Close Call In Costa Rica (Pics)

I've been away from the board for a few months.... but I've got a good excuse. After graduation this past May I decided to pass up the real world and spend the summer in Costa Rica. After spending sixty days exploring the remote inland rainforests and surfing on the Pacific Coast, I was sure I couldn't have picked a better summer destination, for a little post grad decompression.
On the last night of my stay, fate threw me a curve ball. I was doing some last minute errands before my departure back to the States. My friend and I were five minutes from his home when a speeding car crossed into our lane, forcing my friend to swerve off the road at 90 kph head on into a light pole. We spun several times after hitting the pole finally stopping in a home. His car didn't have airbags, and neither of us were wearing our seatbelts.
The accident happened almost two months ago today. I feel thankful tonight. I feel lucky to be sitting here pecking with one hand on my keyboard. Along with my broken bones, staples, and scar tissue, this experience has afforded me a greater patience and understanding of life's offerings. Thankfully no one else was injured in this crash. My good friend who was driving, flew up yesterday and surprised me. It's nice to have him here recovering along side me during these sedentary months of rehab.
I had planned on moving to SLC this Fall and working at Alta. I've accepted my new reality and I look forward to the challenges ahead. But more importantly, all of the free time I am going to have lapping up all of the stoke on this board. If my remaining surgeries go well I hope to be on my sticks, turning in some Spring corn.
My arm and hand are tired now but I will sleep better tonight, after this carthartic session with my maggot friends.
-Stompilines-
Oxycotin is cool but seatbelts are much cooler.

91' Toyota Tercel
http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...rmal_coche.jpg
[IMG]
The very very sturdy light pole
http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...ormal_pole.jpg
On my way to the airport with my demolition derby partner.
http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...ing%20home.jpg [IMG]

Wow. Glad you're OK. Things could have been much worse.

With your attitude, you'll be skiing sooner rather than later.

Kick some ass in your PT.

Holy crap.

I'd say you're lucky to escape with your life -- no airbags and no seatbelts at 90 kph? :eek:

Get well soon man & sorry to hear I won't be making turns with you at Alta.

DUDE. With this picture:
http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...rmal_coche.jpg

...and the mark on the passenger side from your head hitting the windshield....

Things could've been A LOT worse.

Sounds like you were very lucky. You've got a great attitude. Kick ass in rehab and hopefully you'll be harvesting the spring corn with the rest of the mag/minion crew!

holy fucking shit dude! I'm glad you're still alive, wow. That's shitty to say the least. Have you heard Kanye Wests song "through the wire"? It's a song he rapped after getting his jaw wired shut after being in a car accident. Thats what I thought of when I read your story. Get well soon dude.

holy shit man.......glad to hear you're ok, from the looks of that car is could have been much worse. From your attitude it sounds as though you're gonna pull through this 100%. Best of luck to you.

wow - so sorry to hear that. You've got lots of good healing thoughts coming your way from Half Moon Bay. Heal up, take it easy, and visit here often for laughs and stoke.

that is one hell of a scary story - man, I don't know what more to say than, thank God...(and I by no means am religious). Enjoy Alta w/ a new perspective this season.

Wow, that could have been deadly, glad you're gonna be all right.

Hey, whatever happened with Marmot's quest? Did he make it? Also a guy from Couloir Magazine was interested in hearing about it. He goes by 3pins here if you wanna contact him.

Wow, best of luck with your recovery!

Dear crap man, I'm glad you're alive.

Catch ya in LCC next winter then?

dude you have hard head!

good to dee you are ok

scary story and pics. best of luck stomplines. heal up strong.

Glad you're alive, dude. Best wishes for a full and fast recovery.

Unbelievable. I am so sorry that such an awful thing happened to a good guy.

Glad you're back among friends - here's to a speedier recovery than you're anticipating, and hopefully you'll get aggro in therapy and rip when you're back.

Hope to cross paths with you in LCC before to long.

-Rocky

You are truly blessed! Glad you're in rehab - work hard, and give the nurses hell (although don't forget to thank them along the way! :) )

I hurt just looking at those pictures. Heal up fast.

Damn Dude!

Best of luck during your recovery, amazed that you both walked away from the crash.

Good luck dude. Seems like since you made it through that you've got some decent luck on your side.

Hope you have some good pics/mental images of those Tamarindo thongs to get you through the rough times. I know I do!

geez! glad you're alive - happy rehab...

http://www.tetongravity.com/usergall...ing%20home.jpg

We don't need no stinking seatbelts.

- I know. Broken ribs hurt like a mofo -

wow. hope you're feeling better every day. best wishes for a complete recovery.

:eek:May you have the speediest of recoveries!! Next time... you know.

Wow. That´s some scary shit. With all the positive vibes around these parts, should make a speedy recovery. And not to worry on those spring corn turns at alta- march is the snowiest month of the year in a typical season in ootah and almost always in april there are plenty of deep storms and sunny days to depend on (in may 2003 it was still dumping heavy at the ´bird)

After all the obstacles you´ll have overcome, Those first turns you get will make everything beyond sweet! Can´t wait to hear about them. ;)

wow.

all the best, sounds like you're going to make the most of everything. better luck in the future! :)

Thanks for the all the encouraging words fellow mags/minions. My good friend Marmot is going to be in the October issue of Couloir. The article is pretty sweet and everyone should check out the story on this nutty cat's trials in the Rockies. I had the chance to bag a peak with him and I can attest to his 'kick your mom in the face' radness.

Nice, I look forward to seeing the article. I guess that means he got it done? Or is that a secret?

You will have to read it Ice.