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Post by Admin on Jul 30, 2015 9:52:18 GMT -5
Two years ago I had surgery on my hip as a result of a backpacking accident. I’ve recently discovered that the repair has degenerated. I find it difficult now to walk on a flat paved surface for a mile without prolonged pain and discomfort afterwards. Such being the case I have to cancel the rest of my schedule. I’m sorry if this inconveniences any of you.
Although I have yet to throw in the towel it doesn’t look good for future seasons. I’ll see what the doctor says first before I make a final decision. I really don’t want to have anymore surgeries. I still hope to get back to the point where I can at least lead short day hikes. I love being outdoors but I’ll have to limit myself to what my body can do without pain.
Contact my fellow outing leader, Sam Savage at savage407@aol.com and sign up for his trips.
I still plan to maintain this website and forum. It gives me great joy to be able to share my knowledge and that of others with my fellow hikers. Posting Outing Critiques on the hike pages of the website is even more important now, especially making comments as to changes in the trail notes, maps, GPS data, etc or even just stating that they are still accurate. This is truly your website. It's up to you to keep it relevant.
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ki0eh
Forum Elder
Posts: 196 
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Post by ki0eh on Jul 30, 2015 10:33:27 GMT -5
Your creation of this community has meant a lot to us. Although I did not have the opportunity to hike with you this basecamp is great. Our thoughts are with you as you manage your transition to another form of enjoyment of the outdoors.
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vdeal
Forum Elder
Posts: 616
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Post by vdeal on Jul 30, 2015 10:36:04 GMT -5
MR,
Thanks for all you’ve done and here’s to hoping that you can at least continue to enjoy the outdoors yourself. Hope you got one last hike in at Dolly Sods. Hopefully you'll get back.
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Post by arfcomhkr on Jul 30, 2015 12:50:25 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that. You're welcome up at the cabin if you just want to get out to spend some time in the woods. It's close enough to some short day hikes. Not even much of a drive to the Sods. At least you can sleep in a bed and it has most of the creature comforts.  |
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rpcv
Forum Elder
Posts: 170
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Post by rpcv on Jul 31, 2015 8:29:29 GMT -5
Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear that. Hang in there. Hopefully, the doctors can find a way to get you back out there in some fashion.
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
Posts: 259
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Post by christopherrobin on Jul 31, 2015 9:04:04 GMT -5
Mike,
I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that the contributions you have made to hiking and backpacking in the mid-Atlantic area are immeasurable. Almost every trail I take I meet someone who either has a map of yours in their hand, or found out about the trail from your website. Thank you for all you have done.
That said, get a second or third opinion! We need you out on the trails, leading our sorry butts! We still have soooo much to learn from you!
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tomas
Junior Member
Posts: 12
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Post by tomas on Jul 31, 2015 14:16:08 GMT -5
Mike,
I'm very sorry to hear you'll need more surgery and my fingers are crossed that you'll be able to return to this hobby of ours. And as others have said, thank you for all the work you've done in providing info on hiking opportunities here in the Mid-Atlantic. It will always be appreciated by me.
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Post by icebucketjohn on Aug 1, 2015 14:17:37 GMT -5
My sentiments are just like all the other fellow BPers. We're all with you Mike. Hope your days aren't kaput for backpacking.
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Post by GaliWalker on Aug 3, 2015 8:08:43 GMT -5
A shame MR. I'm glad I got to hike with you. I spent some time the past few days on a family trip to the Finger Lakes region in New York. My father has trouble seeing in dim/shadowy conditions, but I was still able to take him on a couple of hikes. Don't worry, hopefully not, but even if you might not be able to do what you used to, you can still get out there and enjoy yourself, if possibly in a different way. You can always switch to more photography oriented trips! |
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Post by 1camper on Aug 6, 2015 20:11:37 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about this...I sure have used this site and appreciate your contribution to backpacking generally. Best of luck in the future and I'd be happy to carry some stuff for you iffn that'll help  |
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Post by countryroads on Aug 10, 2015 14:19:23 GMT -5
Sorry to hear this. Have enjoyed your insight very much and especially your gift of this forum for all of us. Hope you can get out some in the future.
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Post by jnk556 on Aug 16, 2015 12:12:05 GMT -5
Sorry to hear. I love this forum, and your hiking site, and to be honest without your site, finding trips to do would be a heck of alot tougher. I can only imagine the work you have put in to both, and not to mention all the trail notes on all those trips. Keep your head up, and I wish you luck.
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Post by aseege1 on Aug 26, 2015 18:28:39 GMT -5
Little late to table on this one - but I'm sorry to hear of your possible retirement. You're spoken of as a God amongst BP'r community. Your site is used worldwide. Many thanks!
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neita
Junior Member
Posts: 11 
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Post by neita on Sept 6, 2015 18:53:09 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that Mike! Jeez - just when I'm finally "retired" from working, now you may be retiring from BP'ing. I'm so out-of-shape, I'm all about short day hikes! Once you're up to those, count me in! There are so many trails to explore for a few hours. Can we post those kinds of reviews on the forum?
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Post by Admin on Sept 7, 2015 8:17:08 GMT -5
Definitely!!!
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Post by Admin on Oct 1, 2015 7:48:55 GMT -5
I saw my orthopedic surgeon two weeks ago. His diagnosis is arthritis in both hips. I got two X-ray guided cortisone injections yesterday. The pain went away almost immediately. The injection is not a cure but it relieves the symptoms (inflammation). Go back to see him in two weeks. I'll probably need some PT but, as of now, I feel a lot better.
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christopherrobin
Forum Elder
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.”
Posts: 259
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Post by christopherrobin on Oct 1, 2015 7:59:56 GMT -5
day hikes are good PT...
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Post by aseege1 on Oct 1, 2015 7:59:48 GMT -5
Happy to hear it. Hopefully this affords you a few steps to poke around in the woods.
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rpcv
Forum Elder
Posts: 170
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Post by rpcv on Oct 5, 2015 8:25:11 GMT -5
That is good news. Hope to see you out on the trail soon.
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Post by Admin on Oct 20, 2015 19:36:46 GMT -5
Cortisone shots did not help the really bad hip. I'm in for a hip replacement. This news after having 2 intense A Fib episodes that put me in the hospital 2X over a 3 day period is a bit much to take. At least the minor procedure on my ingrown toenail is working!
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