Adventure Gone Awry...Breaking My Ankle in the Alaska Wilderness

Hanging at the bowl on top of Mt. Marathon with Nikki and Jason Wynn.
Photo courtesy of Nikki and Jason Wynn

There wasn't much pain when I heard the popping noise from my ankle. It was mostly shock and disbelief. Here I was, hiking down the notorious Mt. Marathon in Seward, Alaska with my husband, Clark, and friends, Nikki and Jason Wynn (fellow fulltime travelers from Gone With the Wynns), on a drizzly evening when I took that single, fateful step. Just a few hours before we'd climbed up the mountain, along with a hundred or so others, to watch a local band, Blackwater Railroad Company, perform a little concert (it was amazing!!). It was surreal. I mean, how often can you say you hiked 2 miles, gaining 2000+ vertical feet, to party on top of mountain with a bunch of other hikers? We were surrounded by an alpine meadow full of wildflowers and a waterfall taking in the experience...great music, dancing, dogs running and playing...it was an unbelievable scene.  

That was two weeks and two days ago today and as wonderful as that experience was what transpired afterward was one of the most amazing things I've experienced in my entire life. 

Hiking up, up, up through the fireweed.

Part of the shale path.

The bowl.

Once the concert ended we'd made it about a half mile down the shale face of the trail without trouble. The trail was wet and quite slippery. I'd already seen a few people with muddy butts and knew we still had another mile and half of pretty hairy footing before we were safely on terra firma. As careful as I was it still happened...my foot slipped off a root. There were 5-6 pops. I grabbed for my right ankle and knew immediately that it was broken as my foot turned at an all too sharp angle. I sat down on the side of the trail as Clark ran toward me.

I knew not to look at it...I have a "weak" stomach and was hoping to not embarrass myself by passing out. I was already berating myself knowing I just caused my husband and friends a huge inconvenience. How on earth was I going to get off this mountain? My other thoughts were 1- How will I ever be able to trust my body again if it can break so easily? and 2- I think I'm going to poop my pants...please God don't let me poop my pants on top of everything else.

Photo credit: Nikki Wynn

But then something beautiful happened. Within minutes a man stopped to help. He identified himself as an EMT or mountain rescue (parts of the night are a blur) and immediately started to assess my injury. His dog, Lady, lay next to me, comforting me. Nikki and Jason didn't hesitate to take charge of things too, directing other hikers to a side trail to avoid walking over me, and calling 911. In the meantime, Clark was by my side making sure I wasn't freaking out and assuring me I'd not only get off the mountain but that the doctors would be able to fix me right up.

Lady was very worried when the humans started to lift me...she came over to check that I was okay.
Photo courtesy of Nikki Wynn

Then more people stopped to help. It seemed as though half the people who had gathered for the concert were either EMTs, mountain rescue, ski patrol, WFRS (Wilderness First Responders) or part of the Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corp. As great as it was to be surrounded by so many capable people I have to admit I got just a little tired of repeating what happened while they all proceeded to take my pulse at the broke ankle (ouch). One guy, Ben I believe his name to be, had been super prepared and had not just one but two splints in his backpack...as well as two wool blankets (even the other first responders were shocked...who brings splints to a concert??). While we waited for the rescue team to arrive with the stretcher I was very well taken care of by these, dare I say it...angels (even if some of them might have been a bit tipsy).

One thing's for sure, the views were amazing.
Photo credit: Nikki Wynn

Due to low clouds a helicopter was out of the question (darn it, I've never been in one of those). It took about 45 minutes for the Seward Volunteer Fire Department to arrive on scene. They were only able to drive their Jeep up the trail a mile before the rescue crew was forced to hike in. Once they arrived Amy (hero!) explained everything that would happen and how the rescue would take place. These men and women were going to painstakingly carry me off that mountain to where the Jeep waited. I was strapped onto the stretcher and prayed no one else would get hurt carrying me down to safety.

Getting strapped in with Amy looking on. Photo courtesy of Nikki Wynn.

