1 of 1
Offline
"bheard" asked, "what about a sub-forum spot for such questions? Suggestions for places as classically backcountry but suitable for folks nursing injuries or just plain getting older."
Well, here it is!
Offline
Great idea for a subforum. I know I really appreciated having my tires pumped up a bit by encouragement from this community during rehab, and particularly for those who took the time to offer up some suitable routes for my planned return to the park for an ice out trip. Very grateful. I'm certain there are lots of folks here who can offer the benefit of their experience with injury, rehab, and return.
I've whined enough about my busted fibula, so we don't need to rehash that, but I'll show a pic. My break was pretty clean, and the "kit" used in surgery is pretty standard stuff. Still, it surprised me just how much hardware ended up in there. Busted is on the right, bionically repaired is on the left. So, here it is:
Offline
No objections, would make it easier to find that content than standard search bar results.
At 58 now, I'd peek at the topics to see what's ahead after my juvenile years soon end. ;-)
Offline
For me, the easy starting point for us 60+ folks is with the mantra "Prevention is worth a pound of cure". Being in the backcountry is interesting and stimulating partly because the activity demands from us thoughts, processes, actions which are not part of most peoples' daily lives. For the same reasons, we are at risk of injury while out there. Staying fit by trying to be active everyday whether it's walking, stretching, yoga, weights will go a long way to keeping us in reasonable form and preventing injury on trip, and during the offseason. If you are not in the best shape, take a water taxi, or paddle, and basecamp. This might allow bringing an extra pack/bag so none of them are uncomfortably heavy when loading/unloading. I like to think I'm in decent shape but my appetite for rigorous portaging is most definitely behind me. Put together a list of no/low portage trips. This exercise helped me see that there is plenty of backcountry to enjoy without 'humping' for days. Also, once you are no longer selling your time for money, a more leisurely pace is enjoyable. Steven Wright said "Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time".
Offline
The PT I've been doing....for a flat-footed guy, I don't think my lower legs have ever been stronger. Some things are exercises, some are stretches, but maintaining walking stability, and flexibility as well, for uneven terrain is tremendously important as we age. Every year I tell myself I'm going to knock weight out of my pack....every year I don't....but I think that will become vital going forward.
Offline
It’s easy Moosewhizzer, take a younger individual with you on your trip. Your pack can then be made lighter, or you take the lightest pack. Works for me, I’m closer to 70 then 60 and this way I still get to go, can still hike portages, but have to go on the schedule of the companion. No issues there!
Offline
But that means spending time with a young'un 
I'm dealing with shoulder issues bad enough that I might need to change my ice-out canoe trip to a backpacking trip.
Offline
Good idea, Barry. Getting old sucks. For example I'm currently mystified why I feel this hot burning sensation when I pee, like razor blades. Could be my new diet that's top heavy in jalapeno peppers - tried a ghost pepper the other day for the first time..yowza!
Anyway, if you older fellers experiencing the same or have suggestions let me hear ya.
Offline
Swift Fifteen wrote:
Good idea, Barry. Getting old sucks. For example I'm currently mystified why I feel this hot burning sensation when I pee, like razor blades. Could be my new diet that's top heavy in jalapeno peppers - tried a ghost pepper the other day for the first time..yowza!
Anyway, if you older fellers experiencing the same or have suggestions let me hear ya.
I'd strongly suggest an ultrasound and/ or X-ray, that's a common sign of stones in the bladder, kidneys, or gallbladder. Do not wait! I did and by the time I was diagnosed my gallbladder was so badly lacerated they had to remove it, any pink at all is a medical emergency according to my MD.
Offline
Good idea, Barry. Getting old sucks. For example I'm currently mystified why I feel this hot burning sensation when I pee, like razor blades. Could be my new diet that's top heavy in jalapeno peppers - tried a ghost pepper the other day for the first time..yowza!
Anyway, if you older fellers experiencing the same or have suggestions let me hear ya.I'd strongly suggest an ultrasound and/ or X-ray, that's a common sign of stones in the bladder, kidneys, or gallbladder. Do not wait! I did and by the time I was diagnosed my gallbladder was so badly lacerated they had to remove it, any pink at all is a medical emergency according to my MD.
Thanks Griz, I got'r cleared up. Must of been too those spicy meatballs I picked up in Woodbridge
Offline
I had an 84 year old fellow tell me recently that the best part of old age is that is doesn't last long.. still unpacking that one. 
Offline
About 15 years ago I was hiking in the Adirondacks and was chatting with a guy on the trail who was telling me all the mileage he hikes every summer. Then he told me he was drafted at the end of WWII. After doing the math, I got a new hero. No reason to stop, even if you need to modify your trips.
1 of 1
