Date: 2006-04-10
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Longest day so far, but definitely not my best day yet. We are at a campsite about 3 miles short of our original goal for the day. We were shooting for a 24 mile day. But, I hit a wall about 10 minutes before this campsite. It came out of nowhere suddenly the heat of the sun and my sunburned face became too much and I wasn't able to keep my eyes open. It was a strange feeling and it freaked me out enough to stop Swansons and make him sit down with me. The things I put that poor kid through. We were running low on water and he convinced me just to be smart and stop at the campsite instead of pushing on for the shelter. I was stubborn for a minute and even got him to start hiking on, but he again convinced me that there is no rush out here and why push 3 extra miles when you can just chill out and do it in the morning....smart man..If the little fainting spell had been the only problem of the day I would have kept being stubborn and hiked on. But, earlier today I turned my same bad ankle again royally and after a few choice curse words came to the realization that my ankle has been bruised and swollen now for a week and could use a few days of zero hiking, ice and elevation, especially now that it is the size of my calf and even more purple. I wrapped it at lunch and it felt great with the added support, but I spent the entire day and all my energy trying to walk lightly on it. Hence, the wall I hit after 21 miles. I know my mom is screaming right now that I even did 21 miles on a bad ankle. Well, I have to get to Damascus somehow and well, the sooner the better. Then, as instructed by Swansons we are taking 2 zero days.We are also in high need of an outfitter at the time. Swansons feet desperately need new shoes so he doesn't lose all his toenails and I've decided to buy a new pack. I have too much weight for the light weight one I have and it is ripping all over the place...Not Good... I am thinking of it as a birthday present to myself. It was going to be new shoes, but I love my shoes and I know they can take me through Virginia...hopefully.Despite the aches and pains and craziness today, the actual hike was beautiful. Flowers are beginning to bloom everywhere and we walked along a gorgous lake, then up on the ridgeline we had awesome views of it the whole day. The sun was a jerk today, beaming down on us. Brought us to the conclusion that this summer is going to suck, and as little clothes as possible are going to be worn. It is probably just because we are not yet acclamated to hiking in hot weather, or maybe because we both sunburn so easily, it's insane. Always red, though my arms have a great farmer's tan going.I know I complained alot in this entry, but don't be fooled. It is still an amazing time. This morning at Kincora Hostel was mayhem. There were about 20 to 25 hikers milling about in a kitchen and living room combined, trying to eat/cook breakfast and not run into each other. We sang happy birthday to Jeabus, he turned 24 today. But it was crazy there. Swansons and I got out early trying not to get sucked back in to the vortex. Bob and Pat at Kincora Hostel were so awesome to us. I even got to have my first car sickness experience. Man, it has been a crazy couple of days!