Rehab on C2C - 3/12/11

[Rick Kent]

It's been just under 5 months since my ankle injury. My physical therapy ended a couple months ago but that only served to get me to the point I could walk to the store and back. I've been getting out and doing things on weekends but the foot tended to limit what I could do. Gradually the ankle has gotten stronger and as of a couple weeks ago I felt a little more reassured with my progress. On Saturday I felt it was time to see how far I could push it. When I left home Friday night I still hadn't decided on a destination. I had four ideas and only decided on the way. I opted finally for Skyline knowing that this gave me a few options.

At 6am there were only a few vehicles at the museum. Given the excellent temps I expected there would be more people on the trail. This was the fewest I had seen. I passed 2 or 3 within the first 20 minutes and it was quite a long time before I saw anyone else. As always the foot was a constant distraction. With just the standard dose of ibuprofin I can keep the pain under control but I still feel each step.

The trail seemed like it had gained a few extra miles since I was last there. I simply couldn't quite comprehend that I had once done this trail 3 times in a day. I would be lucky to do it just once now. Who was this person whose memories I have? I feel disconnected from who I once was. I really needed to succeed today to regain some confidence.

Shortly after taking a break before where the manzanita begins I met 3 hikers who were coming down. They had apparently been thwarted by the snow and route-finding problems the day before. They ended up spending the night. This didn't give me much encouragement. Whereas they didn't have crampons, I did. Shortly above the little rocky outcrop I put them on. Instead of icy conditions however it was quite the opposite. When I got to the initial traverse I was disappointed not to see any sign of a boot track. I proceeded carefully since I had not brought an ice axe. Very quickly however I was reassured.

The snow was soft and with poles and crampons I felt quite safe. The post-holing made me feel secure but it was slow going. Within 10 minutes however I was unsure which way to go. It's a very difficult route to figure out but I knew from past mistakes that I needed to traverse much further than I would think. I caught up with a boot track (apparently someone had traversed higher up) and used it from time to time when it seemed right. Not surprisingly the track wandered around all over the place so I used my own judgement. Eventually I knew I was in the final chute and all that was left was to proceed directly up. I topped out at 1:10pm. This was both a relief and a disappointment. I had finished Skyline but not as quickly as I had hoped. It had taken nearly 7 hours (1.5 hrs in the snow).

Now on easier ground I sped over to the ranger station. Was there any chance I could summit? I wasn't sure. Certainly it was a bit late but I figured I'd go as far as I could. As I proceeded to Round Valley I was pleased that a tactical decision was working in my favor. I had not brought snowshoes but almost everyone else did. This and the fact that everyone was on their way back from the summit meant I had plenty of good packed tracks to use. I did do some post-holing from time to time but it wasn't enough to cause much problem.

Now on my 3rd round of ibuprofin I felt pleased with my pace and somehow rejuvenated. On my way up the slope to Miller saddle I had the mountain to myself. I reached the summit just a few minutes after 4pm (less than 3 hours from the ranger station). I suppose I was a little surprised I made it this far. I didn't stay on the summit long. I figured I'd wait and celebrate once I got back to the tram station.

It was 5:43pm when I reached the tram station. Although it felt a lot longer I had finished up in less than 12 hours. I relaxed at the bar for about an hour. I was kinda hoping I might see someone who knew me. I did need a ride back to the museum afterall. I didn't particularly want to pay for an expensive taxi ride.

Down at the lower tram station I was just about to ask for a taxi but couldn't do it. It just wouldn't be right if I didn't take a great day and end it with something miserable. So naturally I saved my money and walked down. My foot wasn't amused. The evening was pleasant but by the time I got down to Palm Springs I was limping pretty good. The stiff goretex boots didn't help and it took some time to make it all the way back over to the museum. I still managed to get there before 9pm however so I guess it wasn't that bad.

-Rick

[Andy]

Glad to hear that you're healing well and back on the trail Rick. Not a bad rehab hike either...Wow!

[lilbitmo]

Hell-of-a-day Rick, glad you are fully back in the saddle - sorry the leg is still giving you such pain - I think some of the regulars were over in the South Fork Area yesterday. Nice work and that's still an amazing day time wise with what you've been through.

Hope to see you out there soon -

[James]

Rick,

Been following your injury/recovery story. Quite an accomplishment, C2C in the snow such a short time after major injury. Great going!

The only part that really made me cringe (and after reading your TRs over the years I kind of knew it was coming) was you walked back down the tram road to Palm Springs. Hope there was a beverage at the end of that one.

James

[Hikin_Jim]

Hope there was a beverage at the end of that one.

Or three or four. Road walking is no fun. Wow, though, good job. Danged good job.

HJ

[Dave G]

Nice work, Rick! Recalling the images of your poor ankle, I'm more impressed with this feat than I was your Skyline triple! You're coming back; just keep up the in the field rehab and be patient.

[Cy Kaicener]

Good work Rick - Very impressive. Thats quite an accomplishment with the handycap of a healing leg and in pain, and a full c2c in deep snow. WOW - and seven more miles on the road after that. You have to be a glutton for hard work.
This would make great advertising for Ibuprofin

[Blooty]

Rick, I think you're an inspiration to any one who has had an injury that could potentially keep them from doing an activity that they have a passion for. You're certainly an inspiration to me.

Great job!

Tracie

[93ludegirl]

/\ Werd. I was just laid-up with a real minor sprain for the last 2 weeks. I just bout went outa my mind. I cant imagine how u made it months without hiking. I just got back to hiking/trail-running 2 days ago, n it felt Sooooo great! to be back out in the desert away from people. Congrats on bein able to get outside in the mtns again!

[Ellen]

Howdy Rick

Excellent job Superman Looks like I need to get out the Kryptonite again (to slow you down enough to see you fly by).

Miles of smiles,
Ellen