Back aboard!

View of the Atlantic approaching Pink Beach after our return

Karyn testing the Atlantic waters on Pink Beach 

at Harbour Island -- it was a tad chilly!

Yes, we are back in the islands, and back aboard Equinox! Despite mixed emotions at parting with Ally, schedules all worked out, as Ally is happily spending time with friends Kim and Al for a bit before heading back to school. We flew out on Thursday afternoon -- Ally dropped us off at the airport, spent some time at the beach, then returned to the airport to pick up Kim and Al, so it all worked out quite well, serendipitously! Our flight was uneventful and short, with nary a hitch. We took a ferry back to Harbour Island from North Eleuthera Airport and within a half hour, were reunited with Equinox once again! Everyone at Romora Bay was so sweet, happy to see us back, pleased and relieved that I'm doing so well. It's a bit embarrassing to have to rehash the story yet again, but...hey! Life is about all the stories you can tell, right?? After a sunshine-filled walk to the beach and back, Karyn enjoyed a much-needed nap (an essential thing during her recovery) aboard the boat. In the evening, we were delighted to see CJ again, one of the great bartenders at Sunset Bar and Grille here at Romora Bay, where we had a light dinner while listening to the Brilanders play. It's truly lovely -- and so appreciated -- to be back! 

Friday was bright and sunny, with light winds out of the south -- fabulous! We were actually quite busy today, as first on the agenda was a bicycle ride to the Piggly Wiggly for fresh vegetables, dairy items and bread. (And yes, I wore my helmet -- one cracked skull is enough for a lifetime!) We returned to the boat to stow and stock the refrigerator before taking Tingum, our dive tender, out for a spin to check things out and get the engines running. Batteries were, um, a tad recalcitrant as the battery switch was left on, unfortunately, but a portable power shot fired them up and the batteries then recharged as we cruised out to the Devil's Backbone and back. It was choppier than we expected, but we were just out to see how my head fared underway and how my sea legs were. So far, so good, although we were careful not to go pounding through any rough waves.

Ron rinsing down Tingum after our cruise 

Once back on land, with the tender cleaned, we took yet another bike ride back into Dunmore Town for a late lunch. We meandered a bit, not pushing things, and found our way to the Rock House for lunch. If you are not aware of the Rock House, it's a high-end luxury resort with gorgeous views of the town harbor to the west and a lovely al fresco dining area, alongside a gorgeous courtyard pool with private cabanas to the east. We'd heard it was the place to go amongst the rich and famous, (clearly, we don't fit either category) so of course, when we walked in, there was no one there. Yet, it was such a beautiful day, it was irresistible. We sat poolside and had a great lunch! 

 

View of the pool  and cabanas from the alfresco dining area

To the west, the harbor, as seen from the dining room

The late afternoon was, as usual, nap time for Karyn, before a quiet evening aboard. It felt great to simply just be here, and appreciate the sunshine as the sun set over the mainland of Eleuthera to the west.

Welcome back aboard, indeed!

Back to the Islands!

Well, Karyn received good news in her follow-up appointment with the neurologist this past week!! Her recovery is progressing well and she's feeling better every day, although naps are still vital to her energy levels. Nevertheless, hearing it from the doctor was reassuring, and he spent a good bit of time going over the most recent CT scan. He pointed out areas where the scan showed significant healing of the skull fracture, and how things are healing nicely. While Karyn still has to take it easy for the next month or so, she can now begin resuming normal activities within reason, and, best of all, she was cleared for travel back to Equinox! 

The last few days were spent trying to get Ally back to Maryland in time for school and Model UN. Unfortunately, with yet another huge record snowstorm hitting the Mid-Atlantic region, BWI, Dulles and Reagan airports closed. Rebooking a flight was a moving target, as the few available flights back to Baltimore we'd rebooked kept getting cancelled. Trying to get through to the airlines each time to rebook was no easy task but we persevered, tediously waiting on hold (along with all the other travelers who were snow-bound) until we managed to get through and secure a flight for Ally, for Sunday. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best we could do with the limited number of flights available....there's just no arguing with Mother Nature!! The airlines did the best they could, considering the weather conditions, and the region is still digging out from under the immense piles of snow received.

