Defeating a bad back when cruising the Hudson River

Being Adventurous When Handicapped, part 1

For well over a decade, I've enjoyed adventures even though I have had fibromyalgia most of my life. By the time I turned 70, I added a bad knee and hip problems, followed by breast cancer, chemo, and radiation. Without a positive attitude, I'd never leave a comfy chair.

Lack of flexibility, however, doesn't keep me home. Together with Captain Phil, my husband, we've kick scooted on two continents, made good use of my handicapped parking sticker in France, and are now touring the Hudson River in our boat.

To stay mobile, even with pain, I make good use of mobility devices, all of which I've purchased on Amazon.com. Low prices and a fabulous selection help me stay out and about.

Here is what I've brought with me on this cruise to keep me up and about. This selection might help you, too, whether you are just starting to get stiff, or are now having hard time leaving your chair:

Mini-Peddler

When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, my doctor told me that the only way to get relief from painful stiffness was through daily, non-impact aerobics. Not even long walks would help.

To achieve non-impact aerobic stress on a bike is similar to riding fast for miles on a flat path. Hill climbing is a no-no. As time passed, and my homes became smaller, I lost room for full exercycles. Fortunately, a mini-peddler, priced online between $30 and $50, did the trick!

All that's needed is to spin the peddler as fast as possible a few times a day for ten to fifteen minutes each. Unfortunately, because these peddlers are not heavy, they can shift positions as you spin. To keep your machine securely in place:

Set it on a firm rug that doesn't move
Tie it to the chair you use with your peddler. If your floor is smooth, place a rubber mat that grips the floor under it.

Test the peddler so it is placed the optimum distance from your chair. If it is too close, it will not spin smoothly and instead, it will give you a bumpy ride. Correct this by pushing the peddler further away until it is at a distance where you can spin smoothly.

Hand-held Messager

I have used a hand-held massager like you see here for decades. During that period, this product has been sold under different names, but no matter what name, it is the best hand-held messager available.

You can find mine on Amazon.com under the name of TOTO81JXM.

This massager rotates, rather than vibrates, making it very effective. It is also small enough for use on your neck, but hefty enough for a good rubdown on your spine.

Whole Body Vibrators and Rollators

Additional stiffness-defeating weapons from Amazon include a Whole Body Vibrator (WBV) Plate and Rollators, each of which I will discuss in separate articles.

Although WBVs can sell for thousands, you can buy a very good one for $200 or less. As for Rollators, if your disability requires a cane or your back kills you when you walk, buy an one with big wheels and a seat for between $80 and $150.

PS: I am pointing where you can find useful products, but do not sell them.

Karen On a Mini-peddler

Non-impact, aerobic exercise provides relief from all forms of stiffness throughout one's body.

Mini-peddler

Mini-peddler's are known as folding pedal exercisers, mini exercise bikes, under desk bikes, pedal exerciser, and similar labels.

Textured, Rubber Mat

If your floor is smooth, place your peddler on a textured, rubber mat (like a door mat or kitchen mat) that won't slide around.

Cellulite Massager

This massager is sold under different names. To find this one, match its accessories to what you see here.

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May the tides be with you!

First Mate Karen Little

July 14, 2023

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Week 4: Approaching Canada, Weather Permitting

July 25 to the end of the month

We left Burlington to cruise to Plattsburgh on a nice, sunny day, riding on slightly rolling waves. The next day it poured so we not only stayed on our boat, we ate on it, too.

Our initial objective when we started this cruise was to eat at least 4 days a week on our ship. So far, we might have eaten onboard at least 4 times during July. The only reason we ate onboard once during our stay in Plattsburgh is because the marina restaurant was closed.

We planned on only staying two nights, but due to selective bad weather, we've been here almost a week. During that time, Phil walked to local museums, but instead of going in, he talked with another park visitor. Good exercise, however.

During our stay, the grounds were set up for Lake Champlain's Pro Bass Fishing Tournaments.

Unfortunately, it rained on the tournament date, but that didn't stop the contestants. It made Phil and I wet, however, as we chose that date to go out for pizza and groceries, a normally easy walk.

Pictured here are some of the tournament activities that take place on the marina grounds. Last year, under bright, blue skies, the harbor was stern-to-bow filled with bass boats and excited contestants. This year, contestants wore black all-weather gear and avoided just standing around.

I would have taken pictures of the weigh-in activities, but, you know, it was raining, and I was wet enough from returning from lunch.

We anticipate that by Tuesday, we'll be in Canada, however, we have one more stop at Rouses Point before crossing international lines. Click on the map segments included here for a better view of our route.