Bruce held this distinction for a short while today. Here we are at 60 degrees, 47 minutes, and 58 seconds North. We heart Unst!
This is, incidentally, the first time I have seen myself walking since I had the stroke, and I find it very surprising that I don’t seem to have an Igor-like lollop, as that is what it feels like to me.
Shetland is amazing.
KDD & Co 
Your gait looks wonderful. I think I observe slightly more swing to your right arm, but that may have more to do with the uneven quality of beach sand than anything else.
As the partner of someone who suffers paralysis from a spinal cord injury, I can appreciate how far you’ve come. Every step is a battle, and a gift.
Interestingly, beach-sand walking is particularly difficult for my partner, because his toes have no input from their motor neurons. He cannot access the muscles that operate the front of his foot. His physical therapists understood this, and actually scheduled days to practice walking on sand. Ah, California!
LikeLike
Exactly! My toes were the last thing to get ‘reconnected’, and because of this, I’ve found walking on sand (or other soft, uneven surfaces) an absolute nightmare until relatively recently. The toes still don’t have much reliable movement, actually, but practicing walking on beach and turf has really helped.
LikeLike
. . . I still have to tell the damned arm to ‘swing’, otherwise it just hangs about annoyingly. . .
LikeLike
change of subject, but remembering your manufacture of lovely tweed ties for the various gents in your life, i thought this might interest you.
http://spitalfieldslife.com/2011/01/07/drakes-of-london-tiemakers/
LikeLike
It’s great to see this, after your recent news of your accident at home. I was sad for you when I read that other post. Must have been quite frustrating and annoying. So you can definitely be proud of yourself now! :)
And your hat is cool!
LikeLike
Walking? You appear to be striding! Well done, you.
LikeLike
You both look LOVELY! (As does the sea!)
LikeLike
fantastique!des progrès considérables et méritants!vous ètes un exemple bravo!
LikeLike
Such a thrilling snippet of video!!
LikeLike
I think you look amazing. Congrats on all your accomplishments!
LikeLike
keep going Kate! you may not realise but you are an inspiration before and after your stroke.
LikeLike
Terrific!
LikeLike
Beautiful!
LikeLike
Kate, your gait is truly fantastic! You have made great strides and I am amazed at the progress you have made. Need to give Bruce a hug from me. He’s a beautiful dog and a lovely 4-legged companion.
LikeLike
Looking good, lady fair!
LikeLike
Perception and reality can really fool you, hey? Here’s to hoping that you gained as much joy out of seeing the progress of your recovery (which I know still has things to be worked on like your mental fatigue, which I don’t wish to downplay, but I’m pretty sure you can’t videotape that without some super expensive equipment) as those of us who have been following and cheering you on.
Truly amazing, beautiful and as always, inspiring.
Lucky dog Bruce to see such sights!
LikeLike
It is very moving to see you doing so great! This is wonderful! Happy new year!
LikeLike
Ah, the memories! When I was doing my PhD (several hundred years ago), I had a boyfriend in Shetland and we often went to Unst to see puffins and walk at the top of those towering cliffs looking towards Muckle Flugga (and to rejoice in all the splendid names and words the land of Shet has). No puffins at this time of year, but I’m sure there’s plenty to see and love about those wild islands – not least of which is some fabulous yarn to knit with. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
I am happy to award you the Stylish Blog Award. Please drop by Apples and Pears to collect it :)
LikeLike
you look fab and walking perfectly fine to me :-) x
LikeLike
thanks for the ‘taste’ of the ocean! Just beautiful!
LikeLike
Great all around! Thank you for sharing your challenges and triumphs. The knitting does wonders for me, too!
Happy new year.
LikeLike
Love this video! Go YOU!
LikeLike
Woo hoo! Look at you go! : )
LikeLike
What a lovely film – lovely scenery, happy Bruce… and your walking looks perfect!
My mother used to be “Britain’s most northerly nurse” (sorry to upstage you, Bruce!), so I know how lovely it is on Unst. Have a fantastic time.
LikeLike
There’s nothing so beautiful as a winter coastline: Enjoy!
LikeLike
You don’t even limp, you amazing woman!
