always the left leg...

Greeter Falls, Beersheba Springs,TN

2009-10-25T21:43:00.000-04:00

This afternoon we decided to make the most of the Fall colours and get outside. We drove to near Beersheba Springs where we went on a few short hikes in the Savage Gulf State Nature Area. We went to the Stone Door and Big Creek Gulf as well as Greeter Falls. All were very easy trails with great views. The leaves on the trees where all sorts of beautiful colours which provided for some great photos at the overlooks. We also got to play around with setting on the camera at several waterfalls along the trails. A fun Autumn afternoon at some new places!

Little Rock City (Stonefort), Chattanooga, TN

2009-10-24T23:13:00.001-04:00

This morning "bright" and early we headed out bouldering. It was raining when we woke up and headed out but the forecast gave us hope. We went to Little Rock City which is in Chattanooga up on Mobray Mountain. (We are lucky to have LRC as the land was being developed and the Southeastern Climbers Coalition played a huge role in saving the boulders that remain today from being blasted and destroyed.) After being in the rain for about 45min and hiding under overhangs, the rained stopped and it turned into a rather nice day. I mostly watched and took photos as I am still on the injured list - not for my ankle - it is doing very well! I have Synovitis in my hands! It's frustrating. I've had 4 steroid injections so far and they seem to be getting better but the Synovial shealth is supposed to be pretty slow to heal. It's sooo hard not to "stress" them because I really want to do things all the time! Hopefully I will be back on the rock soon!

Algonquin Park, Ontario

2009-09-04T12:11:00.000-04:00

Overlook of Looking Glass Rock, Pisgah National Forest, NC

2009-07-20T09:41:00.001-04:00

This was just one of the amazing views that we saw as we drove from Looking Glass Rock (which you can see here far off in the background) to Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive is very scenic with beautiful views, lucious green forests, lots of winding roads and tunnels.

Top of White Side Mountain, Nantahala National Forest, NC

2009-07-18T21:35:00.001-04:00

Today we did the Original Route on White Side Mountain. It's a pretty scary route. The mountain is 700 feet tall but the route traverses so much that it is approximately 1000 feet of climbing. The routes are very run-out and many spots/pitches don't take much gear if any. The route is rated 5.11a (or 5.10c A1 if you aid through the bolted cruxes) and is known as the place with the "biggest, longest, wildest, run out routes in the south" and it's often referred to as "the land of hard men who seek difficult and dangerous climbing". Of course my head might have been in a different place had I know all this BEFORE climbing it! I'm just glad Matthew lead it all. All I had to do is clean the very few pieces of gear on the route as I followed him up and watch I didn't pendulum to my death on some of the scary traverses!

Ocoee River, Polk County, TN

2009-07-17T20:45:00.004-04:00

The Ocoee River was famous for hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic whitewater slalom events. The events were conducted on a one-mile course that is fed by the release of water from Ocoee Dam #3. There are three dams on the river controlled by TVA. Depending on the time of year and the water flow, sections of the river may be almost completely dry. eight months a year the river draws many tourists to it for White Water Rafting. It has numerous guiding companies lining both sides of the highway just waiting to take out bus loads of adventure seekers to have some fun down the rapids!

Fishing Trip - Algonquin Park, ON

2009-05-10T20:36:00.001-04:00

I have been to Algonquin many times. I love it. When you are canoeing/portaging though you go deep into the lake systems and have to deal with whatever weather you get! Well I must say, of all the times I have camped/hiked/canoed/fished it almost always rains at some point. Nothing quite like this trip though. I have never been SO wet and SO could. It was a great morning - I caught the most fish I have ever caught in 3 hrs in my life - but was it worth getting soaked right through my rain pants and jacket to the skin so that my clothes underneath stuck to my skin completely? Yea... I guess it was!

Little River Canyon, Alabama

2009-03-20T22:25:00.000-04:00

Little River is unique because almost the entire length of it flows on TOP of a mountain! The mountain is called Lookout Mountain. It spans from TN to northeast Alabama which seems crazy! There are all kinds of climbing places including sandstone bluff lines along the canyon, not to mention boulders, swimming holes & pools, waterfalls, and forests! Every time we're out climbing this time of year we have seen kayakers going down the river down below us. This picture shows the other side of the canyon behind me in the distance but unfortunately the river is too far below at the bottom of the canyon to see!

Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness, Dayton TN

2008-11-28T20:49:00.002-05:00

This was taken while we were out for a day of hiking and bouldering at the Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness. It was my first time there - a very beautiful place - but it was cold on the hands! On top of that I don't boulder much any more since I broke my ankle, but it was nice to get outdoors anyway.

Between Manzinillo & Puerto Uva, Costa Rica

2008-10-30T12:00:00.007-04:00

Today Matthew and I tied the knot! We did it at a beautiful lodge called Almonds and Corals on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. A small group of friends and family where there to help us celebrate the day. We got married down on the beach under a palm leaf shelter. It was beautiful despite the rain in the morning! (What can you expect in a rain forest?) I had thought of this photo since we started planning our wedding months ago and wanted to be sure not to forget to sneak it into our wedding day photo shoot!

Maderas Volcano, Ompete, Nicaragua

2008-10-22T12:09:00.004-04:00

Today myself, three other girls hiked up (with a guide)another volcanoe. This one was called Madras Volcanoe on Ometepe Island and had not errupted for over 3000 years so we figured it would be safe! The path was wet to begin with as it had rained solidly all night! (If you have ever been to Central America you might understand their rain - "solidly" I mean almost flooding!) It was still raining a bit when we started the hike and we had to cross a "river" which had developed along the path the night before. Mud was everywhere - including all over us after only a few minutes! The hike took us about 8hrs in total including our breaks. We were wet from the rain and after it stopped we stayed wet drenched in our own seweat due to the over-powering humidity. We were so glad to reach the lake at the top which has formed inside an old crater from the volcano. It was not easy, but we definitely felt like we had accomplished something by the end of the day!

