Post #59964 by tikibars on Fri, Nov 14, 2003 12:59 PM

I've still got a patch of skin necrosis on my left calf from getting bit by a black widow on Easter Island. I kid you all not. I think, in retropect, that the only thing that makes a better story than my Rapa Nui trip is the fact that I got bit by a deadly spider there.

In May of 2000, when I returned, there was a patch of black skin the size of a quarter on my leg. After 3.5 years, it has faded to a light tan patch the size of a dime. I figure it will be all over with in about 2 more years.

At the time, I was pretty freaked out and a little scared being more than 2500 miles from the nearest hospital and having my entire leg swell up... but now I think it makes for a good story. I am now, according to my uncle the doctor, now partially immune to the bit of Latrodectus Mactan.

Speaking of stories, the previous one is 100% true, but I have a tall tale too: I always tell people that the scar on my chin was achieved with a bull whip in Utah when I was in the boy scouts. The real story behind that scar is far less dramatic.