The Descent!

Our guide kept telling us, "this is the hardest day!" I'm suspicious that he was just trying to plant a seed that would help us make the journey up. However, the descent was indeed, unrelenting, knee jarring, toe jamming...magical, mystical, other worldly. Yes, that covers it!

Stairs...again with the stairs!

 

All Signs Point To Go!

Run, don't walk TO the Grand Canyon. (Do walk, don't run IN the Grand Canyon)

Twice my plans were foiled. CoVID, weather, but third time was the charm and I FINALLY got to the bottom. 

This journey down the greatest ditch in the World, first began with steps along the South Rim. 

That view...!

 

Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder

You're a female in your forties when out of the blue your shoulder starts to hurt! You don't remember doing anything to it and you expect it will feel better on its own soon. The next thing you know your shoulder pain keeps you awake at night, suddenly you can't fasten your bra or the seatbelt! You have the dreaded FROZEN SHOULDER. 

Frozen shoulder can affect anyone (even Superman) after a shoulder injury when the shoulder is immobilized, but it can also strike for no apparent reason completely out of the blue. In my practice, I often see women in their forties and early fifties who fall into this latter category. There are a few theories, but the mystery of this affliction still remains largely unsolved.

The successful treatment for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is less of a mystery. ACUPUNCTURE WORKS!! In my practice, Longevity Wellness Clinic of AZ, I combine acupuncture with other manual techniques and a good home exercise program. The results are exceptional. 

That's a wrap

Sorry it's taken a while to finish up the trip on this blog...sidetracked by the most recent school shooting. Sigh. Direct tie to why I feel called to do these trips. ANYWAY...

Stairways to somewhere

New doors to open.

I'll be waiting and watching!

Traditional Andean hat made from Alpaca.

Very elusive prey!

Special thanks to my comrades who helped with the hunt...

Clear Eyes...Full Hearts! (Can't Lose)

Stairways to heaven

Lots of stairs in Peru...lots and lots of stairs!

 Proof that every now and again, we went DOWN stairs!

 Looking up? Or looking down?

Stairs along the Inca Trail. What is it about stairs? They are little engineering marvels, they are utilitarian, they are symbolic and they are beckoning. Stairs lead us.

Magical Machu Picchu

I was so fortunate to have the opportunity after all the work was said and done, to travel to Machu Picchu. I went with an Inca guide from #EvolutionTreks and hiked the last 7 miles up through the sun gate. Magical, mystical, magnificent. Pick one. All apply. The trek is everything you've heard and more. The moment you climb that final stretch of stairs and step through the Sun Gate you are slammed with beauty as far as the eye can see. Machu Picchu stretches out below you like a lego building on a coffee table. It’s ...so...perfect! Not a stone out of place. What a fascinating and brilliant people.

Copyright Jody Murray 2018

Faces

The amount of trust these Peruvians showed us, continues to warm my heart. It's a bit transcendent to work with someone who doesn't quite speak your language. It's humbling. It's exhilarating. It's challenging. It's rewarding. Here are some of the beautiful faces I got to meet.