Sunday, July 25, 2021

How I Spent My Summer Vacation While Healing from a Broken Ankle

Greetings from beautiful Door County Wisconsin!! Before I broke my ankle and foot, my son and I had all kinds of adventures planned for our week away. While our plans were modified a bit, I was able to do a lot more than I expected, even in the boot. I won't deny a little bit of sadness about not being able to run on the trails up there. However, not lacing up my running shoes actually gave us time to do things we might not otherwise do. 

This trip was so good for me, mentally. I promise that I didn't do anything stupid, although there were a few times that I came close...

No filter on this photo!

Weekly Rundown

Monday: paddleboarding, mini-golf
Tuesday: hiking around Cana Island
Wednesday: walk 3 miles, paddleboarding
Thursday: hiking at Rock Island State park
Friday; paddleboarding
Saturday: drive home
Sunday: rest

SUP

Our main activity for the week was paddleboarding. Obviously, with the fractures in my ankle and foot, I couldn't stand up on my board, but I was content to sit on it and paddle. On Monday, we took our SUPs to the Europe Bay beach in Newport State Park. The weather was perfect! It was warm in the 80s and the water was calm. I played with my GoPro while my son played on his SUP. I left my boot on the beach which got me a few interesting looks from beachgoers. I let my injured leg dangle in the cool Lake Michigan water, which felt amazing. 

Playing with the GoPro

On Wednesday, we took our boards to Whitefish Dunes State Park and launched from the beach. The Lake Michigan conditions were a little choppy. We paddled along the shore and were awestruck by the rock formations and the water caves of Cave Point. We stopped to check out some of the caves. One was really deep into the rocks. The light from the sun peeked through on the water, casting a fluorescent green glow. It was truly magical!!! We paddled from the beach to the point where people jump from the rocks into the water before we turned around to head back. It was so much easier paddling with the wind at our backs.  I've only seen Cave Point from land and I've been wanting to paddle for a long time. This was definitely the highlight of our week. What a great experience!


There was a southeast wind on Friday and we debated where to take the SUPs. Years of time on the water up here have made me cautious, and I checked the NWS Swim Risk and Beach Forecast page. It had the Lake Michigan shoreline as 'low risk', so we went back to Newport State Park. There was a gentle chop on the water, similar to what we experienced at Cave Point. We paddled in the opposite direction this time, taking note of the amazing rock formations along the shore. Last summer, I ran on the trail that borders this shore and it was really cool to see it from the water. 

As we kept going, the wind picked up and the waves got bigger. We paddled into a little bay, where the water was calmer so we could regroup and assess the situation. There was now a thick fog shrouding the entire lakeshore and the lake surface was wild. Heading back, the paddling was a challenge. At one point a wave carried me into a cluster of rocks, wedging my fin on one of the rocks. I tried to push myself off with my paddle, but the waves kept slamming me back into the rocks. I was afraid of further injuring my leg, so I couldn't use that to brace myself. Thankfully, my son came over to help me and got me loose. The paddle back to shore was hard work and I was glad to put my feet on the sand. This experience was a good reminder to never underestimate Lake Michigan.

Exploring

On Monday morning, I took a walk with my mom along the Sister Bay shoreline. Can I just say that not only did it feel great to have this time with my mom, it felt great to be back in my happy place? I discovered that if I wear my running shoe on my 'good' foot when I'm walking in the boot, my hips are level and I can walk with no pain. 


On Tuesday, my son and I took a drive to the Cana Island Lighthouse, one of 11 lighthouses scattered on the Door peninsula. The last time I had been to the lighthouse was as a child. I hoped to climb the staircase to the top, boot and all, but unfortunately, it was closed. No matter, my son and I enjoyed our trek around the little island. As we walked on the woody trail, my son spotted a snake stuck in a mesh net. Snake or not, it was hard to watch him struggle, and my son worked to untangle him. 



On Thursday, we took the 2 ferries required to get to Rock Island State Park. We've visited this uninhabited, wild place before and it never disappoints. We hiked to the Potawatomi Lighthouse and this time we were able to climb to the top. The views across the lake were breathtaking! We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering down the trail around the island. I shared a few more photos on my IG, if you are interested. I guess my able-bodied self never really noticed how rocky and rooty this trail is, but I sure noticed it on this walk! The boot supported my foot and ankle well. It felt great to be out on the trails again. 


