with me to the coffee shop with me?   Could there be a better place to get work done and while having great food, beverages and conversations?   I met a couple that used to live 15 minutes from my condo in Columbia.  The world is a very small place.

Well that is enough rambling for today.  Basically I just wanted to tell everyone how happy I am and how much I am enjoying the first stage of Allipalooza.

Peace, Hope and Blessings,

Alli