Hey Mountain_Paddler, the guy who introduced me to the QP is 71 as well.  He and I have been tripping in Canada each year for the last 20 years, and we will be going again this year on a 10 day trip this year, looping through the northern part of the QP.  I hope to be able to be doing this, and still have the "fire in my belly" when I'm your and his age.  YOU two inspire ME!!

prouboy

I'm 71, and after a lot of backpacking had to give it up (weak disk, muscles not as strong, not as much endurance).  But last year my sons took me on a Q trip for a week. And now, inspired by a trip report thread going on at the same time (Thread started by Solus, "October 2010 solo" or something close to that title) I'm thinking of a fall solo this year, if I can hold onto some vacation time from work (paddling some western canyons also beckons).  Anyhow, I can state definitively, you are not yet a senior paddler.  No law against a youngster like you using some wisdom about where you place that foot of yours on a portage and how much you carry.  Congrats on your recovery; you and the others here inspire me.

solotripper wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2012 at 10:57pm:


Well put S_T!


prouboy

Quote:


Or maybe expediting it

Mk631 wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2012 at 9:15pm:


Hey Tom, at risk diverging this thread to another topic, your phrase quoted above makes me think how my internal thoughts about the QP have caused me to be extremely cautious when it comes to alcohol and driving.  It's to the point that I won't drive if I have more than 1 drink.  It's just not worth jeopardizing entry into god's country. 

prouboy

Dang, that is a nasty scar!  I'm glad to hear you're back in the game & planning trips.  I'm very aware of my internal mental use of future trips as motivation to stay in shape...or at least not too out of shape.   

Good luck this year & we'll look forward to trip reports!

-Tom

My scars from my ankle surgery have little to no feeling in the actual scar area.  One was 5 years ago and the other was 2 years ago.

Interesting that you lack feeling on part of your ankle.  The top outside portion of my foot is still numb, and the surgeon seemed surprised when I told her.  I think the initial cast was too tight and may have caused some damage, but there might also have been some nerve damage during the surgery.  She said it will take a long time, but the feeling should come back.  Hmm, your surgery was 20+ years ago?  I wasn't thinking THAT long!

prouboy

Don't worry too much about acting younger than your body...your body will win, and tell you so when the time is right...like yesterday....

Impressive scar!  I have one like that a little to the side when I tore my peroneal tendon about 30 years ago in college, first trying to mimic an all-pro cornerback and then stupidly trying to impress a cute girl as an all-Amernican point guard....still feels weird to rub the area and feel...well...nothing...

But at least I can still paddle and portage and catch some fish....

ST -- well stated! 

I look forward to once again, sitting under a tarp, next to a fire, coffee in hand, looking out. 

prouboy