At times the trail was so bad people fell (thankfully none were injured). At other times it became so dangerous that instead of walking the stretcher down everyone would line up on the trail, plant their feet and then pass the stretcher through until there was better footing. I later found out that some of the volunteers were actually helping to hold the other up so they didn't slide off the mountain too. As I passed through all of these hands I couldn't help but to stare into each face, offering my thanks as I tried to hold back tears of gratitude (okay, and maybe asking that they don't drop me).

So many amazing volunteers took the time to help me...it was unbelievable and unforgettable.
Photo courtesy of Nikki Wynn

Believe it or not there was a lot of joking and small talk as well. I was offered a piece of chocolate and asked about our visit to Seward and our RVing adventures. I learned about a few of my rescuers...that Amy and her boyfriend (another volunteer) were going to be visiting Southern Utah (a favorite spot for us too) in the next couple of months and that Isaac, an EMT was one of the singers in the band we had all just watched perform on top of the mountain(we tried to get him to sing...and then they tried to get me to sing, bad idea). And I saw people make true sacrifices to save me as mosquitoes feasted on their blood and tree limbs scraped against their arms. It took hours to get to the Jeep and they all worked so hard, straining muscles and wiping sweat from their brows...

We finally made it to the Jeep...only a mile or so down the trail and to the hospital.
Photo courtesy of Nikki Wynn

I made it to the Seward Emergency Room, a block from the trail head, 4 1/2 hours after the accident, arriving just after midnight. Although I had relatively no pain I was given and IV along with pain meds so they could assess my leg and take x-rays. Shortly after I was told that the damage was too severe for them to treat there and surgery would be required. The fog presented a problem as the medevac wouldn't be able to fly until sun up. At one point the ER doctor got a little rise out of me when she talked about the possibility of a Coast Guard evacuation if it was necessary to save my limb.

My first x-ray show two fractures and severe dislocation.

But it turned out I had plenty of feeling in my foot and since my pain level was low I would be able to rest somewhat comfortably until morning. My right ankle was placed into a plaster splint but no adjustments were made. I tried to sleep for the few hours I had before the plane would come for me. In the meantime, Nikki and Jason had gone to check on our pets (we had traveled by RV to Alaska and have two cats and a dog with us). Clark waited until we had some kind of game plane and then eventually went back to the RV to gather some of my personal belongings. Then he too tried to get some rest.

On the plane from Seward to Anchorage.

Some time after 9am the LifeMED arrived at the tiny airstrip in Seward. Once again Isaac, the singer/EMT, showed up to transport me via ambulance to the plane (apparently he didn't sleep much either). The amazing LifeMED Alaska crew and paramedics secured me in the back of a plane so small that not another person could have fit (I think there were 5 of us including me). They also gave me some pretty good drugs while I joked that this was some strange way for me to finally get an aerial view of Exit Glacier (not knowing that we actually would fly over it). One of the paramedics was nice enough to grab my cell phone and snap a couple of photos for me...and of course, I took a selfie in the plane. After all, it's not every day you get airlifted in an emergency situation.

Exit Glacier from the plane.

A short ambulance ride from Anchorage International Airport and I was in the ER at Providence Alaska Medical Center where I had the best care I could have hoped for. Eric, my nurse, was super supportive and told me exactly what was happening. Since Clark was having to move our RV from Seward to Anchorage all by himself he hadn't arrived yet but Eric made sure I was comfortable and pain-free when it came time for the doctor to do something called a "reduction". A reduction is basically a resetting of dislocated and fractured bones...and it happened to occur while I was awake. However, Eric administered a drug called Versed which has an amnesia affect so even if it did hurt, I don't remember any of it.

My swanky room at Providence Alaska...I somehow managed to get the whole room to myself..and had some great views. I was still awaiting surgery at this point.

