I went off the anti-inflammatory pills last Sunday and by Wednesday was noticeably limping again - so back on the pills.  I went to physio-therapy three times last week and am scheduled to go again this week three times.  I  walked 5 days last week including today when I walked with the Hiking Club for the first time since hurting my knee.  It was a very beautiful day here today, about 14C and very sunny.  That being said, there were only five hikers out today.  I suspect it might have been that we just finished having 24 hours of rain and some folks may have thought we were doing trails today, but it was all on a paved path.  I took a few pictures which I will post below.

Things are looking up!

My knee feels much better, although still by no means back to normal.  I have been going on shorter, 5 mile walks that are on flat surfaces.  I have had three physio treatments so far with three more scheduled for this coming week.  The physiotherapist says that the more walking I do, the better it is for my knee.  I am hestitate though as the knee is sore when I am walking.  Tomorrow will be the first day that I am going back off of the anti-inflamitories again.  I want to see what the knee will be like without them.  Hopefully by next Sunday I will be able to tell you that the knee is all better :)

On a happier note, I think I have finally found the perfect sleeping back for me.  It weighs less than 2 lbs, is big enough for my big body, and provides more privacy that the sleeping sack which I pictured in a previous blog.  We will see.  I think it is about the 4th or 5th bag I have bought now.  Still trying to figure out how to deal with rain.  Poncho, rain jacket, umbrella, all three, or maybe nothing.  I am sure a rain on a 30C day would feel good.

MEC Caravan Sleeping Bag +10C Weight: 1.18kg (Long) This generously cut bag provides plenty of room, even if you’re a large or lively sleeper. The roomy foot section permits your feet to find a relaxed position without fighting the bag or crushing the insulation. A full length zip lets you convert it to a comforter on warm nights. For all its luxury, the Caravan still comes in at a reasonable weight and packed size. Shell is polyester. Lining is nylon. Insulated with Hyperloft Eco, with 50% recycled content. Offset-quilt construction to prevent cold spots at the stitching lines. Drawcord with single-point adjustment. Roll top stuff sack included.

Doctor

 I did not walk until Wednesday and then tried 5 kms at work.  Every step was painful and the knee was very sore that night.  But I wanted to try it out as I had a doctor's appointment the next morning.

The doctor said that the pain was coming from swelling in the knee.  She prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and said to continue walking but maybe not so far and to walk on flat surfaces for now.

I asked her about going to physio-therapy and she said that I could if I wanted.  So my first physio-therapy session was Friday.  They hooked my knee up to a machine that sent electric current through it for 20 minutes which made it really tingle.  I do not think it made any difference to the knee, but it was only the first session.  I will be going there again next week.

I walked 5 kms on Saturday on the flat roads around my house.  Every step had a bit of pain with it, but manageable.  Maybe this is something that you just have to work through?  My biggest concern was continuing walking and making the knee worst but neither the doctor or physiotherapist seem to think it will.  On Sunday I walked another 5 kms and although there still pain, I think it was a bit better.

We will see what next week brings :)

Seinfelt Episode - Much To Do About Nothing

By Monday, my knee was so sore I could barely put weight on it.  So I shut down all of my training - completely.  All week I worked through my lunches like I did for too many years instead of going for noon hour walks.  I was completely lost with myself this weekend missing the 3+ hour Saturday hike and today's 1.5 hour club hike.  I was so bored that today I went out into the backyard and picked up sticks from a recent windstorm.

So I apologize but this blog entry is much to do about nothing - like a Jerry Seinfelt episode.  I have no hiking stories to report.  Instead I thought I would list some of my hiking gear that I have gathered so far. See below.

Beach Towel that folds very small

A sleeping bag that is smaller than a baseball

My backpack with crests

Still experimenting with different socks

Passport or 'credential'

I wish this was me in the picture

Headlamps for seeing in the dark

These shoes are so comfortable - may take them instead of hiking boots