San Juan Crater, Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

2008-10-19T13:51:00.002-04:00

Well this one was a pretty easy hike. More of a walk actually. We were able to drive right into the nature reserve and walk up to a view point to see the large crater and old volcanoes near by. The Masaya Volcano's last eruption was in 2003. After that we walked the ridge between San Jan and San Fernando craters formed long, long ago.

Water Cay, Utila Island, Honduras

2008-10-16T01:23:00.001-04:00

It has rained the last two days and it's pretty hard to do much of anything. The island I was going to (Roatan) had a strike on it and the roads where blocked so instead I went to Utila. To make a long story short, the ferry that regularly goes to Roatan also was being repaired, and instead of the 1 hr ferry to Utila we went on one that took us 3hrs in the storm! Yesterday it rained all day and although I went for a couple walks and got thoroughly drenched, the majority of the day was watching movies. So today we were happy to get out and go on a snorkeling boat trip to some islands (cays) around Utila. (Even if the island was covered in trash from the mainland!)

Copan Ruins, Copan, Honduras

2008-10-12T01:16:00.003-04:00

Today we went to the Copan Ruins which are not far from the border of Guatemala in Honduras... it was very interesting and I coudl have spent all day there if it weren't for the humidity! (But then again I love that kind of stuff!) Here I am in what used to be a head/mouth of a snake. You can see the bottom jaw and teeth. It was a great day overall even though it was pretty hot and sticky.

Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala

2008-10-10T22:01:00.001-04:00

Today I walked up to the Cerro de la Cruz a hill that overlooks the city of Antigua. It had been raining most of the morning, but luckily when I got to the top it cleared a little and I was able to sit and enjoy the view for a while. What a beautiful old colonial city!

Placaya Volcano, near Antigua Guatemala

2008-10-08T21:38:00.004-04:00

Today I went up Placaya Volcano. It was quite an interesting experience to say the least. When we got to the top the guide actually let everyone roam around where ever they liked on the lava. Parts of it were glowing red and there was heat coming from under our feet. People actually melted their shoes and one family brought marshmallows along with them so we roasted them on the hot spots. Only in Guatemala!

Mixco Viejo, near Pachalum, Guatemala

2008-08-31T13:41:00.001-04:00

This is near the town of Pachalum where I am volunteering. We took a picnic lunch and a bunch of us piled into the back of a pick up truck and drove to spend the day here. A small but beautiful Mayan historical site.

Panajachel, Guatemala

2008-08-28T13:47:00.002-04:00

This was taken while I was in Panajachel for a 3 day meeting or conference with the Municiple Office I am volunteering for in Guatemala.
What a beautiful place. Behind me one of these volcanoes is still active! What a beautiful place if you can see things through the clouds!

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

2008-08-08T19:32:00.007-04:00

It's not easy taking a photo in such a crowded tourist destination. I must say, last time I was in Greece I visited the Acropolis about 5 or 6 years ago it was half covered in scaffolding and being renovated. Well guess what? It still is! It is a bit of a disappointment to say the least but Matthew had never been before and since our flight went through Athens we spend some time in the city so he could see it!

Fragul, near Bunyola, Malloca Spain

2008-07-14T21:04:00.004-04:00

We tried to access one of many famous climbing areas while we were in Mallorca and after driving up many many hairpin turns on what any North American would call a very scary cliff side road back and forth and back and forth we reached a gate saying the road was closed during the months of June, July and August. After talking to some other climbers we met, we found out we were indeed on the right road and we needed to just park here and walk the extra 2.5km up the cliff instead of accessing by the dirt road. (It was more of a path anyway). We went back several days later and did it again this time getting to the climbing area with little trouble. From the top of this point you can see all the way across the island to Palma the main big city on Mallorca.

Formentor, Mallorca, Spain

2008-07-10T12:05:00.005-04:00

After climbing today, we drove all the way to the most northerly tip of the island in our rental car to a place called Formentor. There are several lookouts and places you can pull off and go for short walks over the cliffs that look down into the sea. We noticed over the face of one cliff there were a few routes bolted although climbing in this place is supposed to be strictly prohibited. The views were amazing and I took a lot of photos! It's a place that I'd recommend going to if you're ever on the island!

L´Aigille de Midi, Mont Blanc, France

2008-06-29T18:39:00.001-04:00

This picture was taken from the observation deck at the building they have constructed at L´Aigille de Midi. From here you can see the town of Chaminox below as well as miles and miles in all directions. You can see all the other mountain ranges as well. Beautiful! We happened to run into a climber from near Nashville Tennessee that Matthew has climbed with a couple times. He was in the are for some climbing as well as some higher altitude treking and ice climbing! It really is a small world!

Lac Blu, Aiguillette D´Árgentiere, France

2008-06-28T22:00:00.003-04:00

This was during our big outting (huge hike) from the top of the Flegere down through Argentinere and Tre-le-Champ to take the train back to Chamonix from Montroc. We had to walk through lots of snow that day as we were very high in the mountians but Matthew insisted on wearing his Chacos that day and had to hike (sometimes in ankle deep snow) with bare feet in his sandles!

Lac Blanc, near Mont Blanc, France

2008-06-26T21:58:00.006-04:00

This is me at Lac Blanc near Mont Blanc in France. We went for a short hike and it was surprisingly warm! There was some snow around this lake but the sun was super warm. You can see how clear the glacier water is. Apprenently these lakes in the mountains are not there year round. Sometimes they dry up. What a great day outside even if my ankle is not 100%!

Near Mont Blanc, France

2008-06-26T15:28:00.003-04:00

This is Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in this area) behind me in the background. It was a truly magical feeling hiking around these snow covered mountains. It really makes one feel very insignificant and small!

Les Gaillands, Chaminox, France

2008-06-25T15:23:00.002-04:00

This was a picture taken at some ruins at Les Gaillands just outside of Chaminox. The climbing place there was so manicured and it was a real family affair. It was just like families go to the park! It was a park! Parking lot and everything right in front of it.

