The Plan Is There Is No Plan: Learning To Roll With It
Okay, so there is actually some kind of plan, but definitely not the one that I had a few months ago. I have just left for what was meant to be a 5 month adventure across NZ mountains, villages and cities in Asia, and coast in Italy and Croatia. And whilst the trip is still happening, I’ve had to make a few last minute changes to the type of travel I’m doing.
You see, 8 weeks ago, some guy who was probably text-messaging whilst driving, plowed into my car and sandwiched me into the car in front. And whilst lucky no one was seriously hurt, it has had some annoying consequences. Over the past 2 months, I’ve been getting treatment for bad whiplash and a shoulder injury. This put the whole trip into question. I worked really hard with physio and hours of exercises every day to get stronger. A couple of weeks ago, I made the decision to go on the trip, but to just see how I go and make a call on whether to continue after the first couple of weeks on the road. But this decision came with accepting some changes to how I was going to travel.
Firstly, I wasn’t going to be able to carry a backpack for a while, so I needed to find a solution that would mean I could wheel my luggage but allow flexibility to have the backpack later in the trip if I was strong enough. I was lucky enough to find a fold-up trolley that fit into the front pocket of my carry-on backpack. It’s just as well I had planned to do this trip with carry-on luggage because I wouldn’t be able to manage anymore weight than that. I might not be able to carry-on just yet (because I can’t lift the bag into the plane storage) but it keeps the luggage small, light, and manageable.
Secondly, I had to take some extra items to help with my injuries and rehab exercises. I found a travel size memory-foam pillow, a mini spikey ball, and worked with my physio on exercises that I could do while away.
Thirdly, I had to accept that some of the things I’d planned for this trip just weren’t going to happen (this time!). This included cancelling the 4-day trek at Milford Sound in New Zealand, and crossing a 10-day kayaking trip in Vietnam off the list.
That’s okay though, because there’s so many other adventures I can have. And quite frankly, travelling and walking lots will be a lot better for my recovery than being at a computer all day. I did say last year that I need to learn to roll with the changes a bit more, so I guess this is my lesson.
I have so much to be grateful for. I wasn’t badly injured, and I have the opportunity to go on this trip. I will just see how I go, and play it by ear.