By early afternoon I was in a room and awaiting surgery. Clark had arrived and then went to get something eat and take a nap. The poor guy was working on less sleep than I was and he was still having to take care of everything. A little after 8pm, 24 hours after the accident, I was wheeled into the OR and underwent surgery where I received some screws and plates to hold my ankle together. A day later I worked with a physical therapist to practice with crutches, tackle some stairs and learn a few safe exercises which consisted of leg lifts, leg extensions, side leg lifts and leg curls on my stomach. I asked if I could add in a few simple yoga poses like cobra and updog (sans feet) and got the go-ahead. Two days later I was discharged with my very own crutches and a hundred ten pound splint.

All better now.

Prior to this I had never even been inside and ambulance. I had never broken a limb either. Suffice it to say I hadn't been medevaced. A few weeks before this accident, while in McCarthy, Alaska, a tour guide had said something that stuck...people come to Alaska to face their fears or challenge themselves in some way. I probably shouldn't have taken his words so literal.

I've received an amazing outpouring of love, support and prayers from hundreds of people...some of whom I haven't even met (yet). I cannot begin to thank all of you for your care and concern. It is as humbling as it is heartwarming. Everything about this accident (aside from actually breaking my ankle) has been magical and all of the pieces have fallen into place (no pun intended). The story sounds too good to be true...an adventure of a lifetime, lessons to be learned, and faith in humanity restored all wrapped up in a crazy mountain top concert and rescue. I still pinch myself to see if it was all a dream. Alas, my aching ankle reminds me it isn't. 


I'd like to take a minute to thank our friends and fellow RVers who helped us get through the first few days of this accident. Thanks to Jeanette and Eric of JenEric Ramblings for taking care of our animals and informing other friends of the incident. Thanks to Josh and Marie of Ardent Camper for visiting me in the hospital and bringing me gifts. Thanks to Taylor and Beth Bank of The Learning Banks for the coffee, food and lovely apron for Clark...also for all of the generous offers to help us with household chores. A big thanks to Nikki and Jason Wynn of Gone With the Wynns for convincing us to go on this hike...I mean, for not only keeping your cool and calling 911 but for your help in literally carrying down that mountain, taking photos (despite the dirty looks from some of the rescuers), walking the dog and bringing me homemade lattes. Also, to my husband, who pretty much has to take care of me no matter what, I am still forever grateful for how he has unselfishly taken care of me. From buying groceries to cooking my meal, from helping me get dressed to washing dishes, and for holding me in his arms when I feel overwhelmed and sorry for myself...he has been my rock.

A man after my own heart.

Note: I'm posting this account to both my personal/yoga blog, Learning Curves, as well as my travel blog, Tales From the Mutiny. I'll be writing additional posts for Learning Curves which will include seated and chair yoga sequences I'm able to do along with progress updates. In Tales From the Mutiny I'll be posting more about our travels in Alaska, including all of the great adventures we had prior to this accident. Feel free to follow along either (or both) blogs.

Living Off the Grid...

We left our "home" 18 days ago but it seems like so much more time has passed. Perhaps it's been from the lack of cell and Internet access for most of these days. Our first stop was Bodega Bay, which was beautiful since the weather gods graced us with sunshine and very little fog. I was also fortunate to have a full day to myself since the hubby went golfing with a friend at the little 9-hole golf course he partially owns.

At Jenner, writting in my journal.

We eventually made our way to Yosemite...my first visit to America's FIRST National Park, but hopefully not my last. As soon as we made the turn into Yosemite Valley I was overwhelmed. I admit, my first thought was that it all seemed so fake. I had not idea that everything was so big and that all of the recognizible features appeared so close together. I mean, you can see El Capitan and Half Dome at the same time!



From Glacier Point Road, the classic "tunnel view" of Yosemite Valley.

We spent Monday through Saturday in the park, dry-camping in Upper Pines (literally, since we failed to fill up our fresh water tank when we first arrived). The beauty of staying in the valley is the fact that one can easily bicycle around the entire loop without even breaking a sweat (well, at least in October when the weather is mild). We biked every single day...yes, even Clark~the anti-exerciser.

Our bikes in the valley's meadow.

Clark with Half Dome hovering over his head.

A friendly raven hanging out on Clark's bike (hoping we drop a cracker).