Buckingham Palace, London, England, UK

2008-06-22T15:19:00.003-04:00

I have been to London a few times, so for me this was nothing new. It was new and exciting to be with Matthew who was seeing it all for the first time. Since I have no leftleg photos of it, we managed to snap this one right in front of one of Buskingham Palace´s gates just before we dropped in and said "hey" to Lizzy!

White's Bluff, Bruce Pennisula, ON

2008-05-19T11:41:00.003-04:00

After one of my friend's car broke down we thought we might not be going on our long weekend climbing trip to Lion's Head. We ended up borrowing a car, but the weather looked horrible. We still went with the plan to at least visit with friends and maybe if we were looking get some climbing in! Were we ever glad we did! We drove the 3.5 hrs to Lion's head leaving home at 6am! It rained almost the entire duration of the drive! As soon as we got to Lion's Head however, it stopped and the sun came out. It ended up being a beautiful day and we climbed at White's in the morning thinking it might rain again, by afternoon when it was still beautiful we went to the beach and had lunch and then headed to Lion's Head to rappel down and do some climbs. It was way windier on that side, but it always is! We had a great day followed by dinner and drinks at the pub and the weather totally surprised us!

Lake Bonnechere, Algonquin Park, ON

2008-05-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

Last year I was planning on joining family for the annual canoe/fishing trip to Algonquin Park. I unfortunately did not get to go due to my broken ankle... so this year I figured I better take advantage of the opportunity even though my ankle is still not back to normal. I don't know when I will be getting back up to that area! It was a great 4 day trip with a few fairly easy portages compared to other trips I have done. I was glad though -my ankle was pretty much pushed to it's limits. I didn't catch many fish compared to everyone else (just 1) but that's OK. I don't really believe in tormenting the little guys anyhow. The weather was pretty good with on ly a little rain and I had a great time being outdoors again!

Leaving Kraft Mountain, Red Rocks, Nevada

2008-04-12T22:10:00.002-04:00

After climbing at Sunny and Steep and checking out a few of the other walls the sun was starting to go down and we figured it was time to head back. It was a nice walk back and one of my favorite climbing/hiking areas during the little over a week we were at Red Rocks. The rocks are so pretty. We saw few people there since it is a hike in unlike some of the pull-offs on the scenic drive loop where you can see the walls from teh parking lot.

Hiking in the Calico Basin, Nevada

2008-04-11T17:53:00.002-04:00

The Calico Basin can be accessed by hiking from the Scenic Loop Drive, but there is another road that leads you more directly to it. In this area the rocks show some of the best mixtures of colours. It's quite fascinating. The rock is supposed to be over 600 million years old and was once on the bottom of a deep ocean basin. Over time the land and water levels changed and deposited different types of ocean and continental sediments resulting in the limestone that you can see today. About 180 years ago, a bunch of sand came along and a giant sand dune was formed. The weight of the many layers compressed and formed the sandstone that you see today. Basically, some of that sand has eroded to make different shapes the iron-bearing minerals in the sandstone was exposed to the elements causing oxidation. This is why you can see the grey limestone as well as many layers of red, orange and tan colored rocks today. Fascinating stuff!

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

2008-04-10T16:33:00.004-04:00

I took a little day trip from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon which is in Arizona. They say about 90% of the visitors to the Grand Canyon see it from here. It is a touristy place, but I did not have time to do any of the hikes or visit from the many other places in the National Park. The area.s average height is around 7000 feet or 2134 metres above sea level. It can be very windy - and it was the day I went there . Even thought it was a beautiful bright sunny day, the temperatures were much much colder than Las Vegas. There was even some snow on some of the sides of the cliffs! It is a spectacular place though, and somewhere everyone should visit if they can. It really puts how insignificant and small we are into perspective!

Hiking to First Creek Canyon, Red Rocks, Nevada

2008-04-08T18:39:00.005-04:00

This was taken on the way to First Creek Canyon where we did the trad multi-pitch climb Lotta Balls, 5.8. The approach is an easy hike from the parking lot for around 1 hour and then a bit of an uphill scramble to reach the start of the climb. I found the scrambling to be harder than the climbing for my ankle! The climb was fun with some flake and crack sections that were a bit hard to jam my feet into because I still cannot turn my ankle sideways, but I survived. There is also one section where you are hanging onto small little balls about the size of quarters that protrude out from the rock face. They are one of the strangest rock features I have ever seen! It was a mixed back of climbing styles, nothing strenuous - just a Lotta Balls and a lot of fun!

Kraft Boulders, near Las Vegas, Nevada

2008-04-06T20:13:00.001-04:00

The Kraft Boulders are just in front of Kraft Mountian. They might not look like much to other people, but to a climber... it certainly is an amazing place! We walked around for a while and Matthew found a few boulder problems that were in some of his climbing videos which he had to try. I still can't boulder much but Matthew was in heaven!

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville TN

2008-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

My flight on this visit departed out of Nashville. Since I had never been before Matthew took me to see some sights in Nashville before I had to go to the airport. This is in the middle of Gaylord Opryland Hotel in one of the gazebos. You could get lost in this place if you wanted to or had time to. I didn't want to miss my flight so I kept close tabs on the time and on where we were going so that we could get back in time. We had fun and enjoyed all the decorations still up for the holiday season (despite the $16.00 parking fee!!).

Foster Falls, Chattanooga TN

2007-12-31T15:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Matthew and I went climbing at a special place where he has done some development and bolting. Just the two of us went. After the approach in, we headed down a different path that I remembered from when he took me there once before. I was asking where we were going and why we where going that way etc. etc. etc. until he stopped and after fiddling with something in his coat he turned to face me and got down on one knee. He proposed on top of the cliff at an over-look. It was beautiful. I said yes. We climbed the rest of the day and then went home to tell his family and call my parents. Although I have only ever posted pictures of me in the past, I think he earned this one! This was the following day at Foster Falls before we drove to Jackson, TN. We shared the day with some people we met who were visiting from Quebec and Matthew's good friend Jason.

