Date: 11 Nov 96 15:44:55 EST
From: Nellie Gruender <104675.2134@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Update on Rainbow Chaser et al

Everyone,

For those of you who have been following the injured and crutch bound on Rainbow Chaser, here's an update.

On Nov 5th the Dr removed my red non-weight bearing cast. It has now been replaced by a "Darth Vader Black" walking cast. I was limited to slight weight bearing and the crutches for the past week. Today I begin, 7 weeks to the day, to begin to walk again. So far the limited weight bearing has not hurt my foot at all. The biggest problem is cramps in my thighs (When something that huge cramps, you know you have a cramp), and hip pain.

The great news about having the cast off is I can finally scratch. The very bad news was the smell!! I guess I should have had clue when I stayed with my best friend in Austin. Gail had two Rottweilers that would come up to my cast, sniff, shake their heads and walk away. I slept with one eye open all night for fear they would come in , carry me out, and bury me! When the cast finally came off I was sure that there were several pig trucks passing by. It's hard to believe that I could smell that bad!!!! It's taken some soaking and scrubbing, to get to tolerable.

I must say that I'm delighted to have the cast off, but looking at my ankle is not a happy sight. Vanity in this case had gotten the better of me. Between the swelling, and the scar it's pretty sad!! I much preferred having a non geriatric looking ankle. I don't think they've made and ankle bracelet big enough to cover this mess.

It's interesting that before I had the cast off I dreamed each night that I had found a new way to cut it off. Now I'm dreaming that I've lost my walking boot in various places, and have to hop every where. Hmmmmmm. I wonder what Freud would have to say about this?

Our plan at the moment (and it changes moment to moment) is to wait until the first of the year an really begin to cruise. We had thoughts of Belize, and Guatemala, but after discussing it with Gene, I think I've swayed him into looking at Rockport to Florida, Florida to the Bahamas, Bahamas to the BVI, and after that parts unknown.

I think the entire crew of Rainbow Chaser is ready to hit the seas, and boogie out of here. We'll miss our friends a bunch, but we're ready to live the dream.

Gee, I think I'll take a walk...................................

Nellie
Aboard Rainbow Chaser