Last weekend, a group of us decided to hike Mount Matafao (below). Prior attempts have been derailed for numerous reasons. Our trip got derailed in the first 15 minutes when I tripped, fell, and ran my hand along a 2 foot machete. [Warning: not-so-graphic photos follow.]
This precipitated a quick trip to Lyndon Baines Johnson Tropical Medical Center.
Fortunately, I happened to have a bandana in my backpack (thank you Alisal Golf Resort) and was able to keep things together as we hiked the short distance back down the mountain and drove to the hospital.
Sitting outside in the waiting area I tried to warn other children to be careful lest they also fall on over-sized bush clearing equipment. Here's one child throwing caution to the wind.
LBJ did a great job and I was out in no time with a mere 7 stitches in my hand. Here are two of the guys who helped sew me up.
To celebrate the retention of my thumb, I treated myself to a delicious BigMac meal.
Daley and bandaged hand in repose.
The not-so-gory aftermath all sewn up. My love line, unfortunately, has been decimated.
All in all not too bad. One look at the machete and it's clear that it could have been much worse.
