This post was supposed to be my highlights of TELUS fest working for one of the corporate sponsors as their official photographer during the festival. Fate, it seems, had other plans in mind… On my way to photograph the first on-hill event, the Monster Energy Boarderstyle, on a friendly terrain garden lap I had a bit of a mishap. At the time it felt like I had bruised the back of my left heel. I pulled myself together, skied to Solar, and went up to do what I had come up to do and take some photos of the event. Well, as soon as I tried to get my skis off I kinda knew something wasn’t right but I soldiered on and managed hobble around and get some photos.

Skiing out was a painful experience which was only tempered by the fact I knew I was getting a ride home instead of walking which seemed like a tortuous thought indeed. Next came taking my ski boot off, which I have to admit was the most painful part of this whole experience. This endeavour required help and took around 15-20min, not fun. To make a long story short, trip to the doctor the next morning followed by a trip to Squamish for an ultrasound the next day and it was confirmed… my TELUS Festival experience was over; I had a fully ruptured Achilles tendon! That night as I enjoyed the 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown I received a call from Lions Gate Hospital that I was scheduled for emergency surgery the next morning and that I had to arrange my own transportation for pickup as I wouldn’t be able to drive.

Clockwise from top left: lovely gown self portrait/IV yay!/morphine tablets!/cast

After a long wait (7+hours), as I think I got bumped due to a broken hip, I had my surgery which took less than an hour and after some time in the recovery room I was on my way back up to Whistler to watch the Canucks win Game 4! I also managed to make it to the Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown but this is what my life consists of right now…

But I guess it does have some perks:

The recovery on this type of injury seems to be of the take it slow and don’t rush it variety so my summer plans will have to wait it would appear. I still plan on some bike features so look out for those. I guess I’m kinda lucky I haven’t had to experience this serious of an injury after living in town for so long but I guess my time had to come sooner or later!

I want to give a shout out to my Mom for keeping me company in the hospital waiting room while playing Angry Birds on her iPad, to Steve for driving my butt(!) there and back from Whistler, also to Jenn for driving me to my ultrasound and anyone else who has come by to sign my cast, give me a ride, make me food and keep me company on the couch! Oh and if anyone knows someone looking for a DH bike this summer do I have a deal for you!