So Near, Yet So Far...

Weeks ago, Marla had mentioned hiking Camelback Mountain before I move to Florida. I wasn't too keen on the idea initially but after thinking about it for a few weeks, I decided to do it one last time. It had been over 11 years since I last climbed it and I'd forgotten that half of the "trail" was climbing over boulders. Closer to the top, there are no railings. Anyway, I met Marla at 5:30 AM yesterday. Since the parking lot was already full, we had to park about 3/4 mile away and we hit the trailhead at 6:20. We were taking our time climbing and had passed the mile marker. The top is 1.2 miles. Marla had successfully climbed up a rather large boulder and it was now my turn. As I was attempting to hoist myself up, I think my left foot slipped, scraping on the rock, and my right shin bumped the rock on the way down. Because the terrain was uneven, I couldn't get my balance as my left foot hit the "ground." I had a hiking pole in my right hand so I couldn't brace myself with that hand and the right elbow took the brunt. I got up slowly and was ready to continue to the top when another climber looked at my elbow, which was dripping blood, and said I should turn around and get to emergency for some stitches. I was really upset with myself as we were SO close to the top. Fortunately, Marla had a small towel, for wiping her brow, and she tied that around my elbow to slow the bleeding.

We worked our way down, which took a good 45-50 minutes and then the 3/4 mile walk back to the car. Because Marla's car was parked near Scottsdale Road and the 101, I decided to just go to Thompson Peak Hospital Emergency. On the way, Andy called to tell Marla that there was Urgent Care near Camelback Mountain but by that time we were headed in the opposite direction. Marla said they probably specialize in broken bones and sutures. :-)



Marla insisted on going with me to Emergency, where she had to sit in a nice, but cold, waiting area for at least an hour and a half. How lucky I am to have such a caring sister!

I ended up having one long running stitch, whatever that means, and four smaller stitches. The doctor also ordered xrays of my hand and elbow. My right hand had a significant scrape above the pinkie which I hadn't even noticed until we got to the bottom of the mountain and I rinsed it off under the water faucet.He gave me a prescription for narcotic pain killer. I slept through the night without taking anything for pain because the only pain was from pressure on my elbow. I slept with my elbow on a small pillow. I'm not even stiff this morning, unlike last week after climbing Black Mountain.

I actually got down on my knees yesterday afternoon to thank God that my injuries weren't much worse. When I think what could have happened, especially if I'd hit my head, I'm truly grateful. Marla and I decided to take Camelback off our "Bucket List" and added Yosemite and Yellowstone.