One of the goals I’d hoped to achieve on this trip was to improve my parapente skills.  I’d even given some thought to the idea of logging enough hours and experience to possibly teach the sport someday.  As most of you know, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.  I enjoy teaching and being outdoors so the thought had come to mind.

Since arriving in Crucita, I’d completed nearly 40 flights with more than 30 hours of flight time and was loving life but the enjoyment suddenly came to an end.  During my 3rd flight on Wednesday 12/23, the winds suddenly increased and changed direction and I was unable to guide myself to a safe landing.  The wind carried me backwards over the city and, as much as I tried to steer away from obstacles, I simply couldn’t.  As I approached a home, the kite deflated and dropped me nearly 45′ into a drained pool.  The PG harness (and a water bottle inside that broke) took the brunt of the backwards hit and, although my back was bruised and is still sore 2 weeks later, I’m considering it a miracle that I’m alive with no evidence of spinal injury.  My mom always used to pray that the Angels would protect me.  She must still be praying as I believe they did the other day!

Some nearby construction workers came to my rescue and got me out of the pool and to curbside where I was strapped to a stretcher and taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital about 45 minutes away in Porteviejo.  My friend Raul gathered my passport and accompanied me on the way.  I remained conscious and was able to wiggle my toes and move my fingers including those on my dangling dislocated wrist but the pain in my back was horrid and I was fearing possible spinal injury.  In the ER, they popped my wrist back in place but the X-ray equipment at the hospital was not working so they transported me to 2 other facilities for x-rays and tomography.  I spent nearly 18 hours strapped to a stretcher board while waiting for test results and the proper doctors to review them to confirm that it would be safe to allow me to move.  Needless to say, I admit I was scared.  Language barrier was an added complication.  I couldn’t formulate adequate questions nor could I understand anything that was being said about my condition.

Finally, I was taken to a room and transferred from the stretcher to a bed.  This was a good sign!  Between my friend Raul and and the only English-speaking doctor in the hospital, I finally got the synopsis of my condition – compound fracture of my right wrist, break in the radius bone on my right arm below my elbow, and a dislocated and fractured heel bone on my left foot but, amazingly, no broken ribs or any signs of spinal injury!

Next steps consisted of two surgeries but, given the timing of the holidays and a need to order some “parts” from Quito, I had to be patient and wait.  First surgery on my arm happened on Wednesday 12/30 a week after the accident and the surgery on my foot followed on 1/5.  Both went well and I was released yesterday with a shocking medical bill of $0.00 – thats right – ZERO inclusive of ambulance transfer, 2 surgeries, 2 weeks hospital stay, medications, transfers to other facilities for X-rays, tomography, and a complete spinal MRI!

Brenda will arrive in Ecuador as planned but, sadly, rather than proceeding on to Banos and Cuenca for the next couple months, we will return to Colorado next week where the projected 6-8 weeks of recovery will be easier.  My mobility is limited – cannot use crutches but can “hop” around on my right foot or just accept the more practical option of using a wheelchair.  Since both of our houses are now occupied by long term renters, we will be staying with my parents for a few days than with some great friends in Loveland who have an accessible home with lots of extra room and a good WIFI connection.

While I certainly didn’t plan this, I’ve accepted it and am realizing some good from it.  First and foremost, I’ve always been very independent and impatient – I’ve always pursued things with urgency in my career and personal projects and have been guilty of imposing that urgency onto others at times – I’m sorry!  While this can be a strength, it can also be a weakness and I think there are some good lessons to be learned from being more patient.  I’ve also discovered what it’s like to feel helpless and nearly 100% dependent on others including total strangers.  I don’t like this feeling but have become so appreciative of the kindness I’ve received and, while I may never be able to return the favor to those who helped me, I can and will pay it forward!  Additionally, I still can’t speak Spanish fluently but I’ve made some progress and am actually now trying to have conversations rather than just exchanging smiles.  Most of all, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with Brenda and the opportunity we have to “decompress” together – to dream a little and reinvent our future without the stress of jobs, personal projects, or even the stress and anticipation of travel.  We’re really going to have 6 – 8 weeks of time where we have no plans and limited responsibilities!  It’ll be fun to see what comes from that!

Will I fly again?  Right now, I can’t say for sure.  Many paraglider pilots have flown for years without incident.  I love the sport and the feeling of free flight and was gaining experience and confidence. I really don’t know whether or not I did something wrong or was just in the wrong air pocket at the wrong time.  Sadly, my friend Raul is a 20-year veteran of the sport and has been teaching for 16 years without incident but he had an accident a few days ago and sustained some lower back injury.  Just like the day of my incident, the winds shifted and became turbulent.  With his extensive experience, he avoided hitting a house but still took a rough and un-planned landing.  He’s going to be ok but is also enduring some pain and facing a few weeks of limited mobility.  There is another guest at the hostal named Charlie who is still recovering from an incident that occurred about this time last year.  Since three of us are here rehabilitating, Raul is considering changing the name of his place from Hostal Cruzita to “Hospital Cruzita”.