A brief interruption to programming
Rockhopper penguins and fur seals on Nightingale Island
Our recent Antarctic expedition was a complete success. We had multiple stops and zodiac cruises in the Antarctic, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, as well as a rare, bonus stop at the remote Nightingale Island.
I promise to write about all of them but I’ve had an unexpected, but welcome glitch. We arrived home last Sunday afternoon. Monday the Canberra Hospital called to say there had been a cancellation and could I come in Wednesday morning for a long-awaited foot/toe surgery. Oh yes, because I thought surgery would come around in July or August.
So they knocked me out for a couple of hours on Wednesday and have, I hope, corrected a bad genetic bone structure that I was graced with at birth (thanks mum). The surgery and care have been excellent and the outcome seems positive. Now I’m recovering from an anaesthetic fog and going easy on the pain killers. I get to wear the stylish sandal 24/7 for six weeks.
In the meantime, here are pics of rockhopper penguins and fur seals on Nightingale Island, and my foot. My leg is pink thanks to antiseptics. You don’t want to see the ‘before’ x-rays of the foot.
Recovery will be at least six weeks. The cookbooks in the background won’t get much attention any time soon.
Where to next? 
So happy to hear that the trip was a great success, Peggy. Good luck with a speedy recovery from the surgery.
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Pete. Once this foot is recovered, they’ll do the right one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Peggy
Your trip sounds great. I guess you wont be going anywhere too far away for a couple of months now. Are you going to the coast for Easter?
Bron is coming back for a visit this week, I think she is staying until May. I haven’t been informed re plans or maybe she doesn’t know what she is going to be doing as this is a last minute happening.
We are supposed to be going to Narooma for Easter, plans are a bit mixed up now with Bronwyn coming to Australia.
Hope your toes heal quickly. I am in the market for a new hip I think.
Cheers
Kristine
LikeLiked by 1 person
We hope to be at the coast for Easter but, like you, plans can get mixed up.
LikeLike
Best of luck for a whole new foot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be the same foot with a new shape—one that fits into a shoe.
LikeLike
From one Canberran to another, I hope the weeks pass by quickly and as enjoyably as possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Brian. I hope the weather stays mild. I’ll be wearing shorts for the next six weeks.
LikeLike
Well, it is good you got the surgery much sooner than expected, and with a lot less anxiety I would assume! Get well soon, the time will pass quickly and you will be all set for summer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops, winter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Here’s hoping I’ll be set for both summer and winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to hear from you, Peggy. And even better to hear the trip was a success.
Good to hear the surgery, while sooner than later, was a success too.
Now to take care of You and hopefully Poor John can cook (and do all the other chores you can’t do in the coming weeks). Do your daughters live close by?
Take it easy of course, but asap start the toes wriggling and keep the circulation going. I presume that won’t be until the 6 week mark, but use it or lose it used to be my mantra.
(note: I have a new mantra now. It’s get out of bed you lazy dog). 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Vicki. I’m hobbling all over the place.
LikeLike
You make sure you get plenty of rest and keep that leg elevated as much as possible. I am glad you were able to snap that lovely pic of the penguins. It made me smile. I hope recovery will be smooth and quick for you, Peggy. Happy Sunday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks trE. I’m doing a good job at being a couch potato. Going to bed early too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome! Sounds like you’ve got it all planned! Rest well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get well soon, take care:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m trying to behave myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi , hope you’re recovering well from your surgery! Your Antarctic expedition sounds like an incredible adventure, and the photos of rockhopper penguins and fur seals are amazing. I’m sure it’s not easy to balance your recovery with your passion for writing and sharing your experiences, but your post is really engaging. Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I hope to use the recovery time to get some posts done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great.. Keep giving dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get well soon. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Guess I should cancel my kick boxing classes. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks painful but you still keep exploring! Wow, inspiring. Welcome back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It is painful, but I’m figuring out pain management.
