Date: 2018-09-18
From: Full Goose Shelter and Campsite 1914.0

To: Stealth Campsite 1905.7
Miles today: 8.3

Looks like I¢ve contracted Giardia, which comes from a parasite in untreated water. I make it a point to always treat my water, but I have recently had a couple instances where I was careless. A few days ago I do recall mixing up water bottles, and not being certain which one had been treated. One bottle may have gotten a double dose of AquaMira, and the other no dose. Also you are supposed to let Parts A and B mix and sit for 5 minutes before adding to the water. 5 minutes can be an eternity when treating 3 bottles, I maybe gave it a minute. Stupid on my part. I started having a bout of mild diarrhea along with an upset stomach a few days ago and didn¢t think anything of it, but last nite the proverbial ¢sh*t hit the fan¢ - literally. I was up about 6 times trotting to the privy, and when I woke this AM around 8 (very late for me) I was an exhausted wreck. At one point during the day I literally laid down right on the trail and took a 30 minute nap I was so exhausted. I didn¢t eat anything all day, except for a cup of hot chicken broth tonite for dinner. Every step was a struggle. Not to mention that about every 20 minutes I had to go trotting into the woods. It¢s a miracle that I made it through the day without soiling my drawers. I trudged on, making very slow progress, and thought my hike was over. Of course the trail had no sympathy, on a couple sections I thought I was back in the Mahoosuc Notch. I kept thinking of bail out options, how to get to a road, but nothing. On the last climb of the day up Mt. Success I felt so wasted that I was contemplating calling 911 for help. Lo and behold on that climb I ran into a couple of NOBOs, who turned out to be my salvation. I will refer to them using aliases, Hero and Heroine, as I¢m not sure that what they did for me will meet with medical approval. Turns out that Hero is a nurse, and he asked me a lot of good questions pertaining to my condition. We both concluded that I had Giardia. He offered some good advice, and Heroine gave me some electrolyte pills. Heroine also wanted to give me some pills she was carrying, Flagyl, which is a prescription drug used to treat Giardia - but I politely declined and trudged on. About 10 minutes later Hero came running up the trail after me with the Flagyl, and insisted I take them. He stated that in as little as 2 hours I may already see some relief. I thanked him most graciousy and immediately took the first pill. That was at 15:30, and tonite already I¢m feeling slightly better. I was later so overwhelmed with the kindness and concern shown me by Hero and Heroine, that I want to do something for them. I have some ideas. I still have about 14 miles till Gorham, where I will stay a few days and go see a doctor. Not sure if I¢ll get there tomorrow , all depends how I feel. A shout out to my sister in-law Debby, whose birthday is today. Happy Birthday girl! I did cross the New Hampshire/ Maine line; 8 states down, 6 to go. Maine you were tough, the toughest state I¢ve hiked thru so far! I¢m glad you are in the rearview mirror. I am safe, warm and dry in my tent tonite - and feeling a little better. Goodnite.