Date: 2010-03-24
From: Lawson Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

A day of highs and lows, literally and figuratively. We got off to a fairly early start, hiking by 7:50. The day's hike was basically a 5 mile series of ascents until the 4,461 foot summit of Blood Mountain is reached. It is then a 7.2 descent to Neels Gap, home of Walasi-Yi aka Mountain Crossings. Here is a comprehensive outfitter, and a hostel. For many thru hikers it offers the opportunity to make changes to gear and resupply. The sun was breaking over the peaks as we began our days hike. I felt pretty good. Not as strong as I hope to become, but handling the climbs without too much of a struggle. For me a slow steady pace works well. Magnet seems to have a nice steady pace. We made a rule on day one: if one of us is ahead of the other, the forward hiker will stop and wait for the other at ALL signs, roads, and trail intersections. Since I have yet to be the hiker in front, Magnet waits for me catch up at these junctures. He tells me I am usually 4 minutes behind him. During the last of the Blood Mountain ascent, we met an interesting hiker. He had a long white beard, a red tee-shirt that read 'SANTA', and goes by the trail name, MOM. This can stand for Miles Of Miracles, or Magnificent Older Man. He was easy to talk to and has a very positive attitude. He also has a trail journal here, so maybe you want to look him up. We summited Blood to bright sunny skies and endless views. We took lots of pictures, but I'm sure they just won't do the real thing justice. We had decided to wait to take a break at the summit, since it was sure to be a place we would want to spend some time taking it all in. During the last mile or so I started to feel the muscle fatigue, especially in my quadriceps. My stomach was growlingly empty, so I was looking forward to the summit for many reasons. Just feet away from the top, I could hear Magnet talking to someone. As I emerged from the laurel lined trail I saw a couple standing next to him. The woman raised her arm in greeting and called out, "Rock Star!". It was Grasshopper and her husband, Breakman. I had met them in 2008 during their thru hike while I was section hiking with Sandalwood and Chatter. I love it when stuff like this happens on the trail. The trail community is a wonderful thing. Many years ago (39, almost to the day), I broke my left femur in a skiing accident. It healed, but the bone at the fracture site is slightly off center, resulting in a lump which can still be felt, and my left leg being slightly shorter than my right. If pressure is placed on the old fracture site it feels slightly uncomfortable. But ordinarily there isn't any pain. As I felt the fatigue in my legs during the last mile of the climb, that left thigh felt slightly tender. I thought nothing of it, because both legs were tired, the left just feels it a slightly different way. After a snack, a nice rest, and scrambling to the top of a boulder to enjoy the sun and the views, we began the descent to Neels Gap. We had discussed the possibility of staying at the hostel there, or at nearby vacation cabins that offer a good hiker rate. The trail climbs down across open rock, then down into the forest, often on steps constructed of stone by the hard working trail maintenance clubs. As I began down these steps, I started to notice when my left knee flexed more than 90 degrees it was somewhat painful. As the descent continued the pain gradually increased. The last mile was very slow going, frustrating, and a bit confusing. I have not had a problem like this in the past. I did not fall, stumble, or twist the leg. I'm not sure what was causing the pain. It was disheartening to both of us, to say the least. As we approached Mountain Crossings, the smell of cooking meat drifted across the air. This scent is heavenly to a hungry hiker. We were quite pleased to find trail magic in the form of free hamburgers! I took off my pack, took some ibuprofen, and Magnet nabbed us a couple of burgers with lettuce and tomatoes. Delicious, and greatly appreciated. As I rested, my leg improved a bit, but was still pretty tender. Post burger, Magnet went to check out the hostel. He returned to say bottom bunks were available and we decided to stay. He went inside to pay only to discover they currently have no water! So there could be no muscle relaxing hot shower, or opportunity to launder stinkin' clothes. After a short discussion and a phone call we decided to spend the night at Goose Creek Cabins. The folks here are friendly and the cabins comfortable......and they have water. My leg isn¢t perfect, but it has improved. I'm hoping a goods night's sleep will have me back in hiking shape for tomorrow. If so, I will be so relieved and happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star