In a previous post, I mentioned for the first time that I have polycythemia vera, which is a myeloprolific neoplasm (MPN), which is a mutant stem cell in the bone marrow that results in the overproduction of any variety/combination of blood cells.
On of the very, very minor effects of this is pruritis - terrible itching. If you know me, you've seen me itching like I have fleas at times and it's embarrassing sometimes and annoying all the time. It is due to increased histamines, similar to an allergic reaction, due to increased Eosinophils and Basophils in the blood count.
This video is the best explanation I've found, so for you fellow MPN people, take a listen. Also, allergy sufferers, this will help you understand your reactions better: Dr. Susan Leclair.
May 24, 2015
May 21, 2015
Canoe Trail Aiken State Park, Edisto River, South Carolina
May 2015: Winds: 12 - 14 mph Water Level: 7'
South Fork of the Edisto River - 1 3/4 mile from launch to take-out dock
75 minute trip by experienced kayaker going slow
I have polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder with a twenty-year shelf life, and was coming off a normal three-day fling of fatigue. I needed fresh air, sun, water, birds, mud and snakes. In other words.... no humans. I've learned that if I just roll with the fatigue when it hits, sleep 12 hours straight, take some time off work, it'll pass with little notice..... and a little lovin' care by my daughters.
Choosing a waterway with which I am well familiar, I checked the weather, the wind and the water levels. I notified the adorable park ranger (so young!) that I was headed out alone. I asked him about the navigation and he assured me it was typical. No surprises this trip. He was right.
I put in at the top of the canoe trail and the water level was hovering below 7 feet. I prefer 8 feet, but felt confident 7 would be deep enough for the submerged logs and shallow enough for the low trees. An ice storm hit a couple winters ago that made the water impassable. My husband and I navigated the jon boat while our good friend Doug ripped a trail through the river with his chainsaw.
At 7 feet, I had some stump-jumping to do. The first one caught me off guard and I approached it at an angle. My adrenaline performed magnificently and I got myself straightened out after only two or three seconds of being out of control. The second and third jumpers came as no surprise, I hit them straight on and wiggled my way across.
I remained silent most of the trip so I could see and hear the animals in their natural habitat. At times, I made some noises before passing under low hanging branches that might contain snakes. I saw one snake and he let me pass comfortably. I heard three other snakes plop into the water from their lofty branches several feet before I passed under. Always be aware of the snake on the low branch that might jump into your boat.
The 12 - 14 mph wind. OK, let's talk wind. 12 - 14 mph feels nice, a cool breeze. However, when you are alone on the water, floating under broken tree limbs that creak as you pass by..... 12 - 14 mph feels like 50 mph. I expected to see Jim Cantore around the next corner in his rain gear, dangling off a branch shouting at me to evacuate, for crying out loud EVACUATE!
But that didn't happen. 12 - 14 mph winds are perfect for a kayak trip on the Edisto. If you paddle on the lower part of the Edisto, be sure to check the tides. There's no reason to paddle against the tide both ways unless you just want to..... or plain don't know better. (ask me how I know this)
I saw one other boat on the water, a lovely couple fishing in a jon boat....
South Fork of the Edisto River - 1 3/4 mile from launch to take-out dock
75 minute trip by experienced kayaker going slow
I decided I was ready for my first solo kayak trip.
I have polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder with a twenty-year shelf life, and was coming off a normal three-day fling of fatigue. I needed fresh air, sun, water, birds, mud and snakes. In other words.... no humans. I've learned that if I just roll with the fatigue when it hits, sleep 12 hours straight, take some time off work, it'll pass with little notice..... and a little lovin' care by my daughters.
Choosing a waterway with which I am well familiar, I checked the weather, the wind and the water levels. I notified the adorable park ranger (so young!) that I was headed out alone. I asked him about the navigation and he assured me it was typical. No surprises this trip. He was right.
I put in at the top of the canoe trail and the water level was hovering below 7 feet. I prefer 8 feet, but felt confident 7 would be deep enough for the submerged logs and shallow enough for the low trees. An ice storm hit a couple winters ago that made the water impassable. My husband and I navigated the jon boat while our good friend Doug ripped a trail through the river with his chainsaw.
At 7 feet, I had some stump-jumping to do. The first one caught me off guard and I approached it at an angle. My adrenaline performed magnificently and I got myself straightened out after only two or three seconds of being out of control. The second and third jumpers came as no surprise, I hit them straight on and wiggled my way across.
I remained silent most of the trip so I could see and hear the animals in their natural habitat. At times, I made some noises before passing under low hanging branches that might contain snakes. I saw one snake and he let me pass comfortably. I heard three other snakes plop into the water from their lofty branches several feet before I passed under. Always be aware of the snake on the low branch that might jump into your boat.
The 12 - 14 mph wind. OK, let's talk wind. 12 - 14 mph feels nice, a cool breeze. However, when you are alone on the water, floating under broken tree limbs that creak as you pass by..... 12 - 14 mph feels like 50 mph. I expected to see Jim Cantore around the next corner in his rain gear, dangling off a branch shouting at me to evacuate, for crying out loud EVACUATE!
But that didn't happen. 12 - 14 mph winds are perfect for a kayak trip on the Edisto. If you paddle on the lower part of the Edisto, be sure to check the tides. There's no reason to paddle against the tide both ways unless you just want to..... or plain don't know better. (ask me how I know this)
I saw one other boat on the water, a lovely couple fishing in a jon boat....
May 17, 2015
I'm Back and Under Construction
Just over a year ago, I lay down my pen.
I had nothing more to share.
Nothing more to give.
I boarded up the windows of my heart,
secured plastic protective coverings over the breakables in my consciousness,
descended into the storm cellar of my psyche.
Ready to return,
share
love
give
I will begin blogging again.
Ready to return,
share
love
give
I will begin blogging again.
This blog is under construction. The name, the background, the categories will change over the next few months, but I will start writing again now. The new blog will focus more on Travel and Product Reviews. Stay tuned!
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