Take the A Train
Charleston to BWI
FOOSH
As dusk closed in on Charleston, I made my way back towards my motel and my last night on holiday around America. Seeing a break in the traffic I trotted across the street, keeping a sharp eye on the traffic lights to my right. Not paying sufficient attention, I tripped on a low concrete median strip and fall forward, saving myself from a face-plant with my hands. I rapidly got to my feet and moved off the road.
But all was not well, as my forearms had taken the brunt of that tumble and they were quite sore. I felt more comfortable by holding them crossed against my chest and it was in that manner which I got to the motel and my upstairs room. Nothing seemed broken, but my arms were not improving so I decided to pack my wheelie and have it ready for an early departure. I eventually locked up, managed to get my wheelie down the stairs to ground level, checked out and took a taxi to the station.
With the help of people along the way I boarded the Palmetto, traveled north to Washington DC where I changed to a local train to BWI Airport Railway Station, then took a taxi home. My apologies for ending this story on such a low note, as I had really enjoyed my expedition around America, and the wonderful people and places I had discovered.
Regarding my arms, I eventually made my way to a Medical Center where they checked my arms, confirmed no breakages, but diagnosed I had a case of FOOSH. They told me that I had what was normally a thing suffered by snow-boarders, but they usually broke bones. FOOSH, they said stands for 'Fell on outstretched hands' and that I should minimise my arm movement. They said to go to the drug store next door and purchase RSI forearm braces.
They may also have given me a prescription for pain-killers, but I don't recall that. What I do recall was the 'druggist' fitting odd-coloured braces on my arms (they didn't have a matching pair) and the virtually instant relief I felt from the nagging pain in my arms. Pretty amazing really.
Conclusion
In terms of sympathy, when I showed up at work wearing unmatched RSI braces, there was plenty of that to go around. However, it was also quite easy to distract people with yarns about broken trains and tracks, ploughing our way through snow storms, and exploring the homes of the stars in Santa Barbara. I really had an epic adventure.
Thank you for reading through my Take the A Train 'shaggy dog' story. There is nothing quite like inventing your own holiday plan, then succesfully carrying it out.
Best wishes to all,
Rex