Upper Leeda, Chattanooga, TN

2007-12-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

Matthew and I drove all day yesterday and the night before to get to TN before his sister Rachel had to fly back to L.A. where she lives. Matthew hasn't seen her for around a year and it was my first time meeting her. The three of us and a friend of Matthew's went out to enjoy some climbing and hiking today. We had a great time and his sister is really nice. I even lead an easy climb. I'm slowly becoming comfortable again as long as I am climbing something under my limit. I still get spooked when the climbing gets hard. It's just a big mind game for me right now.

Sandrock, Alabama

2007-11-15T23:49:00.000-05:00

This is a very strange place! It's basically a boulder field (some of which are enormously huge and are bolted sport or left to be trad routes). There were a few boulderers there, and a few "climbers" throwing ropes over the top to TR the entire day. The rest where southern rednecks! There was graffiti everywhere, beer cans and garbage everywhere not to mention toilet paper and people "camping" between boulders listening to country music full volume and drinking! Not much of a "trip out into nature"! The bad part - it the parking lot is literally a 5 min walk from the climbs. Cool to see this place - but no need to go back. I would not recommend it for climbers - but maybe for high school rednecks who are looking for a party!

Foster Falls, Chattanooga, Tennessee

2007-11-11T00:28:00.000-05:00

Today we climbed at Foster Falls. It was a pretty day and it was also my birthday! Yeay! I did some leading again which was tough on my ankle, but even tougher on my head! For me right now and for a while this is gogin to be a huge mind game getting back into leading. I still can't jump or run so I can't take any big whippers yet (not that I want to normally either) but especailly now I have to be careful. Hopefully I will be ready to do so soon. It seems the acupuncture is helping!

Disneyland, Bruce Peninsula, ON (the crag not the amusement park)

2007-10-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we climbed at Lion's Head and today we went to Disneyland. A beautiful hike through the leaves which are all coloured and many have already made their migration to the forest floor. The trees are starting to look bare which is normal for late October. The weather however was not - it was beautiful! We ended up rolling up pant legs and taking off many layers - it felt like a summer day! My ankle seems to be getting better - it wasn't hindering my climbing much today. The acupuncture and Active Release Technique must be working! I go back this coming Friday to see the Sports Medicine doctor to see if the x-rays can determine more definitely if there is still a chip of bone floating around my ankle or not! It'll be good to know an answer! Keep your fingers crossed!

Lion's Head, Bruce Peninsula, ON

2007-10-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

It's definitely Autumn. The leaves are falling and the trees are starting to look bare. A friend of mine came with us to Lion's Head this weekend for the first time. She did awsome! On Friday night we met up with a friend and all stayed at another friend's cabin. We tried to sing as the guys played guitar into the wee hours of the morning. Saturday was supposed to be a nice day but the rain showed up! For a while it was almost hard enough to make us leave, but then it cleared just enough to continue to climb and we ended up climbing back up and hiking out in the dark by headlamp. We didn't waste any of the day and my ankle was ok on most climbs. It's getting better! I am starting to think about leading again but I still can't jump on it so it will be a while yet!

Phantasia Wall, RRG, Kentuky, USA

2007-10-09T19:44:00.000-04:00

Red River Gorge is one of my favorite places for endless amounts of quality climbing. We did the 10 hr drive down and back again this long weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving). My ankle is getting better. It's not great - but it's SLOWLY getting better. At least I am able to get out and enjoy myself. The depressing thing can be thinking of how much I would really LIKE to be doing but can't! I AM lucky to be back outside and on the rock though so I AM thankful! I have also been to see a Sports Medicine Dr who has noticed something in my x-rays. He has requested more x-rays (specific views no one has done before) to further investigate and confirm or rule out the bone chip theory!! In the meantime I am seeing a colleague of his twice a week for acupuncture and deep tissue massages. Regardless of if there is a chip of bone (which could mean surgery) breaking down the massive scare tissue that has developed in my ankle is a major concern. It's seven months later and it'll take a lot of work - but I am staying positive about it. I need my ankle back!!

Mt Nemo, Milton, ON

2007-08-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

Got out to do a few climbs yesterday, not to mention a great deal of hiking (both on the top of the crag on the well-maintained easy trails and also along the rocky path at the bottom of the cliff on the rubble of rocks...). It was great exercise for my ankle! It took me ages to do the hiking/scrambling along the bottom but I would say it's equivalent to about 3+ weeks worth of "wobble-board exercises"! I had to go pretty slow and really concentrate and be careful about foot placement. My physio therapist should be impressed! The ankle is getting better and she says it's a pretty fast recovery - faster than most of her patients who have hurt themselves to a lesser degree! Yeay! I'm coming back! Watch out!

White's Bluff, Lion's Head, ON

2007-08-07T18:14:00.000-04:00

The first "unsupported" LeftLeg photo standing on the right leg since March! This past long weekend we went to the Bruce Peninsula. I used one of my hiking poles and managed the approach along the Bruce Trail without too many issues (although slow at times). We had 4 days we were able to visit Lion's Head, White's Bluff and TV Tower Crag. All are very beautiful. My boyfriend did some climbing and I tried top-roping a few of the easier climbs just to see how far I could push my ankle. It was very tired afterwards and I could tell I had used it, (a lot of those muscles haven't returned to normal after 5 months of atrophy), but they ARE getting better every day! We had a great time and I was so happy to [somewhat] be doing the things I enjoy again!

Little Rock City, Tennessee, USA

2007-07-09T19:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Happy Happy! While I was in Tennessee I made it (hobbling) to a few crags and boulder fields! I also got an Orthopaedic Surgeon there to have a look at my ankle and give a second opinion. He mostly agreed with what the notes from my Canadian doctor said but pointed out all the details and any concerns I should have. By the way he read the notes I don't think they were very detailed - but that does not surprise me. The US doctor thinks I should try to gradually use it as much as possible (hence the hobbling to the crags) and that eventually it should heal back to full mobility which he says could take up to a year! He says to not worry about wearing the brace. It was reassuring and he told me a few new things that are serious concerns but the chances are so minimal he says he wouldn't even worry. He took about 5-6 more x-rays and explained what he saw in my bones compared to a "normal" x-ray. He was a great help! Talk about a lesson in patience for me = it's now been 17 weeks!

