Mercury Bay
A twinge in the left shoulder (deltoid), was cause for some concern and I suspected a muscle strain sustained through fatigue. Remember, I had done no training and yet had paddled for 7 hours and covered 50km!
That morning, after reviewing the weather report, I decided that it would be prudent to rest up for two days to allow the body to recuperate. We extended our stay for an extra two nights and took the opportunity to attend to various tasks. Whitianga was the biggest town we'd encountered since departing Auckland and had everything that we could want for. I purchased some protein supplements to assist in avoiding muscle deterioration and recovery.
Ah, this is better. Now where's the drinks list?!!!
A visit to a physio confirmed my thoughts regarding the injury. it was a relief that the diagnosis was not tendon related or anything else of a serious nature. Strapping will support the arm when I paddle again. One of my fears was and still is, that I may incur some form of repetitve strain injury early on in the trip and be forced to retire as a result. I am reasonably confident now that it won;t be this that will stop me. Gonzo believes it much moee likely that it will be the sand in the tent that will break me.
