My Hiking Adventure

I recently wrote an article about my goal of walking 10,000 steps a day for fitness.  I walk up and down our driveway several times a day.  The driveway is approximately 1/3 mile long.  The terrain is flat and trees line the west side so it is in the shade in the late afternoon and evening.  I enjoy walking with my dogs but I wanted something more challenging.  I guess you could say I wanted a change of scenery. 
This morning my husband and I headed north to Huntsville State Park.  We decided to hike the 6.8 mile hiking trail.  It was a beautiful day.  The temperature was in the mid-70s, a nice breeze and partly cloudy.  The leaves in the park were turning from green to red, yellow and orange...spectacular views!
We started walking down the trail around 9:30 am.  The first mile was wonderful...fresh air, getting in touch with nature, etc.  The trail was hilly and there were tree roots growing across the trail.  I do not do hills.  I couldn't keep up with my husband but I was determined to make it to the end of the trail.
We had been walking about 2 hours when disaster struck.  I stubbed my toe on a tree root and fell hard on my right pelvis and side.  I heard a cracking sound in my back as I hit the ground.  There was one thought in my mind..."BROKEN BACK."  My husband heard a loud "Ka-Boom" and came running back to see what happened.  I was afraid to move.  I have two metal plates in my right leg so I was praying that I didn't break anything else.  I slowly started moving my legs and back.  I felt some soreness but no sharp pain.  I got up and kept walking. I had my video camera and my cell phone in the pocket of my jeans.  Unfortunately, I think I killed my faithful video camera.  Now I know what will be at the top of my Christmas list.
I walked another 3 miles after I fell.  We got back to the vehicle at 1:15 pm so we had been in the woods for 3 hours and 45 minutes.  I SURVIVED!
I have to say that every bone in my body is hurting this evening.  I learned a valuable lesson from this experience...I need to work harder to get in shape.  I can't wait until next time.