The other beautiful thing about Yosemite was that we were completely off-the-grid as far as cell and Internet. There was a moment of panic to be sure...but that soon passed and I turned to my journal to write my thoughts and "ah-ha" moments. I also had downloaded several books onto my Kindle prior to losing our Wi-fi (just in case) and ended up reading a few books between biking, hiking and acting like a tourist.



We felt it necessary to enjoy a cocktail at the Ahwahnee...no matter the $25 price tag (for one drink a piece!).

It turns out I didn't miss the Internet as much as I had first thought. I'm sure my Klout score has dropped and I haven't been on Twitter in a month but I'm not all that concerned any more. A few friends found it hard to have me out of the loop...but maybe sometimes it's good to not have that go-to person to vent to in the heat of the moment. Sometimes it's best to let things sink in, learn to deal with the angst that comes on so suddenly due to short fuses or minor irritations so that eventually {maybe} we can stop and realize that these things are often really insignificant in the long run.



The leaves changing colors in Yosemite Valley.

Yes, there was plenty of time to be contemplative and the enormity of the cliffs lent to the realization that not every little thing that happens to us is worth hours of anxiety and a rehashing of wrong doings. That energy can be better spent on other things...reflection, reading, writing, sleeping, smiling, walking or simply looking at the magnificence of this life we've been given.



A rainbow at Vernal Falls.



Climbers on El Capitan...watching them reminded me of the smallness of my own obstacles.




 

Just 2 Females...Alone...

So, it started with an online coupon offer for 50% off of the race entry for the Dirt Inspires Half-Marathon in Aptos. I put the call out to friends on Facebook to see who would like to take advantage of the savings...and split the cost of gas and room in the Santa Cruz area. As luck would have it, my friend Lauren, who had publicly announced her goal to do a 5K every month this year, answered the call. And, as luck would have it, by the time I got around to registering, the coupon offer was full.

Well, Lauren was already registered for the 8 miler so I sucked it up and paid full price for my entry and began the search for a cheap reasonably priced hotel for us to share. After reading Yelp reviews and narrowing down the search to hotels that didn't require a 2-night minimum stay I sent a link to Lauren and asked what she thought of Pelican Point Inn. Granted, looking at the pictures and room layouts I was a bit worried that she may think I was trying to whisk her away to some romantic beach front get-away but, they did offer 2 beds (rather than sharing one king) and they had only one room available for the Saturday night we needed. Little did I know she didn't even look at the link when she sent back the "okay".

Source

I'll admit, the week prior to the race I was trying to back out of it...but Lauren was on a mission and had to get a 5K+ in before the end of the month. Plus, the inn already had my credit card number so it's not like I was going to save any money by not going. Saturday morning afternoon late afternoon {ahem} we headed to our lovely little inn armed with freshly made smoothies {thanks Lauren} and 90's tunes. Somewhere in Milpitas we missed an exit (see Getting Lost blog entry) and took advantage of this "accidental adventure" by getting Starbucks.

Then, on the dreaded Highway 17, we came to stand still. Up ahead...a Car-B-Q keeping us from our beachy destination {and a damned cocktail}. Slowly we inched towards Santa Cruz...passed a burned out VW Van (how sad!!) and drove towards the smell of salt water to our charming sanctuary...that strangely enough, resembled a MOTEL. A motel next to a taquaria...

Umm, there must be some mistake. The pictures on line looked like a little bed-n-breakfast kind of place...cutesy and quaint. Well...it was already past 7pm and we weren't about to head home so we checked the office...which was closed. I called the number taped to the door and a nice lady, who apparently had a hard time hearing me after I spelled my name 4 times and finally yelled into the phone "There are no men with us...just two females...alone" (smart, right??), told me we must be in room #4 and the key was {she gave me the secret location} and to have a good night.

