Date: 2015-04-27
From: US 501, VA 130

To: Blue Ridge Parkway 51.7
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: few clouds

When we got up this morning, it was colder than we expected. It was below 40 and we ran into fog on the drive to the trailhead. Our starting point was the end of the James River footbridge where we finished yesterday and we headed NoBo. The sun was breaking through the fog as we climbed out of the car and we decided to wear our Thermoball jackets until we climbed enough to warm us up. At end of yesterday's hike, I had some discomfort in my right leg that I attributed to a possible shin splint. Coincidentally, we talked with Happy Feet about the same problem several days ago. Princess has experience with shin splints and taped my leg with leukotape specifically for that problem. I also iced it last evening but it still didn't feel 100%. The climb started quickly. First a gradual grade along a picturesque rocky stream flowing into the James, then two much steeper climbs up Little Rocky Row and Big Rocky Row. A section of the upper part of the climb was over some large rocks along a rocky ledge and it afforded some spectacular views of the James River valley. The climb was about four miles long to over 3,000 ft. On the way, I warmed up enough to stow my jacket, but the wind picked up as we neared the top and eventually I pulled on my poncho as a windbreaker. We descended a little into Saddle Gap and I pulled the poncho off and on depending on which side of the ridge the trail took. We reached the top around 2 hours into the hike and stopped for drinks, an energy bar and to make a decision. My leg didn't feel any better despite the tape and I knew descending would make it worse. Also, we began to wonder if the problem was really a shin splint, or a recurrence of the cellulitis that I had last year near Harper's Ferry. Self diagnosis & treatment is not necessarily the best strategy. Since the area on my leg was a little reddish and warm, we decided it would be best to cut the hike short and seek medical advice, rather than push on for the full 21 miles we had planned. Princess had already been considering potential options and knew there was a Blue Ridge Parkway crossing about halfway along our planned route that could serve as an off ramp. After a brief discussion (there was a cold wind at the top) we decided to get off at the parkway. The only problem was getting cell service to call for a shuttle. There was no signal where we were, so we pushed on. The next high point was Bluff Mountain, about four miles further, and we were able to get service there. Princess called Mary Stuart at the 502 S. Main B&B and she graciously agreed to come pick us up at the parkway crossing. That was roughly another 2 miles for us, mostly descending, and we reached the parkway a matter of minutes before Mary arrived. Just as she pulled up, Giuseppe came across the road, the first hiker we saw and he was right behind us. We told him quickly what we were doing and I expect that he will pass the word along - the trail has an impressive communication system. Mary took us directly to the hospital ER that was literally 6 blocks from the B&B. The practitioner I saw wasn't 100% sure that it is cellulitis, but since we are transient he recommended that I take a doxycycline course and monitor the area closely for any further signs of infection. Plus he suggested one or two days of rest to let the antibiotic do its work. Later, back at the B&B we decided to take a zero day Tuesday and possibly Wednesday to let the meds work. We also decided that if we miss several days, we will jump ahead (temporarily skip a continuous section) and come back at the end to make up what we missed. That minimizes the impact on shuttle and B&B/motel arrangements and this area is only about 4 hours from our home.Several folks have asked about our gear in the guest book. Since I have some extra time tomorrow, I'll write a bit about our gear strategy.