On Saturday, three days before our flight to Bangkok, I made a last trip to the Public Works yard to dispose of a utility trailer load of fruit tree prunings and other yard waste. As I was pulling the loaded trailer up our moss covered driveway I slipped, fell, and dropped the heavy steel trailer tongue on my knee, pushing it in a direction it wasn’t meant to bend. In a bit of pain, I did manage to take the load to the yard with Ruth’s assistance, but I spent the remainder of the day in a recliner with my knee in a brace, occasionally icing with a frozen bag of chopped rhubarb.
Around dinner time I noticed that I was getting a bit feverish. We had had a chikungunya vaccine three days earlier, and a quick internet search disclosed that four days was the mean time for the manifestation of the common side effects of this vaccine. Chikungunya is a viral disease similar to dengue, and we were among the first people in Victoria to receive this new vaccine. The nurse that administered it pointed out the lot number, clearly anticipating the possibility of an adverse reaction. We really are part of the ongoing field trials.
I spent most of the next 36 hours in the recliner, occasionally shaking from the fever. Fortunately, Vitamin I, as we called ibuprofen in my running days, quite effectively mitigated both of my maladies. With the scheduled start of our bike trip in doubt, we cancelled our hotel reservation for the first night out of Bangkok, explaining to them that we would rebook when our plans were once again certain.
As I write this from 35,000 feet over the Pacific, it appears that we may be able to pursue our original plans. The vaccine side effects have faded away, and while my knee is still tender, it is improving rapidly.
A couple of days after the accident with the trailer I was chatting with a neighbour whose husband had come to my assistance when I was under the trailer tongue. She said they had been discussing the matter and concluded that I hadn’t broken my leg because of my level of physical activity and fitness. I said I attributed it to my plentiful Neanderthal genes, but really it was probably just dumb luck.
great to see you pop up again. it’s been awhile.
(my mind last night was drifting towards cycling adventures)
We are looking forward to this adventure. We love South East Asia.
Have a great trip you two! Take it easy on that knee and we will be looking forward to your blog updates
Glad to hear you are on track for a fine adventure. Be well and travel safe.
Thank you!
Strong like bear! Like rock! If anyone survives the Zombie Apocalypse…it will be you, Gord.
ขอให้เที่ยวให้สนุกและกลับมาโดยสวัสดิภาพ
Have a great trip and come back safely–with Ruth!
Thanks for adding me in there!
Glad to hear you were able to go on your trip despite the wobbly start. Happy and safe travels, Ruth and Gord!
The knee held up well today! Cycling seems to be fine.
Sorry to hear about the uncertain start but hopefully you will be able to follow your plan. Have a great trip.
It could have gone south.
Maybe sit on your hands for a week?
Excited for your new adventure and so relieved that the knee is healing well. Take care you two!!
A++++ for the innovative use of frozen rhubarb! ❤️🤗
I am sorry to hear about that accident and I have no doubts that you should thank nobody but yourself for such quick recovery. You have trained your body to behave well :). Have a wonderful journey. Hugs to you and Ruth.
Gord’s knee was pretty good today and getting better every day. You are so right! He is made of strong stuff.
Both of you, Ruth. 🙂 Enjoy every day of this journey. Here it is cold and grey, it is so good to follow your journey and to remind myself that the sun did not disappeared for good. 😁