The only attitude problem I encountered was other people. The word can’t is not part of my vocabulary. As soon as people realized that I was going to do it no matter what, and I didn’t need or want any more help than anybody else, this group of people became a joy to be with.

WATER
Keeping my prosthesis dry and clean was a task. I started the first day with a rubber cover that protected the interior leg. That night duct tape covered six holes; by the end of the second day, it had so many holes, it was discarded. A good pair of high top gortex hiking boots kept my feet dry just above the ankle. Gators and rain pants were sufficient for the wildest rapids on the river.

Crossing streams or crawling up wet canyons was another matter. I developed a method of wet travel I named “the Lizard” in honor of a creature I shared camp with one night. When water became ankle deep, I took off my prosthesis, handed it to my hiking partner, then slithered into the water and began crawling. Now this was a little uncomfortable, but as the water got deeper and deeper it became cool and pleasant. At the other end I put my leg on and continued. If luck was with me, I would have a nice shower in a waterfall and go back the same as I came in.

When swimming in river pools, the only problem I had was finding a good place to leave my leg that also allowed good entry and exiting of the water.

HIKING AND CLIMBING
Climbing and hiking were the most challenging parts of this trip. The terrain was rocky, unstable, at times steep. I always used one titanium adjustable hiking pole not two—to keep one hand free to grab handholds. The wrist strap on my pole made release easy when two hands were needed. The need to adjust the height of the walking stick was constant, depending on the size of the boulders or severity of the terrain.

As I followed her step by step, I too developed a speed and rhythm and occasionally wasn’t too proud to slide down on my butt. A few more days of that and I would have needed a new pair of britches.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
All of the usual camping equipment served me quite well, but there were a few things I was glad I had the foresight to bring.

I took six silicone liner socks: the super tough 100% nylon type. I wore out a sock every two days and could have used more.

My favorite treatment for my stump is Bag Balm. I was surprised to find the boatmen used it for such things as cracked skin, rashes, and chapped lips. I even cured a case of athlete’s foot with it.

A special piece of equipment that accompanied me was a folding work stool I found in a tool catalog. It folded up so small and light that I carried it in my day pack. Water doesn’t hurt it and it is rated up to 250 pounds. Oh yes, it’s also cheap. It dries out quickly and won’t rust. It’s also good for a shower stool.

A plastic garbage bag big enough for my prosthesis could have been useful. I found myself wanting to cross knee-deep streams with no one around. In an emergency I may not have had the luxury of waiting for a friend.

Prosthetist Ryan Blanck.

NEXT ADVENTURE
Having made some special adjustments on my saddle and using my back-up leg designed for horseback riding, I will be babysitting a ranch in northeastern Washington State and spending time daily on horseback. Later I will tour parts of the big island of Hawaii in the saddle. In the fall I will cowboy for a rancher rounding up his cattle on federal grazing land and driving them to winter pasture. Life just keeps getting better and better……..

If you would like to follow the adventures of Tom, you may read more on our Website at www.nwpoc.com

If you would like to contact Tom direct please email him at TADEEBACH@earthlink.net

You may contact Ryan at ryanblanck@nwpoc.com for any questions you have about Tom’s prosthesis.

Recent advertisements in InMotion Magazine:

April 14th 2003

Contrary to the press announcement incorrectly made by Hanger Orthopedic Group, Hattingh Holdings trading as Northwest Prosthetic & Orthotic Clinic remains a locally owned and operated clinic here in the Seattle Area.  We are not part of the Corporate Acquisition of Northwest Associates in Pierce, Kitsap and Thurston Counties by Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc.

We thank you for your continued support.