From http://www.pr.state.az.us/parks/TONA/index.html:

Tucked away in a tiny valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park has been in the making for thousands of years. It is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot long tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.

The discovery of the small and beautiful valley between Pine and Payson was documented in 1877 by David Gowan, a prospector who stumbled across the bridge as he was chased by Apaches. Gowan hid for two nights and three days in one of several caves that dot the inside of the bridge. On the third day, he left the cave to explore the tunnel and green valley surrounding it. Gowan then claimed squatter’s rights.

In 1898 he persuaded his nephew, David Gowan Goodfellow, to bring his family over from Scotland and settle the land permanently. After a week of difficult travel from Flagstaff, the Goodfellows arrived at the edge of the mountain and lowered their possessions down the 500 foot slopes into the valley by ropes and burros.

Today, visitors can stand on top of the bridge or hike down below to capture the true size and beauty of this geologic wonder.

Mr. B and I hiked down the 200 feet to the bottom of the bridge.

It was amazing and I was so proud of myself.

I would love to tell you that this was my triumphant moment and that Mr. B and I hiked back up and I conquered all.

I would love to tell you that I made life resolutions and that all of my cares washed away over the side of the waterfall.

I would love to tell you that each step was joyful and filled with excitement about the journey.

What I should tell you is that each step (crawl) was very slippery.

On the way back up, I had to rest five separate times for about fifteen minutes each.

When I reached the top of the climb, I realized that I was still not to the end of the hike. I asked (begged) Mr. B to go and get the car and cool it off for me.

I fell to the ground and whimpered. Not exactly glamorous, but it is what happened.

I tried too hard.

I pushed too far.

Apparently, I had altitude sickness.

All I remember was a scene from the Matrix.

In slow motion,  Mr. B was running around the corner, down the path to me.

Behind Mr. B and his Matrix reenactment was a scene from Austin Powers (remember the scene with the Zamboni going really slowly?)… a very slow golf cart coming to my rescue. (I’ve never been more happy to see a golf cart in my entire life.)

Apparently I like my embarrasing stories to have something to do with awesome movies…

I didn’t realize it but it had been about twenty minutes. He was worried.

Looking back, my biggest mistake was sitting down. I should have kept going.

I think the first thing I said to him was, “please don’t tell anyone.”

But it’s ok.

If I’m not real with you… not real with myself… what good does that do?

I’m getting older.

I’m getting more tired.

My once upon a time ballerina feet don’t carry me as far as they used to.

But I’m also getting more thankful.

I’m slowly realizing how blessed I truly am.

I may have tired feet, but I have a very full heart.

I have a husband that loves me and cares for me, even when I can’t climb back up the trail.

I have a purpose in the world that is greater that the trail.

Some days I am not sure what that purpose is, but I am searching for it and I’ll find it.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.