Hi Folks,

I'm home from my 10 day vacation, and it went well way beyond my expectation. I'm thinking I should change from Avatar from the feet you see now, to these:


Things we did and saw were: stayed here:


The thatched huts were in the jungle, where we ate by candle light, and did light hiking (turns out there are collapsable walking sticks, much like ski poles, which I needed and luckily was able to borrow some of the time), bird-watching, and then finally, going to the beach and fishing (one morning gave us enough for 4 dinners), snorkeling, and laying in the hammock.

It all worked well. I was met at the airport by a van with an entire seatful of pillows---they just poured them in, not knowing how many I'd need. And I traveled lying flat, pillowed in, the entire time.

I also found that vacation, (just not kayaking), is good for pain. I felt much improved while away.

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Oh my god, You're alive, thank goodness. I thought the cannibals ate you up.

Seriously, the pics are very interesting and I'm happy you had a good relaxing time. We all need to get away once in a while.

I haven't been away in over 14 years. My turn is coming up.

By the way, Alan is taking Yoga, see my topic on that, you'll go hysterical.

Be well.
Melody

from the 'Gallerie' to 'da beach? What all of 10-15 feet?
As they say in some parts of the Caribbean: 'Can you Stahnd IT?' Think so.

Soo glad you are back, in one piece and probably w/some sort of tan...winter pallor is so, well, pale.

You know I'm jealous! Did you ever complain about it being too hot?

Great thoughts for sure! - j

Welcome back, and thanks for the alluring pictures. I'm glad you finally found some relief.

I am so glad they helped you Liza,

I must admit I had a bit of trepidation as to how, with what's been going on with you lately, the trip would treat you. It's good to hear you've returned improved from when you left. Let's hope it stays that way.

Post more pictures!

Yeah, we want to see you doing the hula in the thatched huts!!!!

mel

I've already greeted you on another thread, but just to add my welcome to the group..Lordy Girl, I'm so glad to hear from you!!! And that they didn't bring you home on a stretcher. I have to admit even tho I encouraged you to go, I was scared to death for you. It relieves me tremendously that you are home o.k. And thanks for the picture of the magnet placement. I had no clue of how to do this and now I'm going to try.

Love and hugs,
Billye

Having this 10 day vacation was a marvel to me. It's been several years since I've been well enough to travel, and even this one looked pretty if-fy for a while. Before I went I had a maximum of pain treatments: the facet blocks, acupuncture, and feldenkrais. I emailed the places I was staying, as well as the travel agent who booked me, and told them I was unable to sit in a car. I used frequent flier miles which I'd earned by charging everything (clearly, I didn't earn them flying!) to upgrade to business or first class for myself. (not the kids).

As soon as we landed, we were greeted by a guy driving a large van. The first benchlike seat in it, behind him, was covered, and I mean COVERED, with pillows! They didn't know how many pillows I'd need to be comfortable, or what kind, so they just threw everything they had into the van. For each excursion we took, I traveled lying in the van.

There were mayan ruins to visit, rivers to canoe, caves to explore for archaeological remnants of mayan culture, birds to watch, and other sports like things like zip line tours of the canopy, tubing, etc. I "hiked" on the grounds of the lodge, which was enough for me. My shoes did not grip enough in the mud, and I'm not sure that any shoe could have done better. I slid and once fell, but I walked with a guide, and when he saw my difficulty, he held my hand. It was a short "hike" of about a mile, but slippery. I think the best shoes would have been my rubber beach shoes which can grip, but I didn't know this then.

For bird-watching I was with the guide, again, and an older couple (mid 70s).
The woman had had a spinal cyst herself! She'd gone to Mayo to have it removed, and didn't require as much reconstruction as I did, as they were able to get to the cyst without laminectomy. But she and her husband had lightweight collapsable walking sticks, and lent me an extra. I am going to get one of these. They make just a walk in the park safer.

And I had almost no pain at all until the 9th night of the trip. My butt didn't hurt, my back didn't hurt, and I was amazed. The 9th night we did a night dive, snorkeling in the blackness of night with flashlights, to see the nocturnal fish. At that point my back began to hurt and I couldn't kick. The guide pulled me. Towed me along. But it was too late---that was my first re-appearnace of pain. And the last day there we took out kayaks. We were in a kayak for three, both kids and me, so I wouldn't have to row. But I picked up a paddle and gave a whack, mainly for the photo op. One stroke and I felt the screws pull out, and pain returned.

But I've now learned that if I live healthy, and don't spend my days sitting, I am in way less pain, almost none, as long as I don't do anything totally dumb. Like pretend I can kayak.

People were great about the whole thing. Just letting people know in advance that I had a back issue was the most helpful thing of all. There are lots of people travelling with "issues", and there are travel agents and guides used to dealing with their "issues".

The rainforest was magnifcent, and the snorkeling and fishing were magnificent. Two hours of fishing gave us 4 dinners!

And now, back to work....

My wife and I use TWO lightweight collapsable walking sticks on hikes or long walks where there are steep uphills, downhills, stream crossing, rock hopping, or wherever we anticipate possible fatigue, poor footing, or dangerous animals. They're indispensible for nudging rattlesnakes off the trail, or making yourself look (and be) menacing for cougars in the wilderness (both are real possibilities in the backcountry of Southern California) or to discourage dogs in the city.

Using two sticks allows equal stress relief on both legs and equal exercise and development for both sides of the upper body.

This is to show what ours look like: http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH
We got REI brand at 1/2 price on sale. That's a recommendation, but there are many other good brands, and many are less expensive. In good trekking poles look for strong and sturdy, quiet, easy to use, lightweight, and adjustable. Most come with carbide tips, but take removable rubber tips for concrete, and snow baskets for winter. They should last a lifetime of walking.