As for us...we had to rearrange some flights for ourselves, having made our unscheduled return to the States earlier in the month. We'd tentatively booked a fight back to Eleuthera for Thursday, thinking that Ally would be back to school by then, although we were waiting on the doctor for the final word on travel. Then, with the snowy northern weather, things were ... flexible, shall we say? After a lot of discussion, it was decided that Ally would stay and visit with friends until her Sunday flight, and we would fly out as scheduled. Yep...going back to the islands!!

Mid-winter...break?

No, Mother Nature is not giving anyone much of a winter break, with the record snowfalls in the Baltimore-Washington area anywhere from 24" to 31", along with near-blizzard conditions. There were notices calling for "extremely hazardous" winter weather conditions throughout the state, and most folks were snowbound for more than a day. Brutal winter continues!

But...while Mother Nature is not cooperating, Ally's school, Oldfields, IS having its "Mid-Winter Break", a welcome two-day vacation following the first weekend in February. Worried about air travel with the huge winter storm approaching the east coast, Karyn and Ron rescheduled Ally's flight plans early Thursday morning, and got her booked on the only available earlier flight out of Maryland, which was that same afternoon. Whew!! Thus, on Friday as the snow blanketed Maryland and rest of the mid-Atlantic states, we were more than relieved that we changed Ally's flight, as most flights out of BWI were cancelled that afternoon. (Ally's original flight was Friday at 5:55 p.m...and was cancelled. If we hadn't changed her flight, we wouldn't have seen her this weekend.) We are feeling SO lucky!! Ally's here and we're together -- in warmer Florida weather -- so we're thrilled, as it's been over a month since we've seen her. We're having a nice time together!

Karyn continues to improve, and is getting her stamina back bit by bit. She's scheduled to go back to the neurologist next week, and we'll see if she gets clearance to head back to Equinox with Ron for further rest and recuperation after Ally flies back to school. Keep those well-wishes coming -- they're working wonders!

Ups and Downs, Flowers and Well-wishes

Well, clearly recuperation is never a straight path, is it? Karyn is doing well for the most part, but there are good days and bad days, as with everything. She had a great visit with Sandra, Ron enjoyed a short break down in the Keys, but here we are, back to the reality and tedium of Karyn needing a LOT of rest in between her moments of feeling fairly strong. She's had very limited time on the computer or phone (doctor's orders) but hopes to get back on-line more consistently soon. On the downside, there are still a couple hurdles to overcome, but hopefully time will assist with doing so, and thus, we're proceeding with optimism. 

Just a few of the flowers that have arrived...

amazingly beautiful, all!

On the upside, the huge outpouring of support and concern since Karyn's accident has been just incredible. So many, many folks have phoned, sent get-well wishes, have e-mailed, and/or sent flowers or little gifts, that it's truly humbling. We've heard from people from all walks of life, from all over the country: family, friends, neighbors, the dear folks at Kadey-Krogen, and so many, many others in the boating community, from boatyard owners to fellow cruisers. Every single message and phone call has been deeply appreciated -- we can't express our thanks enough, or express how much they've meant to us!! While most folks understood the severity of her accident right away, we both realize now how very lucky Karyn is to have come away so lightly from such an accident...as was said before, it definitely wasn't a laughing matter! Being optimists though, humor now has a place, taken along with a huge dose of gratitude! Gotta laugh, gonna heal!! Again, thanks to you all!!

Progress, progress, progress

...on the home front! Happily, while Karyn's been recuperating with Sandra at the condo, Ron is enjoying a bit of a well-deserved break after the intensive medical immersion of the past couple of weeks. Ron is down in the Keys, visiting aboard with some cruiser friends in Marathon -- even sparking a road trip to Key West with them, as our friends hadn't been there before. Sounds like Duvall Street delivered a bit of drink and apparently, a new tattoo for one of their crew, although Ron managed to escape unscathed himself! The drive down brought back lots of memories for Ron; he's been going there for so long, for so many years, that he really enjoyed his time there.

