If you live in the San Diego area, you might be familiar with Mt. Woodson (A.K.A. Potato Chip Rock) It is rightly named because of its unique "potato chip" shape. Part of the rock juts straight out and extends over a breathtaking drop that gives the impression you are sitting on the edge of the world. The infamous Potato Chip rock is located at the peak of Mt. Woodson in Poway at an elevation of 2300 ft. There are two entrances to the Mt. Woodson trail. The Poway side entrance is a longer stretch, but has a flatter and steady terrain. From the Ramona side, the trail to the top is very steep, with constant and strenuous inclines at roughly 4.2 miles roundtrip. It is no easy task for the average person to summit the peak with such steep inclines and rising daytime temperatures . But that has never stopped me before.
With my Ossur Reflex Shocks, hiking up the steady incline was much easier due to the energy return and impact absorption. The steep incline required a more forward lean, with more pressure placed on the "toes" of the prosthesis. This offered greater balance and better forward motion. Because of the superior performance of the Ossur Reflex Shocks, my hike to the top was much smoother and more comfortable than I had anticipated.
Reaching the summit took roughly 2 hours of steady climbing. But the time and sweat equity was well worth it. The panoramic view from the top is incredible. Not only that, but I had the fortune of meeting some other local hikers on my journey to the top. Everyone I encountered seemed genuinely amazed at my ability to complete such a task. I enjoy any opportunity that I can impact the way others think and offer inspiration.
We all face challenges in our day to day lives. As an amputee living with prosthesis doesn't have to be a part of those challenges. With the right attitude, a positive outlook and determination anything is possible. I am living proof.
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