My best friend lives on the island of Dominica in the eastern Carribbean, which is pretty much a vertical island with very little flat land. They are known as the "Nature Island" and have a number of waterfalls, hot springs, and other cool features only accessible by trail. Before this year, I've only managed a few as I couldn't haul my much larger self up most of the mountains.

Last week I managed the ultimate hike on the island, the Boiling Lake hike. It is typically 6-7 hours, and I took about 7.5hrs. The weather was perfect, and I finished it! Even with all the exercise and physical activity I've been doing over the past few months I still was half dead halfway through (reaching the lake) and am really not sure how I made it back. It took me around three days before I could walk normally, lol.

But I know without a doubt that this is not something I could have ever done before having the surgery and getting myself in shape. My friend even told me (after I got back), that she had always discouraged me before because she was worried that I might seriously hurt myself attempting it. It just makes me that much more inspired to go out and do more! Maybe I will finally tackle one of the century bike rides my co-worker keeps trying to convince me to do.

Someone did a nice summary of the hike (not me): http://www.travelingsolemates.com/dominica-the-hike-to-the-boiling-lake/

Seriously, I did that