LikeLike
I hope you recover sooner than expected – or at least the first 90%. It has been our experience that any bone surgery requires up to two years to get that last 10% – but 90% will probably feel great after correcting a long-term problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. You’re the second person to mention that it takes two years for the last 10%. I can be patient.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ouch🤦♂️ Penguins are too “cool”. The designer sock puts you at the head of the trendsetter class for spring🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s the shoe/sock combo that makes for a real trendsetter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing youn speedy healing! And looking forward to Antartica stories.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’ll have plenty of time to sort through photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
hi Peg! So glad the trek was such a success as, hopefully the foot surgery! I’ve missed your commentary during this travel, hope to see more great photos! Hi John! Hope you’re both doing well, miss you send love n hugs💜🧑🏻🦳
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending love n hugs back to you. The trip was a great success. Now to share the stories.
LikeLike
Best wishes on a good recovery, Peggy. I have genetically wonky feet, too! I love your rockhoppers ‘tiaras’, for want of a better word. K x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Kerry, I hope your wonky feet don’t need surgery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had surgery 25 years ago for an ankle problem, likely related to the wonky feet. Complete success with no limp – hope yours is too. Hugs. K x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care and get well soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. Here’s hoping it’s all mostly good in six weeks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had foot surgery as well and it’ll take awhile before you’re comfortable walking again. Quick healing Peggy and you’ll be doing the tango soon enough 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My recovery timeline doesn’t sound too bad. They considered surgery for me when I was 14. Back then recovery was six months in a wheelchair and learn to walk all over again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you will be back to your leggy self soon. Heal well and feel better soon. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I just have to be a patient patient.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Peggy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful adventure, Peggy. And now for the next adventure. Love your trendy sandel!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s more weapon than shoe, but it is protecting the foot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take care of yourself!!! The adventures continue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness the surgery is behind you now. Get better soon and let me know what I can do for you.
Love,
Lindsay
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lindsay. I reckon a lunch is in order soon.
LikeLike
It’s been all go for you!!! I’m glad you had a magical trip this time around, and wishing you a speedy recovery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Anna. Magical is the right word for the trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Peggy, sounds like you and John had another amazing journey. wonderful. Nice leg(s) too. I hope the recovery is quick and comfortable. And I am sure the home care is just as good as the hospital. Much love, Lex
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lex. Home care is excellent, but cabin fever is setting in.
LikeLike
Have a quick and straightforward recovery. Glad you got the trip in without any misses, a nice but of luck…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, we had an amazing time. Your travels look great too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the seals and penguins but I am not a fan of anything that might required a needle before the real stuff started.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Luckily I was pretty much knocked out for the whole process.
LikeLike
I only worry that there are pretty nurses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not surprisingly, I would be more interested in the handsome ones.
LikeLike
You may also be walking like a penguin for a few weeks, all the best for your recovery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh gosh you made me laugh. Walk like a penguin rather than an Egyptian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Peggy,
get better soon! Kb had to wear such a boot as well, unfortunately, a much higher one, for ten weeks 24/7. Now, he is at the end of this period and is slowly learning to walk without any help. Kb partly enjoyed the time reading and writing a lot. We suppose, you do the same.
All the best
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, 10 weeks is a very long time. Good to know that Kb is learning to walk again. All the best to you all as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My walking is more or less okay again, but it takes a lot of energy. That will change after a couple of weeks until everything is normal again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hang in there. Not sure how my overall walking will recover. When the left foot is settled, there will be surgery on the right. A long process, I think.
LikeLike
Oh, dear Peggy,
we wish you all the best for the other foot as well. Unfortunately, one has to be patient with such problems. May you be able to walk easy after these operations.
The Fab Four of Cley:-) 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should know better than to take a picture in front of your bookcase. Despite the amazing foot in the center, I was completely distracted by what books you read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point, but those are all cookbooks. I’ll choose a different bookcase next time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I can’t tell you how many cookbooks I have, mostly unused!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine.
LikeLike
Hello LeggyPegZ,
Always great to read about your ventures around the world… and now a completed, very successful Antarctic tour! We all look forward to your photos and commentary.
So scary to read about your Leg Surgery… and later on the other Leg! I guess this means, no bike riding, short/long walks with your dog… walking around the food market area for bargains… car driving… How about swimming exercises for your legs? Going to the gym. WISHING YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY!
Sy S.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sy. Swimming sounds good, but I can’t get the wound wet for a couple of weeks. Poor John has to walk the dog.
