The year I turned 40, I never imagined that I would also be celebrating the milestone year with cancer.

I never imagined that a lemon size mass would invade my thigh. I was healthy and active. Two full marathons and over six half’s under my belt; daily dedication to fitness and wellness.

I was planning to celebrate 40 by biking the Mickelson Trail in two days. I finished Deadwood to Hill City (48 miles) on day one. That night I received MRI results that the lump in my leg was possibly cancerous. My mind couldn’t rest. That night was without sleep.

But the Lord sustained me.

The next morning, my local doctor called followed by Mayo Clinic to set up new patient info and appointments. I just couldn’t finish the Mickelson that day.

Fast forward a year, I biked the last 60 miles of the Mick eight months after radiation and deep tissue surgery. The scar will always be there, a gash in my leg. Pain from radiation and continued healing yet remain, but I can move without hindrance. A true testament to the Lord’s care for me.

For He has sustained me.

April 2024 I decided to embark on another journey, celebrate almost two years cancer free by hiking Centennial Trail. Due to pain and soreness in my leg, I wasn’t sure I would physically be able to complete all 121 miles in a week, or 10 days. Thus the year long pilgrimage to the Black Hills to complete Centennial in 15 days began.

I have learned and enjoyed much on this expedition. The variety of topography (the trail planning committee did well!), back roads I’d never taken before (thanks to several friends who live in the area and gave me a shuttle), discovery of views and an increasing appreciation for what the Black Hills has to offer.

I didn’t hike in order from Bear Butte to Wind Cave National Park, but as time, shuttle opportunities and schedule with those who hiked a few of the sections with me, allowed. I did start at Bear Butte (minus the summit) and saved the last 14 miles to complete on the last day.

I savored those miles. Bittersweet, yet eager to finish.

In my teens and 20’s, I longed to live in the mountains but the Lord brought me to settle on the prairie. He knew what would feed my soul.

I still love to be in the mountains; how wonderful there’s a range only two hours away! This hike of Centennial Trail, mostly in solitude, has been so refreshing for me. Just being with the Lord in the beauty He has created has fed my soul.

The Lord continues to sustain me.

Day 15: French Creek on the Wildlife Loop – Norbeck Dam, 14 miles

The day was beautiful, with cool temps to start with. The landscape opened up pretty quickly and I was hardly in shade the rest of the trek.

My time in Custer State Park was fast disappearing. Hardly any wildlife was seen other than birds.

And then I entered Wind Cave National Park.

This was my first siting of buffalo, along with one antelope and too many prairie dogs. Twice, I had to take two detours to avoid several bulls right on the trail.

I paused on top of the last peak I would climb, gazing across the landscape. I faced the wind. A nuthatch called. A chickadee’s song burst forth. The whisper of the wind. A journey soon ended.

This trek was an incredible experience for me as I explored the Black Hills from north to south. The time spent alone with the Lord with me every step of the way, immersed in this beauty He has created, made all the difference. Some parts of the hike where challenging, especially on long mile days. My body was often sore and stiff when I arrived home after 2.5 hour drives and my leg felt every mile. But…

The Lord sustained me!

I’m grateful to so many who supported me on this 121 miles!

Favorite hikes & why

1. Elk Creek to Dalton Lake, 12.8 miles – This section was rather diverse, creek crossings in the snow, rim trail across from Bethlehem caves, dense forest, rocky-over look toward the south and Dalton Lake. Most of the trail felt secluded and was so quiet the entire way, other than birds.
2. Big Pine to Iron Creek (Black Elk Wilderness), 9 miles – This section of the trail was like a special secret. There are several areas I will be revisiting to photograph Black Elk (Harney) Peak, including a new trail I can’t wait to hike.
3. Deer Creek to Veterans Point, 5 miles – This hike brought me to Pactola and I loved the climb to my first glimpse of the water. This was also my first moody wintry hike and I loved every minute of it!

Tested gear I highly recommend

1. Osprey backpack – I started using my camera pack, which was just too heavy with all my gear. I then switched to my small biking pack and one lens but that was too small and my smallest lens was too limiting. I ended up purchasing a more “touring” lens and loved it (Nikon 24-120). This backpack fit my lens, lunch, waterbottle, extra jacket, hat and gloves with a little room to spare. It’s also the most comfortable backpack I have ever used! The waist straps have pouches in them, which is so handy for quick access to small things. I also packed my pistol in the water bad section, right behind my back. It was so comfortable placed and I couldn’t even feel it there!
2. Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion waterproof boots – I could write a blog post on zero drop, minimalist shoes and their huge benefit on feet foundational health, but I will save that. These boots rocked the trail! The only day I didn’t use them was one five mile in the summer. I used Xero HFS shoes instead.
3. Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants ; Eddie Bauer lined Guide Pro Pants – the lined are currently on sale and I wouldn’t recommend wearing them when the temps are above 43, especially if you’re hiking uphill for any length of time. I got a bit warm one day when the temps increased faster than I anticipated. Below 43 and into -0, these pants are worth every penny! I can’t stress that enough! They also come in tall (regular pants as well), which is a huge plus for us tall gals!