Bizarre...there's no other way to describe the room...and really, that may be too soft of a word. The walls were barren except for the garish high gloss paint. The "second bed" was an old hospital roll-away...and it was in the living room...near the kitchenette. The furniture was mismatched and just kind of odd. There was a big empty shelf-less bookshelf acting as a "closet" near the door and another empty bookshelf acting as a headboard for the single bed. The bedroom was even creepier due to the lack of pictures. Strange cornice window treatments adorned the 2 windows and looked completely out of place. But the kitchenette and bathroom were well appointed with new appliances and granite counters.

Santa Cruz Harbour Beach

A quick search online confirmed there was no vacancy anywhere nearby...and besides, I would be charged for the room anyway, so we decided to make the most of it. We headed down the street to find some dinner and low-and-behold, the beach was literally right around the corner. We dined at The Crow's Nest, upstairs at the bar and grill, and had a great meal watching the sunset over the water. Amazing location and the bartender made me my first ever Classic Daiquiri {thanks Pink of Perfection}.

Classic Daiquiri at The Crow's Nest

Although we were a little shocked with our accommodations, the location was pretty awesome. About a block away was the best liquor store ever that was stocked full of every alcohol I've never even heard of...as well as fancy popcorn. But, we were there only for water, coconut water and gum...staying hydrated for the big run the next morning.

After the best night of sleep in a long time (dang that little hospital bed was comfy) Lauren (who didn't sleep) and I headed to Aptos grabbing some coffee and oatmeal at the Starbucks in town and on to The Forest of Nisene Mark State Park for the race. Beautiful weather and scenery...a run on a pine needle covered trails...it was heaven. Well, except for the huge hills and technical trails along the way.

One of the four stream crossings during the Dirt Inspired Half-Marathon.

It really was a fantastic race...stream crossings and towering Redwoods...no sunglasses needed on this run! I ended up running the last half of the race with 2 local ladies (I think it was Karen and Kristine) who kept me motivated and encouraged me to keep going. I did suffer some Achilles cramping in my right leg and walked for a few minutes near mile 11 but I caught up with the ladies and we finished strong (thanks for the downhill finish Dirt Inspires!!).

Lauren had finished her 8 miles ahead of me so we met back up and headed to Zachary's for a huge celebratory meal and then went back to the beach for a little recovery before heading home. Yes, we got a little turned around again on the way home...and yes, it resulted in Starbucks again...don't judge.

Getting Lost...

via Facebook

My friend Lauren likes to call getting lost an "accidental adventure". My friend Coleen posted the above image on my Facebook wall after we managed to get lost for the fourth time in a row during our last Weekend Sherpa Adventure to Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Along Point Reyes National Seashore.

It seems to be something that just happens, even in this day and age of GPS and map quest, or perhaps because of these conveniences (I swear my GPS has taken me to the craziest places, like dirt roads made for ATVs or mountain bikes). I remember using those impossible-to-refold maps {one for every state} to navigate a trip from Warner Robbins, Georgia to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania...my dad at the controls of his brand new 1984 Camaro and me (all of 13 years old) making sure we made it to Grammy's house so my dad would be proud of my awesome navigation skills. Now, I not only print out mapquest or Google map directions, but then also use my phone's navigation app, and still manage to get turned around.

My Grammy Weber {RIP}

But, like Lauren says, and like Coleen and I have done, we make the most of these accidental adventures...or at least use them as an excuse to stop for a coffee. Hmmm, I wonder if Starbucks might be behind all of this? I'm not sure that the hubby will be as amused as Coleen and Lauren when IF I get us lost while he's behind the wheel of our 32 foot RV that's also towing a Jeep...it's not so easy to turn that thing around or drive through narrow streets when GPS has us taking some odd 'shortcut'. We've already had to disconnect the Jeep once to make a u-turn on a random dirt road my navigation app told us would end up at our intended campground. It didn't...and I swear I heard banjo music playing...

So last week, after taking the long-way (I won't say lost because the road eventually did lead us to the right place), Coleen and I were treated to quite possibly the best hike ever. Being a bit worried that we might be disappointed after the gorgeous hike to Stinson Beach the week prior, we almost didn't want to attempt any new hikes. But, once again, Weekend Sherpa came through with this fabulous suggestion. And this is what we were treated to:




Alamere Falls...yes, a waterfall ON the beach!

