Always lived in Southern California.  I love all things outdoors.  There's nothing better to keep stress levels in check.   When not hiking, I love to travel and learn about different cultures, appreciate history, architecture and museums.  I enjoy festivals, fairs, live music and other social events.  I'm a people person but also like my down time too.  I love animals and have volunteered at the animal shelter fostering kittens.  I am a dedicated cat mom of 3 cats that entertain me.

Took up hiking and biking in my early twenties because physical exercise like gyms, running, and sports were not my thing.  Also felt that hiking was more of a social activity and hiking with friends was always nice.  You get a hiking buddy, you're out for a few hours, and get to explore new places.  Originally, I hiked in the Angeles Forest.  During this time, I completed the So Cal 6 peak challenge and made the summit at Mount Whitney. Then I lived for a couple decades where the Santa Monica mountains were literally my back yard.  So many trails to explore there from the beaches to the valley.  I summitted the top of many peaks, found the waterfalls, and hiked the canyons to the ocean.  My only regret is that I never completed the Boney Mountain Trail in its entirety.  Maybe one day.

After many decades of hiking and camping, I took on the   6 Pack of Peaks challenge for San Diego.  This challenge was extremely personal to me. It is the culmination of over a decade of perseverance and commitment.  I want to share my story not for glory and recognition but to provide encouragement that if I can do it, so can you!

On a hike in 2011, I was washed over a 30 ft waterfall.  I smashed my left hip in its entirety, fractured my pelvis, broke my wrist and cracked the floor of both eye sockets.  I had to be airlifted to UCLA Medical Center where I spent 12 hours in surgery.  My surgeon literally crazy glued the ball cap of my hip joint together and I left the hospital with 16 pins, 3 rods and 2 plates.  It took over 5 years of physical therapy to walk without a cane.  I was left with mobility issues from the pins impacting my flexibility.  One leg is an inch or so shorter than the other, so I have a slight limp and balance issues.  My stride is half the distance it once was so I cannot hike 15-minute miles anymore.  I hike 20–30-minute miles depending on the elevation.

To stay positive, I had to focus on how lucky I was that I survived as I did.  I didn’t hit my head and go unconscious into the pool of water to drown.  I didn’t break my neck or back or end up paralyzed. I had to practice gratitude every day.  In 2018, I decided it was time to start bagging those peaks again despite my disabilities.  I had to believe 100% I could do it and avoid the temptation of using my disabilities as an excuse. In 2020, I moved to San Diego.  I knew nothing about where to go hiking so I bought A Foot and A Field and joined a hiking group.  I felt self-conscious and I couldn’t keep up with the group; rocky trails, hard inclines, bushwhacking, technical bouldering – all very challenging for me with my shortened stride and balance issues.  I would tire easily and fall massively behind the group by 5 to 10 minutes. However, so many people in my hiking group were there for me, cheering me on.  I developed a great network of friends and support and I feel immensely blessed they are part of my life.  At my age now, despite physical disabilities, to take on this challenge has meant more than I have words to express.  It has left me feeling happy and proud.  It has restored my self-confidence.  I had a well thought out plan and maintained a positive mental attitude.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other – no matter how long or how hard the trail.  It’s taken years to get here. However, I hope my story has inspired. Keep sight of your goal, remain focused and determined – don’t give up, mentally believe you will get there, be grateful for the little victories. It may not happen overnight or be an easy path but if I can get there, so can you!