Date: 2008-05-19
From: Daleville VA

To: Roanoke VA - "Zero" Day
Miles today: 0.0

Hey everybody! Short message - touchy computer. I am in Roanoke, VA, trying to get better. Went to a doctor today and was put back on Floxin (for Giardia), just a higher dose. He gave me the name of a place that makes orthotics and I have an appointment for tomorrow. Usually takes weeks to get in, but the receptionist asked the owner to make an exception and I was granted an early time, before they open. Even said they will do a rush job on them. Amazing how things work out. The guy who runs the hostel is shuttling me around. I feel very blessed. Hope the orthotics will get rid of the plantar fasciitis. After about ten miles, it feels like a steel stake is being driven into the ball of my foot. I am pretty sure I can beat the stomach problems, but the steel stake is another matter. I am not alone with this problem - I have been massaging the feet of others with the same problem. This has kicked others off of the trail - I do not want that to happen to me.My other ailment is my right shoulder. I have tendonitis and it makes it difficult to use my pole in that hand. Others with the same problem have recommended that I not use my right pole for a week and let my shoulder try to heal. That is the new plan when I get back on the trail. Didn't expect all these problems, but I am finding out that anyone who makes it to the end has got to go through some pain - just par for the course.The last week has seen some of the most beautiful terrain on the trail. McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs have some of the most incredible views on the trail. If anyone is looking for a great getaway, this is the place. Nearby, is the Homeplace, a converted mansion that serves the best all-you-can-eat buffet on the trail. Only 14 bucks. Incredible!The trail magic has been incredible. I have been hiking with two guys named Steelman and Wool E Mammoth. We came down from the Dragons Tooth (one of the hardest descents yet) and Danger Danjo happened to be waiting for us in his mother's car and took us two miles to the Homeplace. We needed a place to stay and the general store across the street said they had a room in the back that they let hikers use for free. It rained that night, and we were very grateful to be indoors. The next day we hitched a ride with a former thru-hiker who took us right back to the trailhead. Later that day, we found some sodas and chips left by Danger Danjo on the trail. One mile later, Pippi and the Hamburgler had magic set up in a parking lot and we gorged ourselves. It is amazing how magic appears when you most need it. Getting to visit the doctor and the orthotic place and the hostel is magic to me also. I lost my photo flash-drive and the SD card inside. I called the library where I think I left it and was informed that they had seen it earlier in the week, but could not find it now. Hope to get a call from them soon - would hate to lose all those pictures.Wish I could put up pictures - oh well. Hope all is well with everyone. Looking forward to hiking with my second cousin Seth starting on Memorial Day. I am also looking forward to getting better. And thanks again for all your emails - please keep them coming.Talk to you soon,Troutbum[Troutbum & I have been playing phone tag a lot lately, and I have been sick & recovering from sinusitis & terrible asthma due to insane pollen season in Ohio this year. T has been resting for the past couple of days to get his feet feeling better. I'll update again as soon as I can. ~ Aloha, Troutbum's g.f.]