Beer Tastings

After our trip to Cana Island, we went to nearby Bailey's Harbor for some beer and BBQ at the Door County Brewing Company. We sat outside in the sunshine and whiled away a few hours. The DC Brewing company has an 'experimental' brewery, Hacienda, and we sampled a few of those beers. We were not disappointed and picked up a few cans to take home to my hubs and other son.

On the way home from our Cave Point paddle on Wednesday, we stopped at One Barrel Brewing in Egg Harbor for some well-earned beers. We were not disappointed. We sat outside on the patio and looked at the photos from our adventure. It was a great opportunity to catch our breath!

Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery opened in Sister Bay 2 weeks ago to rave reviews, so we decided to try it. The beers are brewed with peaches, which might sound weird but made for some very tasty brews. I decided to try a flight of 4 of the 5 beers they had on tap. They were all really good and I picked up a 4 pack of two different ones to bring home to the hubs. 



As we drive home, I'm reflecting on another wonderful trip to the north woods. I'm feeling pretty worn out from this adventure-filled week, but it's a good kind of exhaustion. I felt so grateful for what I could do in spite of my injury. As the week went on, I was able to ditch the crutch. I also decided that the scooter was not serving me well. I never pushed my leg to the limit and took a break when I needed to. I absolutely loved spending this week with my son--I'm sure he missed his girlfriend--and it was nice to have all this time with my parents. Looking ahead, I have another week off of work and will use the time to recover and take care of some things at home. I will see the ortho on Thursday and am curious to learn what is next for me. It seems that the ankle and foot are healing well! Hopefully, I'll be able to return to some activities in the next couple of weeks.

Wisconsin rock on the Rock Island trail

Do you have any vacations planned for this summer? Do you like to adventure? Or relax? Have you ever climbed to the top of a lighthouse?

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 



50 comments :

  1. Who needs running when you have breweries and lighthouses? Your vacation sounds like a blast. My favorite lighthouse is the Hatteras lighthouse in NC, and it's a "must climb" for me every time we go there.

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  2. Sounds like a wonderful vacation Wendy. And it looks amazing too!

    I don't think I've ever climbed to the top of a lighthouse, but I've done things like the Washington Monument & the Statue of Liberty -- both several times when I was a kid. I'm probably fitter now!

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    1. I haven't climbed either of those. In fact, I've never been to Washington DC. Still on my bucket list.

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  3. Looks like a fabulous week! I don't think you missed a thing running-wise because the heat/humidity have been brutal. The last time we had a lighthouse adventure I think was in Maine. I'd love to go back!

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    1. You could just drive north to Door County--you'd have a lot of choices!

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  4. It really looks like you made the most of it and had no reason to “miss” running. Love all the time with your son!

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  5. I am so sorry you have a broken ankle, but just as you said, this set back allowed you to do somethings you might not have took the time to do otherwise and that in itself could be a small blessing. Have you noticed it has made you slowed down a bit and enjoy those moments with family and quiet moments by yourself? Looks like you had a lovely vacation! -M

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    1. You know what I did notice? That I really enjoy time by myself, something I didn't get a lot of last week, lol

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  6. I'm so glad you had such a great vacation! I love adventure. Our typical vacation is R&R&R - rest, relaxation and recreation. Les proposed to me on a hike at Yosemite, so I knew adventure would be part of our life!

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    1. I thought the hubs and I would be doing more of that--we used to--but he has definitely become more sedentary as we've gotten older.

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  7. Well, you really made lemonade out of your lemons (ha ha, my theme for this week.) Your vacation looks amazing- you probably had some experiences you wouldn't have had with two good ankles. And you can always go back and run another time- Door County will still be there! Glad you're healing up so well.

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    1. I'd like to throw some of those lemons, lol, but that isn't acceptable so lemonade it was! We had a lot of fun and being on the water is actually just a therapeutic for me as running.

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  8. Looks like a wonderful week! So nice that you got to spend some quality time with your son.

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  9. I am so glad that you were able to pivot and find so much to do despite your ankle. Looks like you all had a really good time!

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  10. What a lovely trip, thank you for sharing it with us! I just had a week off the week before last, spent it reading in the garden mainly! I am taking a day in the next month to meet up with my best friend somewhere between us - it's been too long and we can't bear it any longer! But any holidays are going to wait till things are more stable - so expensive in the UK and so worrying outside the UK in case rules change while we're away!

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    1. We are fortunate to be able to travel within the US. I hope that with the uptick in COVID cases, we won't need to have restrictions put back in place.

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  11. That photo of you at that cave is awesome, Wendy! The turquoise-greenish colour of the water is magical.

