Date: 2005-07-26
To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.5

Well, I have a Huge Red "spot" on my right calf. Sitting here in Vernon at the Church Hostel, looking up VA Outpatient/Hospital Locations and weighing out my options. Outside it's 100+. Yesterday I did 20 miles in this heat, today 11.5. I don't directly have the other symptoms of Lyme Disease, however, I've been hiking in the heat (Do you have a temp? -Yes!). Decreased appetite? Well, the heat has done that to everyone but me. Crampy? Well, when you are dehydrated and deprived...cramps. So, Yes and No on the symptoms.The past week has went like this. Leaving Delaware Water Gap last Wednesday was a nice change. New Jersey was beautiful. Right out on the trail, 45 minutes in a HUGE Rattlesnake crosses in front of me. Spent the night with the Honeymooners on a Tent Platform, next to a lake at Mohican Outdoor Center. 30 hikers there!!Next day, Thursday, did 19 into Culvers Gap. Went to have a bite to eat at Sunset Tavern where the owner was trashing the place and (apparently) beating his wife, got outta there. Almost directed a get-together with "Laleetador" (Deb's sister) but it was too much complication. About to hike out and there came Mother (just getting over Lyme Disease), Seeker, Vogue, and Pumpkin. We got rooms and took it easy. Caught up on all the "terrorist" crap going on in the world. Damn.Friday, Seeker and I waited out a ride to the Fat Fest Hiker Feed from "Mitch" a Trail Class of '98 sponsor of the event. We got picked up and got to Harriman where we reunited with my "old" pals Stilts, Em and Bubbski, among others. It was so great to see Stilts. I know him and I will be forever friends. We did a little catching up, pitched tents and hit the ridgecrest.Saturday (7/23) I got up and decided to hike south to 17 at the southern end of the park. It was cool, I hiked with some Korean tourists for about a mile, singing and dancing on some rocks. One of the ladies said, "You look like Brad'a Pitt'a". Hmm, maybe his arm "pitt" but then came "The Lemon Squeezer" no problem. Go out the end where a Trail Angel "Johson?" gave me a beer and a couple from Indiana picked me up, picked my brain on thru-hiking an dropped me back at the Fest.Once back, the crowd had grown. My Gypsy Sista's was der but no Sunshine. Apparently a "songline" and a skyline (NY) were more important. Played Four Square and Hackey and ATE all day and night. I mean these '98 folks fed us. They were still bringing out food (pizzas) while we were around the fire later. Nice stuff...Thanks '98.Sunday (7/24) I did much the same thing as the day before except, I hiked the park south to the foot of Bear Mtn. Some hard climbs and nice views. Two hitches later (one of which was about 1/8 of a mile) I was back. Food was getting scarce and I ate plenty of meats, drank 1/2 gallon of water and we headed back to Culvers Gap. Hiked 3 miles and tented. A nice drenching rain got my tent and some stuff good and "damp". Hiked Monday 11 and took lunch and break at High Point, NJ then another 9. My Red Spot getting bigger. Camped in the town of Unionville, NY at their memorial park. A skunk payed us a visit and sprayed a dog. The church "bong" goes off every hour, the number of the hour, all night long.Tuesday (7/26) Hiked 11.5 miles to Town of Vernon, NJ. My worries are getting more extreme on the now "bullseye" looking Red Spot on my leg. As I said before, well, go back and read for that info again. Anyway, the church hostel has a phone and internet. I am making calls and arranging to get checked out. Man, I hope this doesn't put me down for long; at ALL! Everyone has been real concerned. Fester has even called family members for rides. There is a VFW nearby, I am heading there later to see about a possible ride. Both VA choices are a good distance away. There is a clinic in town, if I were rich, I'd already have been there, I guess we'll see. I'll post a pic. I hear it's doxycycline 100 m 2 times daily for 1 month. sounds like "extra" pack weight to me. Ha Ha. Well, more in a few days.