Date: 2009-05-04
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up early and finished packing up. My feet are still bothering me, but I¢ve decided to head out anyway. I¢m the only guest, so I had breakfast by myself. Not as fun as when there are others to share it with. Terry and Cissy were around and offered to take me to the doctor if I wanted to go. I didn¢t want to hang around town any longer and I decided to just hike out. I left around nine and hiked out of town. It was raining, but more of a misting than actual rain. Just enough to put me in rain gear, but I soon took off the rain pants which were making me hot. As I hiked up the mountain out of town, I could feel every step in my feet. It is hard to enjoy yourself when there is any type of pain involved. After a while I started asking myself what are you doing? My feet are swollen and the shoes feel like they are crushing my feet. I was having this internal debate about just dealing with the feet and continuing to head to Atkins or turning around and going back to Damascus. I really hate going backwards. Ha. Everybody¢s feet hurt, so I should just buck up and continue hiking north. But really, is this how I want to hike? It is not fun this way. After about five miles, I decided to turn around and go back to Damascus. I soon start running into other hikers who had left town. The first was Yak with many more to follow. I was a bit emotional and didn¢t talk to any of them very long. When I first turned around I had every intention of just going to see a doctor about my feet, but the more I hiked south the more I just wanted to go home and get them checked out there. When I¢m just hanging around town, I get bored and homesick. If I¢m going to be laid up for any amount of time, I¢d rather do it at home.I made it back to town and headed to the bed and breakfast, but there wasn¢t an answer when I rang the doorbell. I then headed to the Mt Rogers Outfitters to see if they could help me. Jeff, the owner of the store, is an incredible guy. Once I convinced him that I really did just want to go home, he helped me get a plane ticket, helped me send my gear home via UPS, and offered me a ride to the airport in the morning. He went way beyond what I expected and I truly appreciate everything he did for me. Thanks a million Jeff!Jeff was helping another hiker, Jersey Girl, with her pack when I first arrived at the store. She had gotten off the trail earlier and was getting back on tomorrow. While standing there in walks Infinity, who had gotten off the trail in Hot Springs and was returning to the trail on Tuesday as well. It was great to see Infinity and to talk with her as she understood a little of what I was feeling. I hope the rest of her hike is as she wants it to be.I called Mark and let him know that I would be on my way home and what time to pick me up at the airport on Tuesday. He was both sad that I was getting off the trail, but happy that I was coming home. I was feeling the same way. My plan is to go to the doctor when I get home and then figure out where to go from there. I¢m hoping that he just says they are bruised and battered and all they need is rest. Only time will tell and I¢ll let you know my plans.