LikeLike
Bruce reminds me so much of my dearly departed black lab. It is such a joy to see Bruce, thanks for sharing him in photos and video. You look like you are walking strong!
LikeLike
Glad to see you back on your feet, and not a Giant green Balloon Foot in sight! And thank you for posting the clip of Mrs Doyle falling off the windowsill, I snorted tea through my nose :)
LikeLike
Well I looked very carefully. Twice. I think your gait is amazingly good. I’ve never been to Shetland although I’ve been to Orkney several times and I’m jealous.
Sarah
LikeLike
Igor could only dream of walking like that!
LikeLike
You walk really well and he is… well… adorable doesn’t cut it! Happy 2011!
LikeLike
Oh Kate your walking is fine, I know what you mean about how it feels though to achieve this smoothness of stride. I had my pelvis broken in 5 places and was on crutches and 1 leg for 6mths. Your little movie brought a happy smile to my face.
You know for quite a while you have reminded me of someone, a movie star from the old classics. One of my favourites actually, I hope you don’t mind me saying but I see a likeness to the famous Bette Davis. Especially the avatar pic.
Beautiful beach you are walking on, have a wonderful holiday!
LikeLike
Looks fab- but didn’t Bruce feel the need for a swim then shake all over you?
LikeLike
You look amazing (I ‘m sure you feel different). Great posture! You make me want to stand tall.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your good news. It was lovely to see you and Bruce in action. Ah, the heady smell of wet dog.
I hope you are proud of your achievements. You look amazing.
Have a fantastic New Year!
LikeLike
Great video.
LikeLike
Unst is wonderful,isn’t it. How did you get on with the sea crossing, or did you fly? Either way, I do admire you for taking it on in January.
LikeLike
Meanwhile, somewhere on a similar latitude in Canada:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/32223309
I heart Shetland, and I also heart the Gulf Stream!
LikeLike
You look fabulous ….. but it was also hilarious, as the clip kept buffering, so you looked like an old silent movie!!
LikeLike
Like others have said it is so beautiful to see you walking. I got a lump in my throat watching this clip. You are just like Shetland – amazing.
LikeLike
Kate, YOU are amazing. Brava!
LikeLike
Looking good!
LikeLike
you stride fabulously, for reals. and bruce — it waggles! beautiful surf. it looks verra verra cold.
LikeLike
You’re walking beautifully. Bruce is a considerate dog – he didn’t push you into the waves as many a bouncy young dog might do!
LikeLike
I’m happy for you, Kate. God bless you!
LikeLike
Your gait is gorgeous. Well done you!
LikeLike
Champion walking, Kate! (and exquisite frolicking, Bruce). Enjoy your time away.
LikeLike
You look great !!! ……and happy.
LikeLike
Just goes to show how your hard work has helped you! You look so happy, good job!
LikeLike
–KATE — yes your walking looks great — am like so many others , green with envy, that you are in SHETLAND — you deserve it — to your continued progress in the next year
– BRUCE —–cute and happy as ever —best pat j
LikeLike
Nice stride! Congratulations Bruce as well :)
LikeLike
You have come a long way. If I didn’t know your story, I wouldn’t know that you have any problems at all. You’ve worked hard for this–wonderful!
LikeLike
Ohhhh, you and Bruce look teriffic! What I wouldn’t give to be in Shetland :-) Happy New Year Kate!
LikeLike
Lucky you! I would love to visit Shetland. Recently found out that my maternal ancestors are from Fair Isle! Enjoy your visit! x
LikeLike
You look wonderful and happy. Bruce looks as though he’s having quite a good time, also. Enjoy your holiday!
LikeLike
You look great Kate! I’m very proud for you that you’re doing so well. You have worked very hard for this accomplishment!
Your hat looks perfect for you and the beach and ocean is pretty awesome. Wish I were there! Continue to enjoy your holiday and a very Happy New Year!
~India~
LikeLike
I love Unst too, though haven’t been for a while. Enjoy your visit, maybe not the best time of year, lots of wind forecast, but I prefer the wind to the snow anyday.
LikeLike
Your walking looks great. I am glad you can. Bruce is handsome, too.