OBED, Tennessee, USA (waiting for a second opinion!)

2007-07-03T21:57:00.000-04:00

On June 15th after calling the Digital Imaging Dept everyday and annoying the people there; after the hospital losing my first set of paperwork with the referral; after them generating a new set; after then having two contradicting MRI's recommended by the reviewing doctors, etc etc etc... I finally was scheduled for an MRI! To make a long story short I had the type of MRI with the shorter wait time even though another doctor had recommended the second type of scan which meant waiting for an "urgent" MRI scheduled in August. The results although inconclusive were enough to convince my Dr to send my to Physiotherapy so that was good news (I think)! He does not explain anything. Anyway - my Physiotherapist used to work for the National Ballet of Canada and knows her stuff! She seems nice. She has explained more in 15 min than my Dr did in 15 weeks! I was also given permission to "fly" and I came to Chattanooga finally. I have an appointment made to see an Orthopedic Surgeon while I am there. I am sure my Dr has done everything correctly, but after this long and this much confusion I will see this Dr that agreed to see me anyway. It can't hurt!

Toronto, ON - STILLLLLLL!

2007-06-05T18:03:00.000-04:00

I had been patintly waiting for my appointment yesterday to to receive the news from the bone and tissue scans. Well - the Dr. came over to me and asked the same questions as per usual asking me to stand on it and try to walk for him... then he went to my file and noticed I had had a bone scan (that he had ordered!) The scan was cool to look at and seemed normal except for my ankle which was black. I looked from over his shoulder and I managed to read something about the results indicating a hyperthremic area around the R ankle. This basically meant that something more serious might be wrong. The good news is that the rest of my body seemed to be "normal" which indicates it isn't some bone disease or other complication - it appears to be isolated. Still doesn't offer any explanation though... something IS wrong with the ankle so now I am on an "Urgent List" for an MRI. Still no word.... still waiting....

Waiting in Toronto, ON

2007-05-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

I went to the fracture clinic on the 22 May eager to be referred to a Physiotherapist and start the long process of getting my ankle back to working order! Well the Dr. was happy I can weight the ankle and said I can stop wearing the AirCast. He gave me a brace instead and he finally realised that perhaps the healing was taking a irregularly long time and gave me some paper work for bone and tissue scans. I was able to get an appointment on Thursday 24th. Basically they strapped me onto a machine while I was laying down and injected me with some radioactive fluid that disperses through your body and goes into your tissue. The thing you lay on moved and the slide me into the machine from me knees down. The technician told me the fluid only takes 8 secs to get down into my toes and let me watch on the monitors. After that I was told to drink lots and lots and to come back in 2 hrs to have the bone scan. It was similar but I had my entire body scanned. You must remain completely still while you are laying there and a big machine comes down within a few mm of you. So after all those fun and games, now I have to wait for my next appointment to get the results...

Toronto, ON Again!! (but not for much longer...)

2007-05-21T22:06:00.000-04:00

This might be the last time that you see me with the AirCast. Tomorrow morning I go back for yet another appointment at the famous and much loved Fracture Clinic. Hopefully (please, please, please!) this may be one of my last if not THE last appointment I have at the Fracture Clinic. I am able to put weight on my ankle now while it's in the cast, even managed my first "leftleg" standing on the right leg since I broke my ankle 10 weeks ago. I am pretty excited. I have been walking on it as much as possible in hopes that this means my Orthopaedic Surgeon will be able to hand me over to the physiotherapist and I can start the rehab on my ankle. All the muscles in my leg are in atrophy, I have no muscles or range of motion in the ankle at all, and it seems that it will be a long time before I can walk on it unassisted. On a positive note I did buy a cane today! No more crutches!

Hardwood Hill Lookout Trail, Algonquin Park

2007-05-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

Most will think I am crazy - especially after doing a hike and trying to put weight on the foot all day Friday, but on Saturday I wanted to try something just a bit harder. Well the Hardwood Hill Lookout is just a fraction longer and it's not wheelchair accessible so I pretty much knew I was in for a work out... perhaps I should have thought about the fact that a lookout is generally from a high place... this trail (which I have done many years ago) is all up and down hills with trails full of rocks and roots! But do I ever turn down a challenge? No not me! So we had to finish the trail which was definitely pushing me to my current limit! The thing was it is not my ankle that was bothering me, but my wrists! My goal is to be able to put weight on the ankle by the next time I go back to the Fracture Clinic (May 22). After returning from camping I used a scale to estimate about half my weight can be supported on the ankle while it is in the cast and I am standing still. The trouble is - in order to walk ALL of your weight must be on that ankle even if it's just a second while the other foot is lifted up to take the next step...

Spruce Bog Hiking Trail, Algonquin Park

2007-05-14T19:23:00.000-04:00

A broken ankle isn't going to keep me in one place! I have now had 4 casts, 21 x-rays and what feels like a million appointments at the Fracture Clinic!!! I am allowed to gradually put weight on my ankle now which is encouraging. I measured on a scale and I was able to put between 25-30% of my weight on my ankle while in the cast. I was supposed to go on a canoe trip (with portages) with 7 others this week, but obviously it was still a bit soon for that! Although I couldn't go canoeing as planned, I decided to keep the days I had booked off from work and at least get out of the city! So my boyfriend and I went camping in Algonquin Park. On Friday (the 11th) I was feeling energetic and we did a very short "educational" hike and learned everything you might ever want to know about the formation of Bogs! This is me exhausted at the end of the 1km(?) wheelchair accessible hike!!! Have to start somewhere!

