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I Couldn't Have Done It Without Bonnie!
Six months before my 70th birthday, I approached my son and daughter-in-law on the possibility of my celebrating the 70th year of my life by hiking the famous Chilkoot Trail of the 1898 Gold Rush. I promised to work all winter to prepare myself to carry 40 lbs. over 33 miles of wilderness trail. Lucky for me it was a hike they had always wanted to do. Can you imagine two healthy, strong 39 year olds being willing to put up with a 70 year old? A mother-in-law yet....on a hiking trip for 6 days in the wilderness?! It wasn't the 33 miles. It was the steepness of the trail. Near the summit we would gain 2400 feet in one day. Also it would require more stamina than I usually showed hiking at the back of the pack on weekly hikes.
My reputation was "slow but persistent." I was inspired to do the Chilkoot when my friend and fellow hiker, Donna Hackenberger, had successfully done the trail. I risked her saying no to my question, "Do you think that I could do it?" I solicited honesty and she said yes, but if she had it to do over, she would have started training months before. Donna told me of the exercise classes at the Senior Center that would help build stamina. I visted one of the classes. At the end of the class, when the instructor heard what I wanted to do, she said, "You need to see Bonnie Murphy. This class won't do it for you. Bonnie will design a special program for you to do in the weight room with your pack."
Bonnie was excited that I was taking this challenge. With 6 months to work and my willingness, she was sure we could have me ready for the Chilkoot in June. I came in twice a week doing the routines Bonnie had set down. On the other days I hiked on the Hillside with my pack loaded with items from the kitchen shelves. We started with 18 lbs. on my back and eventually worked up to 45 lbs. Every 6 weeks Bonnie would change my routine so I wouldn't get bored. I did this on my own schedule. Bonnie was always available to correct some routine if needed and she was always full of encouragement and praise. Bonnie and the people at the Senior Center made me feel that I was doing something very special.
I did the Chilkoot and at the dreaded "Golden Stairs" among loose rock and huge boulders and a height that was dizzying to look down, I was on all fours. My son suggested that I leave the pack and climb without it to the summit. He would come back and get it. No Way! Bonnie had trained me to do the Chilkoot carrying my pack every step of the way. I did it at age 70 and ....... I'm proud! But I couldn't have done it withouT Bonnie!!
Betty Arnett
My reputation was "slow but persistent." I was inspired to do the Chilkoot when my friend and fellow hiker, Donna Hackenberger, had successfully done the trail. I risked her saying no to my question, "Do you think that I could do it?" I solicited honesty and she said yes, but if she had it to do over, she would have started training months before. Donna told me of the exercise classes at the Senior Center that would help build stamina. I visted one of the classes. At the end of the class, when the instructor heard what I wanted to do, she said, "You need to see Bonnie Murphy. This class won't do it for you. Bonnie will design a special program for you to do in the weight room with your pack."
Bonnie was excited that I was taking this challenge. With 6 months to work and my willingness, she was sure we could have me ready for the Chilkoot in June. I came in twice a week doing the routines Bonnie had set down. On the other days I hiked on the Hillside with my pack loaded with items from the kitchen shelves. We started with 18 lbs. on my back and eventually worked up to 45 lbs. Every 6 weeks Bonnie would change my routine so I wouldn't get bored. I did this on my own schedule. Bonnie was always available to correct some routine if needed and she was always full of encouragement and praise. Bonnie and the people at the Senior Center made me feel that I was doing something very special.
I did the Chilkoot and at the dreaded "Golden Stairs" among loose rock and huge boulders and a height that was dizzying to look down, I was on all fours. My son suggested that I leave the pack and climb without it to the summit. He would come back and get it. No Way! Bonnie had trained me to do the Chilkoot carrying my pack every step of the way. I did it at age 70 and ....... I'm proud! But I couldn't have done it withouT Bonnie!!
Betty Arnett