LikeLike
Lovely weather for the beach – I’m surprised you and Bruce didn’t fancy a dip in the waves :-)
Hope you’re having a lovely trip in lovely Shetland.
Liz x
LikeLike
It all looks amazing. It takes time and effort to get back on your feet from any health problem and looks like you have made excellent use of your time. Catwalk or is that dog walk here she comes. Well done you! Loved the Welsh blanket pattern so much I purchased a scarf pattern and yarn at the Needle Emporium today in “linen” stitch. Not as an accomplished knitter as you are…but hoping it works out to that beautiful woven look. Will you post/sell your blanket pattern? You warm my heart with your knitting and now your walking!
LikeLike
Congrats Bruce! I have to say that apart from some arm swing disparity and a very slight limb, I don’t notice anything untoward. I actually think if I didn’t know you’d had a stroke and was therefore critiquing the video closely, I’d not have noticed at all. Enjoy your vacation!
LikeLike
great to see… <3
LikeLike
I hope you feel good about yourself – damn fine walk if you ask me…………damn fine dog too……………….:)
LikeLike
You and Bruce both seem very pleased to be there! …and yes…Shetland is amazing!
LikeLike
Well you walk better than I do :-) Dodgy knees and a predisposed tendency to “walk like a farmer” means I have a very inelegant gait!
Also I love your outfit. As usual. I want to steal your wardrobe, except none of it would fit my fat backside :-)
LikeLike
You walk just fine.
LikeLike
Shetland! Lucky guys!
Enjoy.
LikeLike
Indeed, you look quite fluid.
Last year I read an article in the New Yorker about the medical use of mirrors to help amputees get rid of phantom pains in missing limbs. The mind body links are so complex, but sometimes seeing can be believing in our sense of self. This article also describes how mirrors can be used by healthy people to simulate the effects of a stroke. I’m going to give it a try. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2009/05/john-colapinto-ramachandrans-mirror-trick.html
LikeLike
you look like you have fully recovered from your climbing and exploring accident.
Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Agreed–your walk looks perfectly normal. Hopefully that’s some consolation!
LikeLike
It is so great to see you walk again without any supporting aid. You are really an example of patience and persistence. Enjoy your time and best of luck in your recovery.
LikeLike
Igor?!?
Pshaw! You have a damned fine gait! I’m able bodied and I don’t know that I’d be able to keep up with you.
Note to self: get off arse and start walking more often
LikeLike
You look like a woman walking on wet sand. in purposeful delight.
LikeLike
great to see…
LikeLike
I only recently started reading your blog, and being an OT I’m amazed at your recovery. When I see you walking the only thing that comes to my mind is that you walk like someone with a bit of a knee or hip issue, I would never think of a stroke! I have a bad knee and I sometimes walk worse then you do!
Oh, and I love your designes :D. Keep up the walking!
LikeLike
I echo the comments I see above mine: Wonderful! Beautiful! Happy!
LikeLike
Lookin’ good! That’s one of the things that struck me this summer, when I met you, albeit briefly – your movements are pretty darn fluid. Well wishes to you this coming year!
Ellen, now with sproglet. :)
LikeLike
Beautiful x 3!
LikeLike
So happy to see you striding along in fine style.
I’m reading a book now that might interest you if you don’t know about it already – Musicophilia, Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks. Quite a few accounts of post-stroke people and how their brains have been altered in relation to their perception of music etc.
LikeLike
Aw my baby Bruce is getting big! Felix is sat opposite me turning a lovely Starmore shade of green ( …yes! I think I pulled off a knitting joke !) with envy at your Shetland trip!
Very happy to see you walking freestyle without a safety net :-)
LikeLike
What a great little video!
LikeLike
This makes me so, so happy. :)
LikeLike
you look like a regular old walker to me. :) it must feel strange to see yourself walking.
LikeLike
You walk very well! I’m so impressed, reading all the trials and tribulations of the last year, I’m so glad you’re walking on the beach again.
LikeLike
Lovely Kate! Bruce coped with the sea voyage, obviously. Enjoy Shetland.
LikeLike
Wonderful!
LikeLike