Incomplete 71st birthday hike (July 26, 2024)

I fought the rock and the rock won. About two hours into the Joaquin Miller Park hike, I face planted on a big rock. Lesson learned: even if there are no public restrooms, don't refuse to drink water. Dehydration leads to lightheadedness. I was walking toward the rock to sit down but blacked out before I got there. I broke my glasses and my nose. The glasses jabbed the side of my nose requiring two layers of stitches. Medical care was a team effort. Mya and Fox directed Brandy to the nearest hospital and came inside with Papa and me. The doctors and staff at the Highland Hospital ER in Oakland were fabulous. It could have been so much worse: cracked skull, teeth knocked out, etc. Luckily I fell to my knees first (evidenced by skinned knees) and landed on my right hand (evidenced by huge bruise on the back of my hand). Probably would've gotten away with a broken nose if I hadn't been wearing glasses.
 

Ready for my post-fight with the rock (not The Rock, thank goodness) interview.

The day started so wonderfully though. Piper presented me with this card that she made. Thanks, Piper!

Same pose on Tuesday, July 30, four days after the fall. The good news was that on my follow-up at Highland Hospital on Monday, I was given clearance to fly home. Apparently cabin pressure can be an issue for broken noses.