Date: 2014-03-29
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This would be my most trying day so far on the trail.My goal was to make it to Abingdon Gap Shelter shy of Damascus and a nero. However when I woke up my shin was very sore and tender. I walked it off a bit, felt better, said goodbye to the volunteers, and headed out. It rained a bit last night, but not much, and the forecast was for rain most of the day. As for now, the morning was just cloudy and comfortable.I got to the next shelter in good time and with no problems. Very simple trail with not much to see, but sometimes boring and easy is a good thing and much appreciated. At 10 miles into the day my left shin was really starting to bother me. I was having a hard time with downhills and putting pressure on it was becoming a chore. I got to TN 91 and the horse farm (Pic) and debated weather I should get a ride into town and rest this thing. But I'm stubborn. The next shelter was 3 miles away and I was sure if I really needed it I could make it. Pain increased dramatically as I hiked on this farm. The easiest terrain in the 446 miles I have experienced so far. Took me about an hour to walk this mile of simpleness. When I reached the woods again, I laid down for about 15 minutes, and Facebooked my friends about shin splints. I got a lot of fast responses, but it led me to more questions that anything. Was this a fracture? A splint? Do I go back to the road? To I head towards the shelter? All I wanted was to be in Damascus, indoors, clean and rested. But to get there I had about 18 more miles to go. I took my left boot off and put on my crocs to see if that helped. I trudged on to the shelter with 2 different shoes. It started to rain, gentle rain.At 4:30 I made it to Double Springs Shelter. The rain stopped, and I was safe and dry. For now. I sat down to regain my composure, eat some peanut butter cheese crackers, and evaluate the situation. I studied my trail book and realized that US 421 was 3.5 miles away. I decided to call Mt. Rogers Outfitters in Damascus to get some options on shuttles into town. They do pick up from Low Gap, and had a room for me at "Dave's Place" which is where I wanted to stay in the first place. They were gonna meet me at the gap at 7, so that gave me 2:15 to go 3.5 relatively flat miles. So I decided to risk it.When I left the shelter the rain stopped, but within a few minutes it started again, and boy did it come down! My shin was not getting any better. Matter of fact I can feel it getting worse. I had to stop every 100 steps or so to regain my strength. The rain at this point was hard, and the winds were sustained 35+ mph as I came to find out. I did not have time to drop my pack and put on rain pants nor did I put my other boot back on. I don't think I could of if I wanted to anyway. The temperature was also dropping and my hands were freezing. I don't know what the wind chill was but it wasn't pleasant at all. For 2 1/2 hours the rain and the pain was relentless. Thoughts of just putting my tent up in the rain popped in my head, but my desire to be in a hostel was strong. It was getting close to 7 and I was not yet at the gap. I had visions of the shuttle leaving me thinking I wasn't coming. I disregarded my shin pain and picked up the speed knowing that this was not good to my injury. I couldn't be anymore soaked from the waist down. I stopped puddle hoping and just plowed, as fog was thickening and visibility was slowly being eliminated. I had to be close but didn't want to stop and look at the guide. I finally saw a road downhill to my right and mentally was regaining relief. In the distance I could see a white van. A man came out and grabbed my pack, then asked how I was doing. I told him the truth. I slowly climbed into the van which was blasting heat, took my hood and hat off, put my hands over my face and just stood still for several minutes as he drove away from the trail head. He knew not to say anything, trying to start a conversation at this point was useless. I secretly, to myself, thanked him for that. He had my room ready, and within minutes the floor was soaked as I just stripped everything off my body with no regard to anyone or anything. I wanted that hot shower! After I got out I could barely walk. My shin felt like it was gonna burst out of my skin. I got dressed and walked slowly to the Blue Blaze cafe which was thankfully 50 yards away. I pounded a burger and a couple of beers and felt a little better, and headed back to the hostel.When I got there, I recognized several people from days past. Mountain Mime (who was actually a mime) and another kid who I forgot his name. I haven't seen them since Franklin. Also 5 Star the lady that I met several times in weeks past. Trish and Jesse a thru-hiker couple, and another lady named Marshmallow, who is not a current hiker but thru-hiked back in 2005. 5Star and Marshmallow was very nice and nursed me a bit making a hot Epsom Salt foot soak for me. I was very thankful I was not there alone this time, as it was good to chat about our hikes and the common people we have met along the way.I hobbled to bed knowing there will be no hiking tomorrow. Maybe a good nights rest would help.No songs or movies today..... :/