"g" at the summit
on Half Dome:
Lookin' pretty darn
healthy at 50.
(7/03)

"g's" trip to Rocky Mountain National Park with the Boys was targeted for 8/19/03. On 8/6, Chef DeBoot Blister (AKA, "g") had his three community dinners dehydrated and on the conveyer belt of time destined to be vacuumed sealed for backpacking. In the mean time, the Boys were each secretly weighing each piece of their gear and clothing for the trip. It was a personal contest to see who would have the lightest pack weight. They were all hoping to drop down to the 40-lb marker. Who would have the lightest pack? Only time would tell.

It had been quite a summer for "g". During the first 2-weeks in July he and his family vacationed in California for 2 weeks. They spent 5 days at Yosemite National Park in which "g" and his daughters backpacked for 3-days. They even climbed Half Dome! Upon his arrival home, "g" unpacked and re-packed for his next adventure in Rocky Mt National Park with the Boys. Things were going very well for "g". All that was left was boarding his flight for Colorado with the Boys in 6 days. Or... was it...

8/12/03
An e-mail to the Boys from "g"

Dear Boys

I've got some pretty uncomfortable news to share with you. The short story is this. I thought I was having a problem with exercise induced asthma over the past 2-3 months. Five days ago when jogging on a treadmill at the Y, the burning in my lungs was so great I finally went to the doctor. Inhalers (one w/ a steroid) were prescribed last Friday and they helped a lot; the acid test was 2 days ago when DeWallis and I climbed Wright Mt. Clearly, my breathing during and after the hike was much improved. That was very cool.

The day after hiking Wright Mt, I reluctantly followed-up with a previously scheduled, stress test - mostly to please my doctor. Here's the deal. The stress test indicated I have some coronary blockage. My breathing problem is a result of a blockage to me heart... not exercise induced asthma.

In the last 24 hrs, I've covered a lot of emotional territory, and have been researching coronary artery disease. In three days I'll be having a nuclear stress test. In 5 days I'll meet with my cardiologist to address the results of these tests and to determine (1) an intervention for my problem, and (2) whether or not I'll be joining you on our trip to Colorado.

In looking at the EKG printout, the nurse showed me how as I exercised harder, there was diminished blood flowing into my heart. For now, I'm on a no exercise diet until further evaluation can be conducted. At this point, it's safe to say that I won't be hiking in CO... or will I?

I'm sure this news is shocking to hear. (Gee... I thought I was only having a little allergy problem.)

The good news is... I've dehydrated and packaged all three of my community dinners for the trip. I'll drop them off at Warren's house on Sunday... with instructions!

In terms of what I've paid for (hotels, etc.), I'm not interested in a refund... really... Joe... it looks like you now have a bed all to yourself!!!!!

Jim, Perhaps you could let me know about the air ticket. Can I get credit for it? (PS: Don't forget to bring the cured block of smoked cheese (12-oz) for the Mac & Cheese dinner.)

Community gear and dehydrated dinners ... I'll drop this stuff off at Warren's on Sunday.

Despite my difficult news... I'm doing AOK. I'm glad you guys are hiking. I figure it's better I stay home and avoid the potential for your having to drag 250-lbs of gear and backpacker off some ridge line in the Rocky Mts... hahahahahahahaha! (It's OK to laugh.)

If you guys have any questions just contact me... I know I'll be OK. My only request... promise to have a beer on me in CO!

Take care... talk shortly.
Gary