Date: 2005-04-01
From: Hike Inn, Fontana Dam

To: Hike Inn, Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Before going to bed last night, I made sure that everything was packed and ready for me to begin the 72 mile hike through the Smokey's this morning. Call me an incurable optimist, but that's just how I am. I said I would make the right decision, but would only make it when it was go/no go time, and I was still hoping for a minor miracle. The moment of truth came promptly at 5 am when the alarm on my watch went off and I got out of bed to head into the bathroom. It was not a close call."Ok" I told myself: "Self," I said, "We need a new plan!" I delegated that task to "Organizer man" while I brushed my teeth, showered and got dressed. By the time the rest of the gang were up and stirring, I told them I was not going with them that day, but instead would see if I could round up some medical attention for the knee, and see where that might lead. Based on past experience and what little I knew of Graham County, North Carolina, I had no expectation of having access to an MRI, but was hoping for at least an x-ray or two.Jeff and Nancy were very helpful, getting me and Hopeful Hiker - also suffering from knee problems - into Robbinsville (a small, farming community and the only town in the county). The county's medical facility consisted of a surprisingly well equipped and efficiently run clinic, open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. It also serves as the county's only emergency room, with Drs on call for after-hour emergencies. After I announced my plans for the day, essentially everyone else at the Hike Inn also decided for one reason or another to also take a zero day. That made it a bit easier on me, as I was not forced to bid them farewell and happy hiking.Without an appointment even, I was in and out of the clinic within two hours, including the usual forms, triage and vital signs, two sets of x-rays, and a consult with a physician's assistant. I didn't see the one doctor on duty, but he did review the first set of films, order more, review those (inconclusive - but no clear indications of bone problems), and wrote out a prescription for an anti-inflammatory/pain medication. Total cost: $197.00. Compare THAT with your local big-city emergency room!My suspicion remains that the problem is damage to the meniscus cartilage, but I will not know that for sure without an MRI. And it is still possible that it is just some kind of a strained tendon or two, or a stress fracture that won't show up on an x-ray. Ok, so here is the rest of the new plan: I check out of the Hike Inn - which is pretty well booked this time of year with through-hikers - and take a room in Robbinsville at the Microtel for 5 days. I rest the knee and hope it comes back. While I do that, my hiker buddies hike the Smokey's. On day six, next Wednesday, I get a shuttle up to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel in Davenport Gap, at the north end of the park. On Thursday, my hiker buddies should be coming in. On Friday, and provided my knee has improved sufficiently, I then hike with them up to Hot Springs in line with my original hike plans where I am due for a visit from "She-who-knows-me-best-but-still-loves-me." If the knee passes that 36 mile test, I'll keep going north. Then when we hit the southern end of the Shenandoah National Park, which I have already section hiked, they keep going north while I hitch a ride back here and hike the Smokey's. Not ideal, but it's a plan I can live with. I'm sure as heck not ready to throw in the towel, but my best shot at continuing mandates some recuperation time. Now the challenge will be to remain sane hanging out here in town for five days when all I want to do is to get back on the trail.To keep me occupied, I will at least have cable TV (CNN and the final four basketball tournament), a local library, and a chance to get caught up with my journal. In particular, it will be good to be able to spend a bit more time reflecting on what the first three weeks and 162 miles of the hike have meant to me and what I think I've learned so far. It will also give me a chance to do some profiles of some of the people I've hiked with so that my readers will have a better sense of why I say that the most incredible part of the whole experience has been the people. Finally, I have just a few words about the possibility that if my knee DOESN'T come back--I will have no choice but to come off the trail. Three main thoughts:#1 I REALLY hope that doesn't happen. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I want it to continue. The spirit is more than willing, but the flesh may not be up to the rigors of the journey. If that IS the answer, I will be at peace with the outcome. Disappointed as hell ('scuse my French), but like my wife always says: "It is what it is; it will be what it will be." I am happy to note that becoming a successful AT through-hiker is not an ego thing for me. I'd far rather be one of the 10% who make it all the way than the 90% who don't, but I will have given it my best shot, and that's all anyone can do. I count my blessings that I am one of the lucky few who have the chance to try!#2. One reason I could accept such a disappointing outcome is that the journey has already given me an intense appreciation for all of the things I have going for me at home. They will be waiting for me regardless of when I finish this journey, and they will keep, but my life at home is just filled with joy and with endless opportunities to put to good use some of what I have learned out here.#3. Even if I only get another 36 miles done, up to Hot Springs, I will have completed 400 miles of the AT - 200 of previous section hikes plus 200 from Springer north. Once the knee is repaired, if that's what it takes, there's no reason I can't complete the trail by section hiking even if it takes me a few more years.But that's enough negativity for one day. Incurably optimistic man is here to tell you that these next five days off are going to do the trick, and I¢ll be back in action by this time next week - hiking up hill and down, the wind in my face, my pack on my back, my friends waiting for me to get to the shelter each night because, after all, we are family out here and we worry about each other.Today's rest day is dedicated to Jeff and Nancy Hoch of the Hike Inn - two of the nicest people you'd ever want meet, and dedicated to helping hikers like me to achieve our dreams. Bless you, Guys!Stay tuned, Longhaul(Editor¢s Note)Hang in there Longhaul. Give yourself some time to heal. Sounds like you have a good backup plan with the downtime. For your audience¢s viewing pleasure, here is some more information on the Hike Inn. URL: www.TheHikInn.com. Email: hikeinn@graham.main.nc.us. (828) 479-3677. Be sure to say ¢Howdy¢ to Jeff and Nancy Hoch if you¢re up in their neck of the woods.Tenacious Tanasi (Shelly Hale)