LikeLike
Get well soon and that you recover well for the adventure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m recovering slowly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I’m hanging in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I hope you are better soon! Antarctica is amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m working on the recovery. A slow process, methinks.
LikeLike
Glad you are on the mend. apparently your cooked toe didn’t slow you down much. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cooked toe is right. Hope they will fix the one on the other foot.
LikeLike
Oh my. I mean’t to say “crooked” not “cooked”. But glad the toe is better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rather liked cooked. Will let you know how the recovery goes.
LikeLike
Great to hear Antarctica was a win this time and (I guess) great that you got bumped up on the foot surgery schedule! Get well quickly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. The dog thinks it’s great that I spend most of my time on the couch with my foot up.
LikeLike
Wow, Antarctica. I am jealous. It’s on our urgent list, too. This post inspired me to get planning. But first Botswana in May 2026.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I’m jealous. You’ll love Botswana. So much to see. Make sure you visit the Okavango Delta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleased you managed to get that wonderful trip in first Peggy, and pleased this time the trip was successful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were thrilled to be able to do the trip and it sure did deliver.
LikeLike
Great post and hope your foot is completely well, soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, getting there slowly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what an adventure and an unexpected turn of events! It sounds like your Antarctic expedition was incredible—those rockhopper penguins and fur seals must have been amazing to see up close. I hope your surgery recovery goes smoothly, and that the stylish sandal becomes your new fashion statement! It sounds like you’re in good hands, and I’m glad to hear the outcome seems positive so far. Take it easy, enjoy some downtime (and maybe a few extra ice creams while you’re recovering), and I look forward to hearing more about your trip when you’re feeling up to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the good wishes. Still feeling a little foggy but enjoying the memories. Pain killers help. Hope to get back to blogging soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photo of the penguins. Very glamorous photo of the toe! your adventures are so exciting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To be honest, the adventure of the toe is becoming tiresome.
LikeLike
Peggy I saw an amazing images. Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh gosh what a surprise! Take care. Love the penguins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m getting there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huzzah to a successful adventure! Super stoked to share your pics with my little B’s when you post them. In the meantime, keep resting and healing! xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope to start posting soon.
LikeLike
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Peggy, and that you aren’t suffering from cabin fever by now. – Jolandi
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jolandi, a touch of cabin fever has set in. Only three+ weeks to go with the boot. Pain down lots.
LikeLike
Glad to hear it is less painful, Peggy. Good luck for that final 3 weeks or so. Hope they fly by quickly.
LikeLike
I am pleased you got the “call” early and loved the penguins. It’s so nice when the wait is cut shorter for surgery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a most welcome call. Now in the third week of recovery.
LikeLike
Taking it “one step at a time” (sorry about that♥) but not rushing recovery is important also. I hope it going well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. Thanks so much.
LikeLike
What a surprising!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was unexpected.
LikeLike
👏💜👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome (I’m often prowling around in the background but too sick to comment!) Linda xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Take care.
LikeLike
❤️ God bless you Peggy! Great article
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, only another week to go in the boot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing sojourns, but the most important thing is your well-being. Hope you’ve been recovering well.
HW
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m doing well. The boot comes off (I hope) at the end of the week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ouch..best wishes for a complete and successful recovery.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. All being well, I can ditch the boot on Friday. Yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad for you that you were able to get the surgery you waited for and shoes will now fit well!
Antarctica! I have never known anyone that went there, amazing, beautiful place
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. I hope to get the boot off tomorrow. It’s been a long six weeks. Will have to do it all again later this year for the right foot.
Antarctica is magical. I’ve got the first post ready to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am looking forward to it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLike
I’ve always wanted to see a Rockhopper penguin. I’m envious! I’m not sure if I said so at the time but I was extremely impressed with your stoic endurance during your recovery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tony, I still have the right foot to go.
LikeLike
I just was about to ask how the right foot was doing, but it sounds from the comments like you haven’t had that surgery yet. Six weeks is a long time for the boot but I trust your left foot is enjoying its “new’ life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bruce. Looks like the right foot will get the treatment sometime in November. Then I’ll be able to buy shoes that aren’t an EEEEEEE width. Left foot is down to EE.
LikeLiked by 1 person