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"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!
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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:
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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. ;-)
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Good idea - As a very “seasoned” guy that is my concern - injury or at least one that wipes out my mobility to get out.
Recently watched the Kevin Wild YouTube vid where he gets injured in and had to pull the ‘shute and press that inReach SOS button. He talks about the reticence to have someone come for help even when it is apparent it will be required.
And then recognizing that even with a successful outreach to help it may be a long wait for many different reasons. So the message is don’t wait if there is any doubt.
A terminal event or condition doesn’t bother me as much. Not that I’m in a rush but I’d much rather it be my time and be surrounded by creation than in a facility with strangers dressed up in hazmat suits treating you like you are nuclear waste.
I would feel bad for the poor buggers that will have to portage me out though!😉
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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".
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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.
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