I'm a sucker for the beach...and waterfalls...so you can understand the problem with this setting...where to we eat lunch? Facing the waterfall or the ocean?

A blend of forest, beach, ocean vistas, lakes waterfalls and coastal breezes.

 

I don't know if Coleen and I will have time for any more adventures. She is currently in Kauai running a half-marathon with Team-in-Training and I have four weeks before we hit the road (with two dental appointments, a camping trip to Ano Nuevo and Butano State Parks planned as well as my husband's retirement party). We've made some great memories and taken a ton of pictures. I've certainly enjoyed every second I've been able to spend with her and consider her to be one of my closest and best friends.

 

We're so dang cute!

Our new friend.



Weekend Sherpa

My time in Northern California is quickly coming to an end. After living in the East Bay for 18 years (longer than I've lived anywhere) my husband and I are packing up our entire lives and heading out in a 32-foot Winnebago RV to travel the country indefinitely. We leave in seven weeks.

"The Mutiny" at Folsom State Park

 Short-term-itis has set in and so seven weeks feels like forever while we plug away at our 'day jobs' counting down the days until we launch. However, we recently started preparations it's now becoming apparent that this time will fly by and we may not be ready if we aren't careful. Lots of lists and appointments and sticky notes of 'things to do' litter our living space so we don't forget the small details, like updated rabies vaccinations for the furbabies.

In a previous post I had mentioned all of the things I still wanted to do before we leave. Norcal is a wonderful place with so many things to do and experience that one could literally spend a lifetime trying to see it all. We live just 2 hours from Lake Tahoe and some of the best skiing in the world...as a matter of fact, we were just married this past Christmas at Squaw Valley Ski Resort which was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Go the other direction and in about an hour we can be in the heart of San Francisco enjoying noodles in China Town. Just outside of The City there are Redwood forests, beaches, more mountains, national monuments and a million places that will take your breath away...and did I mention Napa Valley (aka Wine Country) is 30 minutes from us?

In a mad rush to experience every thing I can {because that's what I do} I've enlisted the help of the best running partner in the world, Coleen. Inspired by Weekend Sherpa's Adventure Challenge (to complete three of their adventures and post pictures of us doing them on to their Facebook Page to earn a Weekend Sherpa t-shirt) we've accomplished six so far.

1- North Peak of Mt. Diablo

Dang there's a lot of uphill on this hike!

The North Park of Mt. Diablo...we just came from there and were on our way to the Summit.

2- The Grand Loop to Mt. Diablo summit

We made it!!

Part of the 360 degree view from the top.

Mt. Diablo Grand Loop

3- Sutro Baths

The Sutro Baths...

Sutro Baths with the Cliff House in the background...

4- Land's End Labyrinth

The Labyrinth at Mile Rock Beach

In the Labyrinth...

Coastal Sweet Peas

5- China Beach

Sutro, China Beach, Land's End

Coleen enjoying the surf with the Golden Gate in background...

6- Mt. Tamalpais to Stinson Beach (and back)

Spotted some wildlife...

Hiked a portion of this famous trail...

Found some beautiful coastal flowers...

Was treated to an amazing view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from Table Rock on Mt. Tam.

Posing for pics on one of many bridges on Steep Ravine...

Cooling off in the Pacific Ocean...Stinson Beach.



Mt. Tampalpais/Stinson Beach

Beautiful scenery, fun-filled adventures and great outdoor hikes aside, the time I have been able to spend with Coleen has been the true highlight of these past few weeks. It's hard to say goodbye to friends and I have no idea how I'm going to deal with this one in particular. It's pretty rare for me to find someone who enjoys so much of the same things and can still carry on a good conversation or for us to be in each other's company without the need to fill every second with words...no uncomfortable silences here.

Hopefully, Coleen and I will be able to squeeze in a few more adventures...after all, I still need to get a picture of us together in our Weekend Sherpa t-shirts!

* Note: I will be blogging our RV Adventures at Tales From the Mutiny if you care to follow along!