Highs and lows

Debra posted that we are off the trail today for some unscheduled rest and recovery. The events that led us up to this point have been left a bit fuzzy.

Let’s just say that yesterday on Day 6 our adventure was already at a crossroads. The combination of carrying wet packs, full of wet clothes, while in wet clothes, socks and boots serves to expose every flaw and compound the smallest injury. Starting on Day 3 Debra began experiencing some pain in her knee, especially when going downhill, when forces on your knee can be 8-10 times your body + pack weight. Once you start compensating for an issue in your body things can go sideways in a hurry. Debra developed blisters on several toes, the ball of one foot, and had contact pain from her shoes on her ankle. All of this was enough that the conversation on the trail yesterday was about exit strategies, alternate plans, and other ways to abandon the hike - at least for now - and perhaps jump ahead to future legs of the journey such as the paddle section.

Our salvation came in the form of a chance encounter on the trail with another hiker. We stopped to chat with Mary from Chapel Hill as she nears the end of a two year odyssey to hike the Mountains to Sea Trail in the opposite direction, from the sea to the mountains. So with her at the end of her journey and us still at the beginning, it was her well earned and sage wisdom that put us on a trajectory to slow our roll, and make time to enjoy the journey. 

We conintued on our way, and when we reached the end of Segment 1A at Waterrock Knob, there was Mary waiting for us. We talked some more and decided a night (or two) off the trail was in order, and she gave us a lift to the beautiful Balsam Mountain Inn, which is like a southern version of the grand old hotel in The Shining. 

With some upgraded rain gear and first aid items for Debra, we plan to be back on the trail again tomorrow. With no guarantees of finishing what we started, we plan to do as the pro athletes say, and take it one day at a time, trust the process, etc., and we’ll see where that leads.