The Plantar fasciitis is slowly improving as I strain my hip joints in interesting athletic poses and continue rolling my frozen can of tomatoes back and forth along the floor. Follow-up visits to the physio for further remedial massage are in progress, and comparing this with the knee and sprain injuries I incurred years ago, it confirms my suspicion that all these injuries follow the same recovery pattern: cold treatment, rest, prescribed exercise, massage and - worst of all - time. Bloody time.
Autumn is potentially one of the best times of year for backpacking and it’s practically upon us. Even now the heather is at its vibrant best and will soon begin to fade, while we hold out just a glimmer of hope of catching it before it reverts to a dull pinkish brown.
Being grounded is quite depressing, I have no excuse not to do those little jobs that pile up and are gleefully forgotten out in the hills!. One job that was worth doing was the creation of route files for almost all the remaining old walks on the main site that previously only had an outline map.
Meanwhile, having failed miserably to gain either scientific or spiritual insight from repeatedly observing the physics of tomatolocomotion, I thought I’d post my own picture of the inside of my tent - well half of it anyway, in response to Robin’s pictures. Sitting in the tent facing the door, the porch is bisected by the transverse tape:-
Immediately right of the tape by the door are my Pro Rush Mids, ready to slip on for an exit. The rest of the right half contains my pack and all the stuff that isn’t needed until next morning.Immediately left of the tape - in the winter months only - I would have the stove, pan and beaker for a hot drink. For the rest of the year, as in this picture, it’s free space. Further left are the water bottles and a rubbish bag, while the pointy ends are again free space.
In the inner tent is the NeoAir, nothing either side of it except for one water bottle that will come inside for the night. The little triangle at the head end contains the used stuff: Petzl head torch, mp3 player, toiletry bag (a stoutish stuffsack) with all the little bits and pieces. That freezer bag contains my evening meal, so that is about to disappear.
9 Comments
Very tidy. The Laser Comp has such a good porch. Such a good tent. Hope you heal well. My Doctor has refereed me for physiotherapy so things are looking up for me as well.
Best wishes for your recovery Geoff. Having suffered from a knee injury for many years, which prevented me from doing backpacking, I know how frustrating it is.
You’re so right, Geoff. Time flying by is the worst part of recovery…even worse than the !@#$%^! PT, painful or boring or both. Not only are you not doing the things you want to be doing, but you feel that the fitness you need to do all the things you want to be doing is quickly sliding away. The only solace is beer and snapping at small children. I wish age and patience increased at the same pace, but so far, no. Best wishes for a quick recovery.
Also from me the best wishes for your recovery, Geoff.
Tidy it looks in your tent. I tried to snap a photo of inside the Scarp 1 last weekend, but it didn’t work out too well. But space in the Scarp 1 there is plenty off, and I had all my stuff minus shoes inside. On my next trip I’ll need to try to take a better picture. Robin started a trend there =)
Martin,
The porch is great, and having made peace with the pole hood I’m really chuffed with the LC.
I was wondering whether to go via my GP but I wanted remedial action fast, so I went straight for the physio. Do let us know how you fare with the GP approach and subsequent treatment.
Robin,
Thanks very much. Knees are the worst of all I find, which is why I take it slowly and very carefully on all descents. I hope the Carneddau trip goes well, a very fine area.
Mark,
I always make good practical use of the recovery time, albeit with gritted teeth, but I already feel a bit sluggish and unfit. I have a bench and weights for training but it’s not the same as walking by a long chalk.
Hendrick,
Thanks again. I look forward to seeing your picture of the Scarp 1.
Hope that you are better and up backpacking soon Geoff. A very tidy tent, mine always looks like a party has taken place inside!
James,
Thanks, I hope it won’t be too long, I’m just hoping I don’t miss a good settled spell.
Geoff good luck on the knees and dont do what I do….
….and ignore the pain!
broke my knee in my 20’s and ever since around about September the joint starts to give me gyp and I ignore it and then overuse it…..
Dave,
The knees are fine at the moment, but I won’t be venturing out very far until I’m pretty sure the heel can stand it, and even then it will be a very short trip.