Karyn's been improving, slowly but steadily. The fatigue is less every day, and headaches are nearly non-existent with the help of Tylenol during the day. It's only been two weeks, so we're thinking it's a good thing that things seem so normal! Lots of follow-up scans and appointments loom on the horizon, but so far, neurological issues seem to be mostly theoretical, as there's been no blasting headaches, no unusual forgetfulness, no amnesia of recent events, no speech deficits. Of course, "normal" is a matter of perspective -- who's to say what's "normal", after all?? But combining lots of rest, naps and caution along with daily walks and exercise to increase stamina all seem to be helping out. No rushing things!

In the meantime, Karyn has been gaining strength enough to show Sandra a bit of Jensen Beach or Stuart each day, either by car or by foot. They've really enjoyed each other's company, whether hanging at the condo, or at the pool in the sunshine...all good! We went out to lunch at Mulligan's yesterday, as Karyn had to introduce Sandra to their signature Mahi-Mahi Rueben, which is delicious! We walked through the little galleries and art shops along Jensen Beach Boulevard before returning to the condo for more rest and recuperation...all in a day's work, so to speak!

Other than that...we'll end with a moment for a safety broadcast! As is common on islands in the Caribbean, on many of the small Out-Islands of the Bahamas, golf carts and small scooters are typically used as vehicles. Many island roads and terrain can't accommodate vehicles much larger, let alone regular-sized cars or trucks. High-end resorts and gated communities alike use golf carts as transportation, and unfortunately, in many cases, golf cart accidents result in disabilities and/or fatalities. I made a lame attempt at humor regarding my accident (trying to diffuse the concern and worry among my family and friends) but now know I am truly one of the lucky ones to have come away from the accident without severe repercussions. This is fromThe New York Times, in June 2008:

"...The June issue of The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that injuries from being hit by or falling off of golf carts surged 132 percent from 1990 to 2006. Nearly 150,000 people, ranging in age from 2 months to 96 years, were hurt in golf cart accidents during that time.

One reason may be that golf carts have become much faster and more powerful. Reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and traveling as far as 40 miles on a single battery charge, golf carts now offer quick travel in a variety of venues. They are now routinely used at sporting events, hospitals, airports, national parks, college campuses, businesses and military bases, the study authors noted. In some gated and retirement communities, golf carts have become the primary means of transportation.

But golf carts typically aren’t subject to federal regulations, and users often don’t even need a driver’s license to operate one. They don’t have seat belts or stability mechanisms, and a common injury involves people falling off, particularly from the back. In 1990 there were an estimated 5,772 golf cart injuries, but in 2006 that number had surged to 13,411. About 70 percent occurred at a sports or recreational facility. About 15 percent of injuries happened on the street, and those injuries were most likely to result in concussions and hospitalization. Another 15 percent occurred around homes or on a farm.

Nearly one-third of injuries involved children. About half of the injuries were related to falling or jumping from a golf cart or the cart overturning. Children were at highest risk for falls, and a fall was twice as likely to cause a head or neck injury.

Rear-facing golf seats, in particular, pose a high risk for falls. One study showed that golf carts traveling as slow as 11 m.p.h. can easily eject a passenger during a turn. Another problem is that golf carts don’t have brakes on all four wheels. Rear-wheel brakes can cause carts to fishtail and the driver to lose control, particularly on hilly terrain."

Yes, Karyn can confirm that about the ejection from the rear-facing seats -- and at slower speeds than 11 mph. So, if you use a golf cart: get in, sit down, be aware and above all: BE CAREFUL!! But enough of the pontificating: hugs to you all, as usual!!

On the road to recovery

While the original focus of this blog was supposed to be the boat, for the moment, guess it's gonna be Karyn, her recovery and getting back to cruising aboard the boat as soon as we're healthy. That's the "Royal We" of course; Ron is fine and dandy, although totally ready to chew his arm off, in a desperate attempt to escape from the imposed inactivity and the demands of keeping an eye on Karyn now that she's out of the hospital. For a guy who's used to being outside, active and busy doing stuff either in the water or aboard Equinox, the past two weeks of hospital tedium, imposed quiet and rest (aka lethargy) have taken its toll. I mean, between downloading songs to his computer and iPhone, Ron keeps walking around the Florida condo, rearranging the decor, for pity's sake!! The man needs a break!!

