Robbie Robbins Reserve Van Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Well you know that saying about the best laid plans? We went for the physio appointment and by this time the radiologists written report was available. It showed that in fact Craig did have a non displaced fracture of of the greater tuberosity (if you like the technical term). The physio, a delightful Kiwi lass, said we really needed to see an othorpaedic specialist and have an MRI done to see what other damage there might be and decide on the best course of treatment. But the nearest ortho and MRI facility was Darwin. She was able to give us a referral for the MRI but we needed to see a doctor for the specialist referral. She said meantime he should try and avoid any movement of his shoulder and managed to make him up a makeshift sling.
Next stop that day was lunch then my first Covid needle. The clinic was only metres from the Katherine Club so we had lunch there and I left Craig there while I went and had my jab. One of the lucky ones - no pain and no side effects. Bargain.
We tried to get in to see the doctor we'd seen the day before but he was away till next week.
However we managed to get an appointment with one of the other doctors for the following morning. So back out to the van at the Homestead and a raft of phone calls while I tried to get everything set up to head to Darwin the next but one day. Darwin hadn't featured on our itinerary this trip as we'd spent a week there 5 years ago when Clive and Jo were living there. We'd planned to just do a circuit to include Kakadu and Litchfield missing out Darwin. We'd also heard the van parks there were chocka.
Gary and Janice our Gracemere friends who we keep catching up with, were heading to to Darwin the next morning to meet up with Gary's brother and wife and they had a booking at a Reserve at Berrimah on the outskirts of the city. I called there and threw myself at the mercy of the manager while name dropping Gary and his brother David (who had stayed at the park several times). Bless Kylie, the manager - she was able to squeeze us in - no mean feat as they had a polo cross carnival at the Reserve that weekend. Then I discovered that she knew someone from Tannum - turned out it was Donna - who I don't know - but who is a friend of Ang I used to work with and they started up the Dance Kixx studio in Gladstone which I think Donna still runs.
Then I got on to trying to arrange the MRI but only got so far with that and had to wait a call back. Susie and Ken had just arrived from Mataranka so they came over for happy hour and Gary and Janice joined us.
Next morning we headed into the doctors and she sorted out the referral for us.
We got a couple of bits and pieces from the shops, fuelled up and headed back to the homestead. Susie and Ken came over again then it was tea and bed.
Should say that now that Craig isn't using that arm, it has really helped his pain levels though it does ache sometimes and even something as simple as trying to butter his toast tends to start the pain up, so really glad we're getting it seen to.
We got packed up the next morning and on our way to Darwin. Craig insisted he could drive - I've never towed anything - and since its almost all straight driving which he can do with one hand and allows the other one to rest by his side. We stopped off in Pine Creek for a coffee and then again at Adelaide River where I made us some lunch in the van.
We got to Darwin mid afternoon and thanks to David being really obliging and moving around, we've got a great spot with plenty of sun so though no power we're not missing it as we're getting plenty of solar.
Meanwhile I've been talking to the specialists reception and he wants Craig to have both an MRI and a CT scan before he sees him.
We're waiting for an appointment for the CT but have the MRI on Friday this week so it looks like it will be next Tuesday before we can see the specialist.
So since getting to a large city we've taken the chance to get a couple of items which will make life easier on the road. We've bought a Trail a Mate jack and jockey wheel which makes the hitching and unhitching process much easier. We thought it was going to be really hot at night in Darwin so got ourselves a little 12v fan. However the nights have actually been great - a lovely breeze coming in the windows and we haven't needed it at night. Though I've got it going right now as I'm sitting in the van so I don't get sun reflection on the screen when I'm trying to type.
Yesterday was a chill out day with us doing not a lot though I did go out for coffee with Janice and Cheryl her sister in law and her little granddaughter. At night Janice, Gary and us went along to the Virginia Tavern and had tea - really good food well cooked - those garlic prawns were awesome! Other nights we get together with Janice and Gary for happy hour.
Today we decided to have a jaunt out to Crab Claw Island and then onto Dundee Beach which is about an hour and a half from Darwin. I drove as I'm happy to do that when there's no van attached and it saves Craig from stuffing up his other shoulder doing city manoeuvres! We'd a great drive through yet another different type of landscape and had a coffee at the Crab Claw resort and a wander round then headed out to Dundee Beach to the Lodge at Dundee for a delicious lunch of salt and pepper squid for me. We're back at the van now and I'm just trying to line up these appointments for the rest of the week. Wondering if I should get my hair cut here in Darwin or just leave it be - it still looks fine so I'm tempted to just leave it for now. So no definite plans for moving on from here till we see what the specialist says next week - it could even mean he has to have surgery. But since we're not on a schedule we'll just go with the flow and see what needs to happen next and deal with it then. Will report back once we know whats next.
Lou
2021-06-07
Glad you’ve safely got to Darwin, and hope all’s goes well with Craigie’s appointments. Enjoy your stay there, although unplanned I’m sure you’ll be on the case and find lots of things to see and do if you feel like it. Take care xxx
Alison
2021-06-07
Hope it’s a smooth ride with Craig’s shoulder and you enjoy your Darwin days xx
Shirley J Walker
2021-06-07
Wow Anni, Craig doesn't do things in halves does he, really hope all goes well and hopefully doesn't need surgery. We stayed at Dundee Beach in 1997 caravan park was only just open and not much more there. But really nice spot. Enjoying your posts, will be thinking of the poor old bloke in the upcoming days, take care.
Nancy Kidd
2021-06-07
Enjoying following your travels.Sorry to read about Craig's misfortune. Hope he is better soon,Anne.
Maryana & Todd
2021-06-07
I hope Craig heals soon and all is well with the shoulder.
Rita
2021-06-07
Aw hope he doesn’t have to have surgery and he’s on the mend soon x Enjoy your unexpected ‘vacation within a vacation’ it looks beautiful. Take care both of you, eagerly awaiting the next instalment x
GAIL
2021-06-08
You will be in good hands Craig, never fear! A wee setback you might say. Might be time to teach wifey to tow eh? I know many who do, BUT I do not think as large as the Kokoda!! I had deep cyst cut out yesterday (from my back) Been there years, and now and again would flare up with itching and of course Thelma's bamboo backscratcher was only way to reach it. Dr also gave a sunspot some liquid nitrogen, and a biopsy off my forearm. Seem to be falling apart. Had this done in Mareeba. And Anni, your hair looks great still, always does. All well here, weather changeable and everyone over it! Best Gail