always at sea level: We've Only Just Begun

It was a late start for us this season, arriving back at the Outpost on August 22^nd. Each year it feels more like we are returning home after a long vacation.

There were only a couple of new faces in the group that made up the summer crew so with hugs and “how was your summer?” out of the way we loaded the wagons and began our process of settling in.

A bit of work and a lot of letting loose happens in those first few days as the end of another season has successfully been pulled off. By Sunday the anticipation of only a few days left before they would all return to the world of cell phones, fast food, friends, school and TV reception had them all deep into inventory lists, bagging bedding, bagging fish, stowing away or tossing out. Mike and I have developed our own list of things that we like to check and take care of trying to keep out of everyone’s way for the time being.

Around 2 pm this particular day I disrupted the routine.

Funny how my first thought was of my glasses, which were no longer on my face.

Likely because I had just gotten them this summer and they had cost me $$$$!

Lying on my right side, legs tucked up and my head cushioned by a mossy patch, I realized I had slipped on the stairs and went flying. No immediate pain but I did see blood and felt a wetness trickling down the side of my nose.

It only seemed like seconds before there was a crowd of people gathered around, all wondering what had happened. Paul later told me when he first saw me he thought perhaps I was looking for mushrooms. He and Stephanie are great hunters of fungi and have been educating Mike on what can be found in the area. It was only when I turned my head to look up at him he saw the blood and knew not all was right.

When it came time to uncurl myself and try and stand it became apparent that my right wrist didn’t look so good. Not wanting to bore you with a minute by minute description Justine along with Hannah and Gwen had the 'flap' of skin (nose) repositioned and bandaged plus a splint to hold my wrist in place. Mark had already called Air Ambulance so now it was just a waiting game. Weather from our point of view looked good for a flight but at the other end it was blowing a good 40knts. As the hours ticked by I was actually beginning to feel pretty good. To tell you the truth I'm not sure what time the helicopter landed but my bag was packed and thank goodness the pilots said that it was OK for Mike to come along. I felt rather foolish being strapped onto the stretcher and tucked in with blankets but according to Mary Loo and Mike ( the paramedics) this is how a patience must fly. Reclining back and enjoying the view from my comfy bed I thought this is likely the closest I'll ever get to flying 1^st class! Just over an hour later we arrived in Prince Rupert where the ER doc had me x-rayed, re-splintered, added 5 lovely stitches to my nose, gave me a handful of painkillers and told me to show up at 8 am sharp to meet Dr. Smith, the orthopedic surgeon.

By 9 am Mike and I had met with Dr. Smith, been explained the procedure that was to take place, had an arrow drawn on my arm to assure that all the players knew which wrist to work on and told to sit back, relax and wait. The staff at PR hospital were all very nice and kept apologizing for having to ask me the same questions over and over as each new nurse came in to hand me a gown, insert an IV, give me some painkillers, wheel me into the holding area and than one more time before I felt that cold sensation run up my arm and than I'm out like a light.

When I awoke from the best sleep I've had in a long time I am sporting a nice new blue cast. What you can't see are the 2 stainless steel pins that have a tendency to jab me every time I move the wrong way. Must learn not to move that way.

In 6 weeks time I'll have to make the trip back to Rupert to have the cast and pins removed, which will be a whole new experience to add to my memories.

When the doctor said I had to come back in a week to have the stitches removed Mike and I just looked at him and said “Well that's not going to happen.” Than Mike pipes up “ I can take them out.” Dr. Smith seemed to think that this was OK so supplied us with the necessary tools.....scissors, tweezers, gauze and a scalpel. I supplied the 'shot'.

A week later and we are preparing for the removal of my stitches. Am I nervous?....well maybe a little. I did feel better after Mike found some glasses he could actually see the minuscule bits of thread with and brought in the engine room work light for me to hold.