Date: 2004-05-15
From: Damascus, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero days are never really zero days. We put a lot of walking on our feet today and most of it on the AT. That's because the trail goes right through downtown. The main drag is the AT.More chores today. Post office duty was most important. Then to the outfitters where I picked up a couple small items and topped off my fuel bottle. "Squirrel", on staff at Elmer's in Hot Springs, was working in there for the weekend. He remembered me and I recognized him as well. Was great seeing him again. We shopped the vendors where I was able to pick up a summer top. Matter of fact, each of the three of us purchased one -- identical except for color and pattern. April Showers and I also replaced our rain gear. We now are proud owners of Frog Toggs. Afterwards I sent my older, heavier, clammier rainsuit home, so these Frog Toggs had better work!!Laundry duty next, the task made more pleasant by the consumption of a 12" veggie sub sandwich, two cookies and a banana while waiting. We hoofed it back to our tents only to turn around and head back eight to ten blocks for the start of the 2004 Trail Days Parade. It was led by the usual squad cars, the American Legion flag bearers, a band, and Miss Appalachia and her court. The remainder of the parade was hikers! ~~ a grand procession of smelly ol' hikers. For some thru-hikers Trail Days is a reunion and some of those groups were carrying "Class of xx" banners. Yesterday we were commenting on the fact that so many individuals were purchasing and carrying water guns. Today we learned why. As participants in the parade, we were the targets!! We were pelted with water from guns, hoses, balloons and coolers, a tradition which I'm certain was initiated because of the notorious smell of hikers who have been in the woods for days at a time. I had a marvelous time -- great fun, and yes, I did get the brunt of at least one water balloon.Now, after all that silliness, it was off to the foot consultant. I had expected to walk in and walk out very quickly as I've had no blisters, no calluses, no pain in my feet whatsoever. My only non-normal sensation has been tingling under the balls of my feet and toes. I also mistakenly thought I had a rather normal, average, run-of-the-mill foot.Three hours after the beginning of my session, five of the experts were huddling, shaking their heads and rubbing their chins in despair. I told them I was glad they weren't MD's; I'd think I was within the grasp of death! Turns out I have a very wide and square toe box but one of the most narrow heels they've seen. In addition, my arch and instep are extremely high. Their challenge is to stabilize a person's foot within a boot to give maximum support and minimal movement. There isn't a boot made to fit my foot. I know my present Lowa's will not last to Maine, so I was hoping for a perfect replacement boot. Obviously that's not going to happen. Long story short: after much discussion they gave me a "best" recommendation. I'll try to find it, then send it to Colorado where Roberto will tear apart and rebuild the heel as a part of his "kitchen sink/the whole enchillada" package. In the meantime I have a pair of custom-made Superfeet footbeds, a recommendation on sock choice, a couple new ideas on lacing, (although one which was suggested I was presently implementing) and three hours of incredible expertise and service. They confirmed my suspicions when they said a lot of knee aches and injuries can be eliminated by proper foot stabilization. Thunderstorms were in the forecast so the Don'ts (Don't Mind/Don't Matter) invited us to their cabin for the night. We accepted, had our gear packed and yogi'd a ride in a torrent of rain to their delightful rental. The Frog Toggs were tested and passed! April Showers took the soft mattress indoors; Ursa Minor and I chose the covered deck. Lying on our pads and tucked in our bags we listened to the lull of the river waters flowing nearby. It's been another marvelous day. We are immensely grateful for the dry night, the dessert and trail magic-type hospitality of "the Don'ts" and we are exhausted. Zero days are never really zero days.