Hiking the Wave in Arizona in August | A difficult lesson turned triumph

[@septembertwenty-nine9989]

You have so much courage. Thank you for sharing!

[@CultureTrekking]

That really means a lot 🥲 some of the comments I’ve had to delete were not so kind, so I do appreciate seeing this one more than you know.

[@sheenabetraveling]

Wow!!! That's awesome❤️❤️❤️. Glad you made it back safely. Extremely motivating video! "You Go Girl"!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing your real experience.

[@CultureTrekking]

Thanks, me too, since the hike I've gotten into much better shape, but still get over heated quickly in Utah with hikes in summer. Thanks for watching and for commenting, it really does mean the world.

[@daratwinz]

Thank you so much for sharing. I got really emotional watching this! Super proud of you girl!!!!! ❤️

[@CultureTrekking]

Awe! Thank you so so much!!! This really means the world!

[@blessedryana]

Thank you so very much for showing me the honest and detail videos of how to get to the Wave… I watched so many youtube video but yours the only one that giving some details how to get there and it gave me some idea that I never thought! You are so brave and very encouraging…

[@CultureTrekking]

Oh thank u! This is so so lovely to hear. I’m glad it helped and I really hope you have an amazing time there.

[@russet_unrooted]

We need more honest, real videos like yours! People need to know what to expect on this hike and how to listen to their bodies. Thank you for having the courage to be vulnerable and genuine. It gives me more courage (and information) if I get this opportunity.

[@CultureTrekking]

You don’t know how much I appreciate comments like this too. Been getting some hate for “putting others at risk” for not being in shape at that time. Just wish people would know the story behind the weight gain and wouldn’t be so harsh about me trying - so THANK YOU - means more than you know.

[@TattooedGranny]

You did it. Congratulations!. I spent 2 years trying for an online permit before snagging one. I practiced hiking six miles at home on steep trails and even with that preparation and the fact that my permit was for December 1st the altitude, a medical condition, the heat and my weight made the Wave hike so HARD. I felt nauseated at certain points but just kept pounding the fluids, salt stix tablets and salty snacks. I also live with autonomic dysfunction that makes me heat intolerant. If I had it to do over again I’d leave way earlier…..even in darkness. It was super cold still at 9am when I did begin but within an hour I was peeling off all my layers in the full sun. The place is gorgeous and I made it there and back…and so did YOU. I was told by a guide that he has seen top athletes drop over in the desert heat so do not feel bad…all bodies are different. I wanted to climb Angel’s Landing in Zion the next day but simply could not be sure I would make it and not end up needing evacuation and putting other climbers in danger. So I hiked around its base instead. It was the right call at the time. I still think about going back and doing it someday. Anyway…thank you for your honest video. You are a warrior!

[@CultureTrekking]

Man this means so much to me that you wrote this - some of the comments I’ve had to screen are pretty vicious but I still think honesty is the best. Really appreciate you saying this - means the world 🥰

[@dantheman1624]

Heat stroke…not a joke …thanks for sharing…

[@CultureTrekking]

Thanks for watching!

[@pawsitivelyintrepid]

Thanks for sharing. I'm really hoping to hike this someday. But also, overheating in Utah could happen to anyone. The heat and sun are intense there, resuscitation in the summer. Glad you made it out safely.

[@CultureTrekking]

Thanks for that - really appreciate it

[@emelynmaalamarcil1273]

🤗🤗🤗

[@CultureTrekking]

🙏🥰

[@AndysTravelBlog]

Still proud of you 😊

[@CultureTrekking]

You are one of a kind & I’ll never forget that moment

[@adaywithtay_]

Such a beautiful video on the experience! Incredible Janiel! 💛

[@CultureTrekking]

Thanks TayTay

[@NomadicBuff]

thank you for sharing this experience and making it an honest experience. It's such a beautiful place and I can't wait to go myself someday (ps thanks for the info of how to get tickets!). With how strenuous it looked, I'm seriously impressed. Definitely be kind to yourself because I can't imagine doing that hike in August!!!!!! and the warning and showing the realities of heat stroke are so important, so thank you for not leaving that out.

[@CultureTrekking]

Ummmm, I would definitely go with you if it isn't in summer! Aka June - beginning of October, lol. With how often we had been down there and the dogs have gotten sick because of the heat too, I was most certainly nervous......need to learn to trust my gut, but definitely feel grateful to see it in my lifetime and that I made it back ok.

[@ervinslens]

This is simply breathtaking my friend ♥️

[@CultureTrekking]

Thank you so much

[@AzulFyre]

Thank you so much for sharing. My friend and I made it out to Utah in October and there were definitely moments where I had to rest and pace myself. She was awesome and patient. I've also turned back from a hike in West Virginia when I realized it was beyond my capabilities after I had gotten dizzy and I was hiking by myself. I thought I was prepared but my body was like "nope." I was a little embarrassed but I was able to laugh later and said "I wasn't going to be a cautionary tale from a park ranger about knowing your limits." The Wave, and even the are before it are gorgeous. I'm glad you got to see it but I'm even more glad you made it back ok.

[@CultureTrekking]

Ya know, I never thought about it like that, but definitely will now....can you imagine the headline "Utah Physician Assistant dies while hiking the wave in Arizona with a belly full of water".....omg..... I am definitely a lot more self aware of not ignoring the internal cues now for sure. As always, I appreciate your comments - they mean the world....sincerely.

[@Michael-fr3xc]

I can't believe you only have 22 likes on the video. Thank you for sharing your journey, the highs and lows. I'm happy you were able to see the Wave, and even more joyed that you had the support of friends and others along the hike to make sure you are still with us. Happy hikes and future adventures going forward!!

[@CultureTrekking]

That really warms my heart hearing you say this. I genuinely don’t think I would have made it without them. Determined to keep at it and just keep getting better and better.

[@RJB]

Been looking forward to this video, thank you for sharing. Really brought back some amazing memories when I was able to visit. I won the online lottery so the 3 month wait was brutal 😂. That hike isn't easy especially through the deep sand. Slow and steady wins that race for sure. You did awesome and now, like me, have a memory to cherish forever.

[@CultureTrekking]

Absolutely- and thanks for saying it wasn’t easy, lol, still think I’m super woman and can do anything without effort lol - also you’re right, I now have an amazing memory to look back on that means even more because I overcame the struggle

[@wowvideo172]

hello mam

[@CultureTrekking]

Hi! Thanks for watching!

[@bayer54]

We are going on 8/14 ! Was it in the 90s ?

[@CultureTrekking]

About 89 when we went - been in the 100’s in the day here lately. 117 down in St George. So just adjust your sleep schedule and start at 4am so you’re on your way OUT by the time the real heat hits would be my suggestion.