A crack in the middle of nowhere

March 16th, 2025

I was exploring a great birding area near my house on sunday when I spotted two Bald Eagles in the trees ahead of me. There was some mud but some dry areas to the sides that I figured I could navigate. Normally I wear boots and would walk right through the mud. Today was different because I didn't know it was a muddy area. I was exploring. Did I happen to mention that I was almost 2 miles away from my car?

As you have probably guessed I slipped and fell to the ground. It happened so quick that the sudden pain took a second to register. What I didn't know then was that I have a hairline crack in my left fibula. As I struggled to my feet, the pain was minor, but that was going to change.

I started back slowly favoring my right leg. Much slower than on the way here. The pain got worse and started radiating up my leg. Still does right now as I write this. Every tenth of a mile I would pause rest on my right leg and keep going. Did I happen to mention that I was also carrying my 600mm and camera which are around 20 pounds together? Made it harder.

I started to sweat. I wondered if I was going to make it back. I contacted my wife and told her about my situation and warned her I might need assistance getting back. At this point I was thinking just a sprain. As the tenths of a mile dragged on I started to wonder if I was going to have to call emergency services. Each time I stopped I wondered was this the time were I couldn't keep going. Yes I prayed to God for strength.

I finally got back to my car and went to the emergency room. What I found amusing as I stood on one leg was how many questions of financing you have to answer before they will let you talk to a doctor. All this which I was getting increasingly tired standing on one leg. The receptionist asked me if I would like sit down but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get back up. Next I had several stages of walking to different places in the location. It wasn't until I reached the X-Ray that I was offered a wheel chair. I declined and soon found out about my fracture. The walk back to my car with crutches was very difficult and long.

I cannot put more than 25% of my weight on my left leg. This has an amazing affect on your ability to get around. I have a rolling stool that helps along but transferring from the bed to chairs and other places to rest is difficult.

It is going to be a month before I can be healed. After that I am not sure how long before I can do suspensions again or bird photography.

Lessons learned, use boots every time. Let people know where you are going.