Niagara Falls, Ontario

2007-05-06T23:04:00.000-04:00

I still have the AirCast but I am allowed to start putting some weight on the ankle now, so today my boyfriend and I went to Niagara Falls just for a day trip. We met up with my cousin, saw the falls and then we decided to stop by Niagara Glen (which I haven't been to yet this year since I can't climb). I was very impressed with myself! I made it all the way down to the river on my crutches without too many problems (DOWN being the operative word!) to the area called "the Land of Oz". The challenge was getting back UP the the steep hiking trails covered in rocks, stairs made of rocks, roots and obstacles (and my wrists really did pay for it)!

Eastern Sky Ridge Bridge LookOut, Red River Gorge, Kentuky

2007-04-10T22:41:00.000-04:00

I went back to the Fracture Clinic to see the Orthopedic Surgeon on the 2nd April and he was happy enough with the progress of my ankle. He was kind enough to release me from the 35lbs of suffering that was attached to the end of my leg!!! So now I have an AirCast. Things are good. I still wake up in pain sometimes in the middle of the night, but at least I can get around a lot easier and my knee isn't in as much pain from the extra weight. I was supposed to go on a climbing trip that had been planned since last year sometime. I really didn't think I could go, but since I got the cast changed things have become 100 more comfortable and 100 times easier! It was pretty crazy trying to get to the GoTrain platform and meeting up with the people I was catching a ride with, but in the end I made it. The 11 hour car ride with my leg raised on pillows was very long and a few pain killers were needed, but it was great to get out of the city. I haven't been anywhere but work and my apartment for the last month! I got to see people and even made it to a couple crags to watch. Yeay!

Toronto, ON (cause currently I don't go anywhere else)

2007-04-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow will be the big day. If all goes to plan I get my 6th set of x-rays tomorrow!! So far the Dr tells me he likes what he sees and I might (fingers crossed) get his piece of plaster (my third cast in three weeks) off! Not that I am home free, but last week when I went back to the hospital for my weekly x-rays and visit to the Orthopeadic Surgeon, he told me they would see if they could put me into an AirCast the following week. I hope so! Seriously! This one is sooooo heavy. An AirCast would allow me to move around easier. The doctors are not worried about the broken bone but are concerned that I have ripped apart all the ligaments/muscles in my ankle. I am down to only one or two pain killers a day at the most - there have even been days when I haven't taken any. I am working full days again but I have to keep my foot up on the desk! People have been kind enough to pick me up and drive me home from work so I am pretty lucky. I can't really take public transit yet but at least I am not stuck home laying in bed going out of my mind! Fingers crossed you will see a new cast up here soon!

Toronto, ON (At Home for a Week!)

2007-03-18T23:29:00.000-04:00

This is the best I can do folks. I can't do much better than this. Last Monday (March 12th) I rolled my ankle and "broke" it. I went to the ER and waited patiently until a doctor had time to see me. Finally they gave me lots of drugs, I had some crazy dreams, they set my ankle, took some x-rays, refused to let me eat and told me that I would have to have surgery in the morning and possibly have 2 pins put into my ankle. I tried to sleep (but barely did) until morning when the Orthopedic Surgeon came in early in the morning, took some more x-rays and said that although the ankle had been set very well, the cast had not. So the cast was taken off and a new one put on. I was then told that I did not need surgery and I would be discharged but I was not allowed to put weight on it or do anything. I was given pain killers and crutches and told to come back for an appointment and more x-rays. So to date I still don't know if it's dislocated, fractured or broken... Tomorrow is the big day.

Blue Pillar, Kushog Lake, Haliburton Highlands, ON

2007-02-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

This is me posing at the end of a day of ice climbing at Kushog Lake. The weather was great and since there were 3 climbs all with in a short walking distance from each other, we really lucked out! This is a 40m pillar that was not quite as nicely formed as the other climbs we did that day. It's called Blue Pillar (WI4).

Blue Boy, Kushog Lake, Haliburton Highlands, ON

2007-02-25T20:35:00.001-05:00

This is the second climb we did. After topping out on Blue Boy (WI2) on my way down I stopped part way to strike another left leg pose. The morning was cold, especially walking across the frozen lake, but the sun was shining on us all afternoon and warmed us up. This climb had water dripping off of it and after a few climbs, it started sounding hollow! Yikes! It was a close to perfect day though! I think I might like ice climbing more than I thought!

La Cloche Silhouette Trail, Killarney Prov Park, ON

2007-02-03T19:42:00.000-05:00

Well a 100km snowshoe trail, a pretty cool 4 season tent, a borrowed -40 sleeping bag, new fleece pants to add as one of many layers, frozen food, water, fingers and toes, -30 degree weather and a stove that was functional at best... all lead to a scaled down version of this ambitious little trip. Still - a week off work and being in snow covered forest with nothing but our gear and the beautiful peace and quiet was all I needed to rejuvenate and "get away" for a while. I WILL do the whole trail - but I might just wait 'til spring!

The big cock! Guelph, ON

2006-11-05T23:05:00.000-05:00

I know. Wierd. We noticed this "cock" while on a road trip to look at a sustainable house on Saturday. This "big old cock" was located just as you enter the city of Guelph from the east on Hwy 7. There was a detour that lead us around some construction - had we not gone this way, we would never have discovered him! Strange! Who thought a giant cock was a cool idea? Seriously - who?

FearFest, Canada's Wonderland

2006-10-15T11:26:00.000-04:00

A frightful night of good fun! My friend Dwain’s birthday is next Tuesday, so last night we went to help him celebrate and get in the mood for Halloween! There were lots of mazes themed like haunted houses, spooky forests, "accident scenes" and corn fields and some of them actually were a bit scary! (Dwain asked me why I was pinching his arm – so I think although I wasn’t really into the entire thing – they must have scared me a couple times!) I was more about the rides – in the dark! It’s one thing going there in the summer in the middle of a bright afternoon…it’s another going on a cold night were you can see your breath and going on the same rides in the dark! (Notice the attire - hat and mittens) A good time was had by all!

