CARMA
Survivor Blog
Most Recent Entries
Three Years AFib-Free; 2013 Trekking Reservations Made
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Nov 13, 2012
Nov 13, 2012 is the 3-year anniversary of my ablation and becoming AFib-free. YOWZA! Thank you Dr. Marrouche and CARMA Center.
Into the Heart of the Alps Adventure Will Continue in 2013
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 13, 2012
It¿s with a good bit of sadness that Bob and I have decided to postpone the next leg of our Into the Heart of the Alps for Atrial Fibrillation Awareness adventure until 2013 (next summer).
Ode to Bob
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 19, 2011
As a final post for this year's adventure, I want to honor Bob, the most wonderful husband and hiking companion. Since I am not in the least poetic, I will list some (but most definitely not all) of his most wonderful qualities that helped make the first year of this adventure successful. Patience. Bob never lost his temper once, despite the fact that I move slowly slowly, get mad at the trail easily, don't follow instructions well, cry and get paralyzed out of fear, etc. He was always kind and encouraging, never criticizing. Creativity. Bob can fix any equipment failure (next year, we'll bring duct tape and it will be even easier) and solve all logistical complications. With a smile. Medical Talent. He is a master surgeon of foot disorders.
Via Alpina 2011 Has Ended... Just a Little Early, July 19, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 19, 2011
The rain forecast for today was quite correct -- it rained non-stop from about 10 am through 3 pm, the exact hours we would be on the trail. We made the decision to stay in Vallouise for another day, rather than have our last day of hiking this year be miserable. Good decision for several reasons. As we started exploring our various options for hiking more while also getting back to Geneva for our Saturday early am plane, we learned that the Tour de France has occupied ALL available rooms in any kind of establishment within a 50-mile-or-so radius. Meaning that whatever route we explored (Via Alpina trail or not), there is no lodging to be had for the next two nights. None. So, we have reluctantly decided that yesterday was the last day of Via Alpina hiking for 2011. Tomorrow (which is forecast to be sunny, phew) we will backtrack some and hike to L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, take the mid-afternoon train to Lyon (no need for lodging near the Tour de France with this plan), spend Thursday exploring Lyon, get to Geneva on Friday, and leave for home first thing Saturday morning.
Now THIS is My Kind of Trail, July 18, 2011
Written by: Michele Straube | Date Posted: Jul 18, 2011
Stage 18, R129 (Freissinieres à Vallouise) 13.02 miles, 4,057¿ up, 4,116¿ down For the most part, today's trail was my favorite kind of walking -- soft stable footing (and the good smells, like pine needles, that go along with that); not too steep up or down (distance matters less than whether I can get into a rhythm, too much clambering over rocks or taking care not to slip is harder on the heart and legs); plenty of shade, but also some sun; lots of meadows and flowers, but also beautiful long-distance views; and, when we are walking among buildings, it's on grassy lanes between chalets and cottages, where you can gawk at the architecture and luscious gardens.
