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| bottomtothetap |
09/21/2024 10:06AM
Nice report!
Over the last couple of years, I'm asking myself the same questions that you're asking yourself about continuing to go to the BWCA. It sounds like we are about the same age and I do love going but my body has dictated that I do trips differently than previous years. I don't go solo--always with friends--so that may extend my time tripping by a few years because as a team you seem to have more options than just doing everthing by yourself.
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| Bearpath9 |
09/21/2024 09:19AM
New Trip Report posted by Bearpath9
Trip Name: Might be my Last Rodeo.
Entry Point: 6
Click Here to View Trip Report
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| airmorse |
09/22/2024 09:46AM
There are plenty of entry points that don't require portaging. Don't give up.
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| Bearpath9 |
09/22/2024 09:03AM
Thanks, I was afraid it was too wordy. I will be 66 in January, and until recently, had no problems physically. This was my 5th solo, and I've gotten it down to where I have removed all the unnecessary gear and developed a routine that works for me. I basecamp now, and I really like that, since it doesn't involve a lot of physical pounding on my bod. Also, I like exploring the lakes, rather than just rushing through them. I have tried relatives and close friends to go, but nobody is willing. The ones that do camp, all have big campers lol. Besides that, I really like being by myself. As I said, I have a pretty good routine, and being a stubborn old guy, I don't know that I want to change. But, yeah, eventually I will have to give it up. We will see.
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| TrailZen |
09/22/2024 06:12PM
While it doesn't work for everyone, I've suffered torn meniscus (or is the plural menisci??) in each knee, and each tear was successfully trimmed back by a skilled orthopedist. Of course, I had some rehab time and exercises, but neither knee has given me issues since. The 'last rodeo' decision is something we'll each face someday, but we'll probably all look at some trip options before calling it quits.
TZ
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| Bearpath9 |
09/24/2024 08:58AM
TrailZen, dogwoodgirl, and KawnipiKid : I had an MRI done last December, which was when I found out about the meniscus tears, one on each side of the knee. I was ready for surgery, and asked if and when I should do it. The doctor said I could do it anytime, but with all the arthritis in the knee, it wouldn't last and I would be back in the same situation as I am now. She recommended that I let it heal by itself, which I am doing by heat, cold and some exercise with it. Both knees have arthritis, but the left one has always been bad, since I was in my early 20's. Playing baseball/softball until I was 45 probably didn't help. Playing the infield all those years probably didn't help either. Now I have another medical issue going on, but I hope to get that under control. However, all that being said, I am looking at options that will satisfy my wife. I have to take her feelings into account on this, since she is worried that something may happen to me. But I am going to make a reservation for next year just in case. I think I will be down to short trips and easy routes. That is fine, I just want to be out there.
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| Bearpath9 |
09/24/2024 08:56AM
airmorse: "There are plenty of entry points that don't require portaging. Don't give up."
As somebody once said "It ain't over 'til it's over". I'm not giving up yet. I have been looking at EP's that don't require a lot of that. Slim was easy, Lake One is easy, Hegman is easy. I am familiar with the East side, so I am looking in that area.
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| KawnipiKid |
09/23/2024 08:40PM
Nice report. I can relate to the simple pleasures you describe in those little paddles and walks from camp just to enjoy the day and explore a little. I laugh at myself now thinking back on how much I defined success in my youth by pushing the miles. Like TZ and dogwoodgirl, I've gotten good pain free mileage (and can kneel again) by having the meniscus trimmed in both knees (a couple of years apart). Don't rule it out. I don't think there's anything wrong with considering that any rodeo can be our last. I just hope your other health issue blows over and the sweet talking works so you can decide on your own without being forced into retirement.
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| dogwoodgirl |
09/23/2024 06:30PM
TZ....I too have had meniscal tears repaired, and gone back to full functionality. Don't write yourself out of the picture....surgery and PT can do an awful lot!
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| TrailZen |
09/25/2024 08:58AM
Bearpath9: "TrailZen, dogwoodgirl, and KawnipiKid : I had an MRI done last December, which was when I found out about the meniscus tears, one on each side of the knee. I was ready for surgery, and asked if and when I should do it. The doctor said I could do it anytime, but with all the arthritis in the knee, it wouldn't last and I would be back in the same situation as I am now."
Sorry to hear about the arthritis, Bearpath9. I was (and still am) fortunate not to have that complication with my knees. Best of luck dealing with the medical issues, and I hope you find options that let you continue paddling. We bought a Spot X last year after several years of using rental inReach units--perhaps something like that would let you keep in contact with your wife and relieve some of her concerns.
TZ
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