Burnt Island Lake, Algonquin Park, ON

2006-10-09T23:36:00.000-04:00

This was taken during a 3 day canoe trip in Algonquin - on the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend! It was the nicest weather anyone could hope for this time of year! We did approximately 38km of paddling and 13 portages in total, traveling through Canoe Lake, Joe Lake, Little Joe Lake, Baby Joe Lake, Burnt Island Lake, Jay Lake, Treefrog Lake, Sunbeam Lake, Aster Pond, Willow Lake, an unnamed pond that was far from being more than a swampy mess of mud to DRAG the canoe through, Bartlett Lake, Tom Thompson Lake, Littledoe Lake, Fawn Lake, Teepee Lake, and then back to Joe Lake and finally Canoe Lake. It was a great trip - even saw three moose and had a great time with a great canoe partner! So here is the most unique "LeftLeg" photo yet.... enjoy!

Mew Lake, Algonquin Park

2006-09-16T20:11:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken after a bike ride when we went to wash the mud off of bikes in the lake. What started out looking like it might be a rainy day - turned into a beautiful afternoon. I even met a couple friend ON THE TRAIL who I knew from Ottawa and who now live in Toronto. How bizarre!!! A great day in September. Who could ask for more - and all the leaves are beginning to change so the trails were looking the most beautiful I've seen them!

Bouldering at Niagara Glen, ON

2006-09-10T23:00:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful day it turned out to be! Today we went to Niagara Glen to do some bouldering. It was super duper fantastic fun! The Glen has so many cool problems and it is a beautiful walk down near the Gorge anyhow - so even you aren't climbing it's a pleasant day outdoors. I decided today that I need to work harder at refining my boulding skills in the gym (with my back being messed up for the past few weeks I haven't done much at all) and my hands have gotten way to soft again! If the skin on your hands isn't up for it - you might as well give up. You are only as good as your hands... It's frustrating, but The Glen is beautiful enough and I am sure I'll go back... Look out!

The Friendship Trail, near Fort Erie, ON

2006-09-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

On the long weekend, my mother and I went to visit my cousin who has just bought a house in Ridgeway (near Niagara Falls). From her neighbourhood you can access The Friendship Trail which forms the southerly link of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, a 150km multi-use trail system in the east end of the Niagara Peninsula. The trail is just one part of a 17,000 km trail system that stretches from St.John, NFLD to Victoria, BC and as far north as Tuktyuktuk! This photo was taken near the end of the trail at a little beach we found were someone had obviously "forgotten" their furniture!

The Old Railway Bike Trail, Algonquin Park

2006-07-23T23:00:00.000-04:00

This was a very easy 30km day. The trail (which was built on an old rail bed from 1895) was FLAT and very user friendly. It did however lack anything even remotely physically challenging or exciting. Not my favorite, but since the other trail had fallen trees every 2 minutes it was an okay alternative. I guess. And no, I don't suggest trying this move at home folks - I am actually riding the bike as I did this. Thanks to my mom who took the photo as on lookers wondered what the hell we were doing!

The Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail, Algonquin Park

2006-07-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to tackle the Minnesing Trail... we had no idea what we were in for with the high water levels and mud holes after the storm - not to mention all the fallen trees arcoss the trail. We had no choice but to carry our bikes over them... and needless to say we decided against doing the full large loop and cut our trip down to the smaller loop instead! Would have been a great track otherwise!

Lion's Head, Bruce Peninsula - camping

2006-07-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Lion's Head. Not bad at all. Lots of bugs - some rain, some crazy wind, some lightening, even thunder... but some nice weather too! Enough to get in some good climbing time!

McKay's Harbour

2006-07-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

Camping 3.5km from the parking lot - hiked in along the Bruce Trail. This was a beautiful and very peaceful place! I can't believe more people weren’t staying here. We encountered two porcupines and about twenty raccoons on our last night - not so peaceful any more!

Bruce Trail, Georgian Bay, ON

2006-07-03T21:00:00.000-04:00

Just after sunset... camping along the Bruce Trail - Georgian Bay... beautiful!

May 2-4 - Lion's Head on top of Wall A

2006-05-24T20:45:00.001-04:00

One last climb before heading back to Toronto? Saturday had a brief hour of sunshine, Sunday we spend the day at White Bluffs on the other side of the bay - it's a big overhang wall sheltered a bit from the rain and wind... The easiest climbs there besides one 5.8 with sketchy bolts were 5.11's - so I did my first outdoor 5.11! Had a very long day and by the time we hiked back to camp it was 10:30ish pm... Monday the wind ended up being super strong and it was really really cold so we only did one climb over at Lion's Head before starting the drive back to Toronto! This photo was while we were waiting to see if the wind was going to let up! We couldn't feel our fingers. We didn't get any more climbs in (that day)... but we'll go back!!!

Lion's Head, Bruce Peninsula, ON

2006-05-24T20:45:00.000-04:00

At the top of "Kiss of a Spiderwoman" 5.9 - nothing like some of the ol' left leg at the top! The sun came out for about an hour - perfect timing to thaw out fingers and toes.

Tobermory, ON - Camping May 2-4 long weekend

2006-05-24T20:29:00.000-04:00

Whenever I go on a hike or go camping -IT RAINS! Most of the weekend was cold, windy and overcast. Since we couldn't climb, we drove to Tobermory to see if we could find something to do -this is Tobermory Lighthouse in the background.

Algonquin Park, Day 2 Western Uplands Trail

2006-04-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

Still cold - still wet - and a wet pack is even heavier than a dry one! The rain seems to follow me... A great time was still had by all!

Algonquin Park, Western Uplands Trail

2006-04-23T20:00:00.000-04:00

Uplands? I think they could call it WET lands... this weekend I did a 37km hike and camped in the bush... it rained the entire time, it was wet and muddy and flooded in parts, there were trees across the trail every 5-10 minutes, there was still snow in some areas and you could often see your breath! Needless to say - we had a great time despite all this. This was at our camp on the first night!