    It's amazing how mobile you are and how many things you could do despite your broken ankle. It looks like you are more than making up for the usual "crossfit", "trail run" and "strength work" in your weekly summary!

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    1. I hope that my pre-injury fitness is contributing to being able to do other activities! I'm going to put my bike in the trainer this week. My foot swelling is down and I should be able to get my shoe on!

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  12. This looks like such a great trip! I'm glad you were able to do so much even with your injury. I bet in some ways it was nice to have more time with your family since you weren't running. I am off from work next week but we don't have any plans. I hope it will be a combination of getting things done and relaxing.

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    1. I didn't miss running as much as I thought I would! I'm glad that my son was up for hanging with me. I don't know what I would have done otherwise.

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  13. I love adventure. You probably knew that.

    Climbing to the top of lighthouses nd fire towers are some of my favorite things to do.

    I so wish I had a walking boot when I broke my foot and ankle. Crutches are the pits.

    I have plans to go to NYC and the Hamptons at the end of Aug.

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    1. They don't cast fractures as much as they used to and I'm really grateful for that.

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    2. I did not have a cast but my ortho was very cautious. 8 weeks off the foot. That made my recovery take a lot longer.

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    3. You had surgery and hardware placement, right? That probably complicated things.

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  14. Looks like an amazing trip, Wendy! Happy to see you had a great time. All those breweries....YUM!

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  15. I'm so happy that you were still able to go on vacation and enjoy yourself despite the circumstances. I really enjoyed all of your Instagram posts last week too. You always had a smile on your face and it looked like you were having a blast! Also, you've inspired me to visit a local brewery, something I haven't done in years!

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  16. I would definitely climb to the top of a lighthouse if the opportunity presented itself ;-) Glad to hear you had a nice week. The green glow in the water is pretty cool!

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  17. Glad that you were able to enjoy such beautiful vacation.
    The lighthouse is wonderful. When I was in the Navy I had many chances to visit the lighthouses and enjoy the landscapes.
    Those beers look delicious but.... what a pity... I am teetotal!!! I remember I went to the Guinness building in Dublin and I was the only one who didn't drink beer (shame on me)!!!

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  18. There's so much beauty in Wisconsin. People from other parts of the country just don't know about it, I love that you are highlighted it all here. Sounds like a fun and lovely trip. Glad you were still able to do so many activities.

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    1. I really enjoy my trips up north! I too am glad i was able to at least get out to some of my favorite places.

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  19. Glad you were able to see the good in this, especially having time to do new/different things than if you were running. I think I said this on social, but those colors are amazing. I'd totally do sit down SUP, but not in open water like that.
    Looking forward to some time in Vermont next month

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    1. I only wish I could have stood up on the SUP! But my arms were put to good use this week.

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  20. Well You Clearly Made The Best Of It - Throughly Enjoyed Every Photo - Lovely Water Compositions As Well - Thanx For Sharing The Beer Tasting - Snakes, "Why Did They Have To Be Snakes?"

    Big Hugs Little W,
    Cheers

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    1. I'm just glad it was a little snake and not a big ole pine snake. I'm not sure my son would have rescued one of those, lol!

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  21. We climbed to the top of the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla on the Outer Banks many years ago. You are correct, the views from the top are amazing!

    My favorite pictures from your week were the ones from the cave with the green glistening water. So cool! I'm happy you were able stay active on your getaway - sounds like it was just what the doctor ordered.

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  22. I told you that scooter was trash lol! I HATED it so much!

    I am so glad you were able to get up and around and has this time. It must have done you such a world of good. And isn't it wild that we can be up and about on broken bones with no hard cast? So, so, so happy for you.

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    1. You were so right about that damn scooter! Hate, hate, hate it!

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  23. who would have thought you could do ALL THAT **gestures to all your amazing photos** with a broken ankle! I've so been enjoying your IG and living vicariously through your getaway <3

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    1. I was surprised and amazed at all I could do. But the paddleboarding was my favorite. :)

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  24. Not sure if my other comment went through.
    What a great trip, full of adventures you had! Cave Point and the Lighthouse look beautiful. Glad you were able to go back to safety paddling on the choppy Lake Michigan..the lake is no joke!

    I've never been inside a Lighthouse but I'd love to one day. I definitely prefer adventures to relaxing, lol! No big summer plans...maybe some Fall travel.

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    1. It's fun to explore Door County--there's just so much to see, even after all the years i've spent visiting there.

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