So, thankfully, Karyn's stepmom Sandra will be visiting for the next few days, helping out to ensure Karyn doesn't over-do it. (I admit, it's been hard to take it slow and rest when I get excited by the improvements of feeling energy, strength and lucidity!) But more importantly, Ron will take a few days off, head down to the Keys to visit some cruising friends aboard their boats, get a bit of R&R, enjoy guy time, and get some time off from the pressures of being 'Ron the Voice of Reason': "How are you feeling? Why don't you rest?". Truly, everyone benefits!

At the risk of really being boring, we're including an update for those that are concerned: Karyn is doing better every day, and a full recovery is anticipated. I won't dwell on the graphic or banal (discussions of bodily functions NOT permitted) but things are progressing pretty well. The biggest factor has been getting my stamina back; I'll admit I was truly surprised by the fatigue from simply being upright! (Didn't expect that, always having been fairly strong and healthy for the most part....such things we take for granted!) Every day I'm up a little longer and have been delighted to get outside walking -- talk about decadence!! Sunshine on bare skin with palm trees beside you...Yess!! Plus, the old noggin/head actually has been doing quite well, as I'm trying to be careful and take things slowly for the most part. I try not to exacerbate any headache or neck tension...just not going to rush things, and so I am appreciating the progress as it happens, certainly.

BUT...frankly...I think the rest of my body must have hit the ground just as hard as my head, because I can't believe how stiff and sore my pelvis, upper back or hips are at times!! (What's with that?? UGH!!) Clearly, strong mid-western bones, good genes and dumb luck helped with my being able to absorb the fall, but I am quite ready to stop feeling like a delicate egg shell now! Enough with the silly aches and pains, you know? Again, just a matter of building up stamina, and certainly nothing to complain about, although I just did. (Ouch.) I clearly have a lot of self-improvement to work on, eh? Guess patience will have to become a strong suit, somehow...!

In any event, every day I feel more capable and strong and I'm excited by it. Just keeping in mind: the goal being progress, not perfection!! :)

Sorry for the interruption...

...I'd really like to say that in light of the devastating earthquake and resulting tragedy in Haiti, that the blog took a hiatus to reflect and send thoughts to the people there during its sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

BUT...in an untimely and unfortunate accident....the reality is that Karyn herself took a hiatus by inadvertently taking a tumble from a moving golf cart and knocking herself unconscious. Through Ron's utterly amazing Rescue-Ranger-coordination of land-, sea-, and air-ambulance, Karyn was evacuated to Doctor's Hospital in Nassau. (Karyn was rather bummed she had NO recollection of that King Air flight, but probably for the best, since the focus was and is on recovery...) The care of all the nurses, doctors and assorted medical staff was incredibly appreciated; everyone was so caring and focused during a very scary time. Currently, Equinox remains safely ensconced at Romora Bay Resort Marina....a fortunate thing that we took the slip for the month, after all!

It's been a long 8-10 days spent in Nassau, as Karyn's been in recovery from the basilar skull fracture, concussion, cerebral contusions and subdural hematoma suffered from the fall. Definitely NOT anything to chuckle about, even remotely, as Ron worked to get Karyn back to the States for continuing care. Ron received amazing help from his former colleagues and friends at The Brain and Spine Institute at LifeBridgeHealth in Baltimore, getting critical information from top neurologists and other specialists. So many folks were wonderfully willing and generous with their time, deciphering the CT and MRI scans and passing on medical information to ensure that travel wasn't a hazard. Ron got Karyn back to Florida on Thursday, and after a reassuringly complete and quality examination at Martin Memorial, she is resting quietly at the Jensen Beach condo.

An image of Karyn's skull from one of the numerous scans...this one shows the

swelling from impact, I think. Glad to see there's evidence that I'm not empty-headed after all.

While Karyn and Ron take a couple weeks in FL to recover, our thanks go out to everyone who gave us prayers and passing thoughts! Truly, there are NO words to express our gratitude to all who helped out, both in the Bahamas and Stateside, during this time. Life is incredibly precious; it only takes one small miscue, misstep, or mistake to reveal how fortunate we all are to have one another. Thank you all, everyone.

And so...the blog will continue, as Karyn's prognosis is good: with rest and recuperation, all systems should be go once again in a few weeks, and we will return to our travels aboard Equinox. But in the meantime: Ron is the hero!! :)