Toronto, Canada

2005-09-04T14:45:00.000-04:00

Toronto - BeachFest in the summer. Why a big Maple Lodge Chicken??? This just has "Kodak Moment" witten all over it!!! I've travelled around the world- but only here after moving back to Toronto do I get to meet the Maple Lodge Farms Chicken!

Toronto, Canada - moving back

2005-08-08T02:00:00.000-04:00

Vancouver, BC, Canada

2005-06-14T15:30:00.000-04:00

This was my first stop when I returned to Canada. Vancouver to visit my bestest friend in the world! She thought is was silly, but I decided to carry on the tradition here at home as well...

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia

2005-05-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

Uluru (or Ayers Rock) is a World Heritage Site and is one of the world's most mysterious natural wonders. It' s located 475km south of Alice Springs, Australia.

The Devils Marbles, Australia

2005-05-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

The Devils Marbles, middle of nowhere Australia, 393km North of Alice Springs and 9km South of Wauchope - the wind was so strong in the middle of the outback it almost blew me off this rock!

Australia Again

2005-05-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

A random pose along a random road in the random outback of random Australia.

Kakadu National Park, Australia

2005-05-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

On top of some big rock formations in Kakadu National Park which besides the striking scenery, is of high cultural significance because of the Aboriginal paintings. Everything you see in the background used to be covered with water.

Singapore

2005-05-12T09:09:00.000-04:00

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2005-05-10T20:00:00.000-04:00

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

2005-05-01T23:00:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken without me knowing it. We were having a contest to see who could do the funniest thing while balancing on the post in this photo. Needless to say I won - this is even after a few "beverages" and a full day of volunteering in the heat and humidity! I also did have a bathing suit on underneath - so NO I was not flashing anyone this time!

Krabi, Thailand

2005-04-29T17:40:00.000-04:00

This was taken at King Climbers the climbing centre at Railay & Krabi, after our last day of rock climbing in Thailand. I met a wicked-ass Canadian named Nicole who was my climbing partner and we had the greatest instructor (a thai guy named Rit) who had been recommended to me by some other travellers I'd met along the way. Highly highly recommend stopping here! It's some of the most scenic climbing I have seen!

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

2005-04-02T23:15:00.000-05:00

Another amazing ruin at Angkor Wat. I was trying not to flash anyone my underwear and didn't want the locals to think I was disrespectful.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

2005-04-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

The very very amazing ruins at Angkor Wat - where even after three days there is sstill more to see! The temples are spread out over 65 kms around Siem Reap. They were built between the 18th & 13th centuries and range from single towers made of bricks to vast stone temple complexes. Some of the most beautiful ruins ever! And great photo opportunities!

Vitenam

2005-03-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

Muang Ngoi, Laos

2005-03-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

Pai, Northern Thailand

2005-02-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

To get to Pai you must voyage either east from Chiang Mai or west from Mae Hong Son travelling on one of the most beautiful, gut-wrenching mountain passes known to man. Pai is (or was) a quaint little village that was a hidden treasure. But like all beautiful secret escape, over time word of mouth gets out and people flock to the area. Nothing is left untouched. The tourists come and go or fall in love with the place and stay - and the next thing you know, the place is transformed into whatever these "farang" want it to be! Anyway - not far form there there are several waterfalls. I can't remember exactly where this one was, but they were all beautiful. I am sad to think that Pai has probably only become more invaded!

Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thialand

2005-02-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

Banglore, India

2005-01-11T12:23:00.000-05:00

This is me at a market in Banglore. We had a great time here and I was offered a role in an Indian Coke commercial, as well as told I was an "Indian Barbie". Well well well...unfortunately most poeple are just trying to get you to buy something. I did find out later though that the commercial was real. I ended up buying a green sari as well as some fabric and bangles. So many beautiful fabrics that don't fit into a backpack!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2005-01-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

It was a lovely day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - at the famous Pão d'Açucar (or the Sugarloaf). This photo was taken less than 1/2 way up and shows some of Rio's beaches in the background. When we got to the top we could see NOTHING but clouds all around us. Maybe you can't tell but I was hung over in this picture - it was the day after New Year's!

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

2004-12-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

The most amazing falls... There are over 275 individual cascades and waterfalls strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff over 4 kms long. Most plummet over 80 meters into the gorge below. There are so many butterflies here all shapes, clours and sizes - so beautiful and they are everywhere - great for close ups if you can catch them staying still.

Iguaçu Falls, the Argentinean side!

2004-12-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken on the Argentinean side of the falls! There are a series of boardwalks that take you across the waterfalls -it's almost a bit scary. I was actually getting soaking wet in this photo - but it was a hot day anyhow!

Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina

2004-12-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

The end of the world! At least that's what they call it - the most southerly point in South America, Ushuaia Argentina. This was while on a trek in the National Park there. The views out to sea where amazing especially knowing you are looking out to a emptiness - the sea all the way to the South Pole.

National Park Los Glaciares, Argentina

2004-11-30T18:22:00.000-05:00

We waited and waited to see if the boat would come to take us to view the glacier close up... we waited and waited... the iceburgs everywhere prevented it in dockign to pick up passengers. It was a no-go... it was a great day of renting a car, hiking and a picnic regardless...

National Park Los Glaciares, Argentina

2004-11-30T08:25:00.000-05:00

After renting a car, getting lost on a gravel road, asking cows for directions, a cancelled boat, iceburgs, hiking and a picnic... I HAD to go stand in the Glacier water... cold!

Torres del Paine, Chile - last day

2004-11-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

The final day we saw blue skys... I am not sure if the trek itself was less technical, but it really felt easier! The sunshine might have had something to do with that though. Anyway - after a nice trek in the sun we made it to the Torres (towers). Torres del Paine = The Bread Towers (or The Towers of Bread). So these are them.

Torres del Paine, Chile 2nd Night

2004-11-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Almost at Base Camp for the evening. Notice the plastic bags sicking out of my shoes... not a pretty day... and nothing had a chance to dry out... We had to laugh though otherwise we would have been crying!