Well, as the title says, I haven't been on for a while. In fact I haven't been on for a couple of weeks. I am now back, but I won't be posting as much as I did because of school, work, etc...
I must also tell you why I have not been on as much and what my accidents were. Unfortunately bad experiences come in pairs, or worse.
While skiing with some friends I decided to try my hand at some jumps. It has been a few years since jumping and doing tricks, and I was not used to that type of skiing. We warmed up on a cruiser run to start the day. We then took on some advanced - expert terrain doing quick turns, mogules, and cut powder. We followed that with an intermediate run at high speed, maybe 55 to 60 mph. My skis (Volkl AC4's) just had a coat of hot wax and were screaming fast. I had to slow down to let my friends catch up at times. Near the end of the course we cut off into the trees for some powpow, which was not too fresh... We then went to the terrain park.
We did a few slides on the box (after changing skis of course) and did a couple small jumps to get preped for some big air. I followed lead and bombed it straight at the hip jump (kind of like a quarter pipe with another quarter pipe attached 90 degrees off the side). Little did I know I had way too much speed. I must have gone at least eight or nine feet off the top of the jump (which was a good ten feet off the ground), sailed forward, and caught my ski on the lip of the jump on the way down. That flipped me over and I landed head first with my head turned far to the right. Right after impact I knew I broke something in my arm or shoulder. Luckily me helmet saved my melon. After sliding to a stop I was screaming in pain and crying for maybe half a minute. After that it was just lout yelling and cussing. I had snapped my right collar bone in half. After being taken to the ski patrol room, arm in a sling, and answered questions, I drove home. My dad took me to the ER, another 30 miles, to get X-rays. The bone had broken and the right portion had slid under the let portion about 30cm. The closest gap between the bones was 9mm. That's quite substantial. The next friday I went in for surgery. I now have a titanium plate, and eight screws in my right clavical. I also have a nice scar to show off. My lack of thought has shown me what can happen in a high speed sport.
Before the surgery, three days after I broke my collar bone, I wrecked my car. I was still able to drive, but too hurt to do my job working with little kids. I slowed down on the high way from 60 mph to 50 mph to avoid losing controll on some slush. I caught it anyway. My car slid across three lanes, impacted the embankment in the opposite direction, rotated another quarter turn and flipped a quarter turn. Nobody else was driving near me, so I am lucky. I walked away from my car, having to climb throught the moon roof to get out. Unfortunately Toyota parts are expensive, so repair costs are around $9000. GRRR!
Well, I'm doing well now, and able to take care of my orchids, but still not allowed to lift more than five pounds with my right arm.
I hope my story is sufficient evidence to prove that logical thinking and extra caution is the best way to keep safe.
Thanks
Ely
Why I have not posted for a while and my terrible accidents
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