After many years of being an athlete and an outdoor enthusiast, my body has taken a beating. As a woman in her early fifties, I am feeling the pain of never stopping to attend to my injuries. Actually, the process of healing began in my mid forties when I had to stop engaging in intense activities, and since then, as I like to say, my body has been “under construction”.
To date, I have issues in the following areas:
- Left shoulder impingement
- Right shoulder overworked injury with scar tissue buildup
- Left hip tendonitis
- Lower left back sciatica
- Lower right back sciatica
- Torn meniscus on left knee
- Torn meniscus on the right knee
- Old neck injury
- Vagus nerve dysfunction
Currently, I am addressing my knees with knee rehabilitation equipment, gentle stretching and exercise, light weight training at the gym two days a week, and daily oral peptide treatments. Peptide treatments offer a genuine promise for addressing vagus nerve symptoms, knee repair, and nerve recovery. So far, in just two weeks, I have seen some definite improvements.
I am looking forward to getting back into an active lifestyle – especially camping, but because of my limitations, I am considering purchasing a pop-up camper.
From my previous experience, I know that a pop-up camper is easy for a single person to use. It is also cost-effective, and I will be able to use my tax refund to purchase it, hopefully by this weekend.
It is a 1997 Coleman pop-up camper by Fleetwood/Westlake. It is fourteen feet closed and twenty-five feet open with two king-sized beds – one in each wing and a dining booth that converts into a full-sized bed. Plenty of room for my boys and me, or for my lady friends and me for shenanigans on our much-needed Girls Trips!
Most importantly, for me, it has a toilet and shower that have never been used! Also has a furnace, water heater, refrigerator, three-burner stove, and a sink, but sadly no air conditioning. That’s okay; I found some fairly inexpensive portable options I can use instead.
Thankfully, it has an awning and comes with all the original manuals as well as paperwork, and has never leaked. Furthermore, it has two brand-new tires and rims for safer travel. *Update: the search continues, as this pop-up was sold before I could get to it!
Camping Kiddos suggests the following questions to consider when purchasing a pop-up camper: “Here are the basics to start with to see if a specific model will work for your family.
- How large are the fresh, grey, and black tanks?
- Does this come with a warranty?
- How quickly can I set up the pop up camper?
- How long is the pop up camper?
- Does it run off of electric or propane (or both)?
- What type of amperage does it use?
- How heavy is the camper?”
As a veteran camper, I would add a few more questions when purchasing a used pop-up:
- Does the crank work properly without problems?
- Are there any leaks?
- Are there any soft spots in the ceiling or floor?
- What repairs have been done?
- Do all of the canvas, zippers, and screens work properly?
- Are the brakes, lights, and hitch components in good condition?
- Has the title, registration, and maintenance paperwork been kept up to date?
- Has the lift system been serviced recently, and does it raise and lower smoothly?
- When were the wheel bearings last packed or replaced?
- How old are the tires, and what is the DOT date code?
- Is there any rust, bending, or damage on the frame, tongue, or underbody?
- How old is the battery, and do the furnace, fridge, water pump, and lights all work properly?
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
What is humility in recovery
I have had to really humble myself as I am recovering from my long-standing injuries and accept my limitations. Well, at least for now! However, I have found some humility in understanding that I cannot go as hard at activities like I once did when I was younger.
For example, when I am at the gym, I no longer push myself too hard, as that is precisely what causes injuries in the first place. So, today, I take it easy on myself yet try to remain consistent with slow, methodical movements rather than rushing or pushing too hard.
I have learned (through hard knocks):
- To have the willingness to accept my current physical limitations
- I follow medical protocols exactly
- I am patient (somewhat) with the non-linear healing process
- I have had to check my ego at the door
- I trust the expertise of my physical therapist and doctor
- Remember to celebrate the small victories rather than rushing the timeline
- That the Universe is trying to tell me to sit still and take it easy!
Outdoor activities with a broken leg
Okay, so right away, I have a lot of gratitude because at the moment, my leg is not broken! Yes, I am in recovery for a torn meniscus in both knees, so I need to be mindful, but I am not totally out of the game, so to speak.
Here are some outdoor activities someone could enjoy with a broken leg or knee injuries:
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Camping
- Swimming (not if you have a cast, though)
- Enjoy a campfire
- Catch a movie at the drive-in (yes, they still exist!)
- Meditate beside a lake (thankfully, I have one across the street)
- Birdwatching from a bench or picnic table
- Picnicking in a scenic spot
- Reading or journaling outdoors in a comfortable chair
- Taking a scenic drive through a park or along the waterfront
What is the best camper for a single woman?
In conclusion, for a single woman navigating physical recovery while reclaiming her outdoor lifestyle, a well-equipped pop-up camper strikes the perfect balance of independence, comfort, and affordability — proving that adventure doesn’t pause for healing; it simply adapts.