Date: 2014-07-19
From: Murray Property

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

AT day 97This morning when I went to stand up, I almost fell over! My foot was in lots of pain and very swollen. I could barely get it into my flip flop. Needless to say, I went ahead and started hiking on it. The trail was fairly easy. It was mostly flat and there weren't too many rocks! The boys even stated back with me and talked!!!! I guess they knew I was in pain. About three miles in, I realized that hiking another ten miles wasn't going to fly. Luckily, we reached a road and saw some hikers we know who happen to be hiking with a vehicle now! Two are hiking south and two are hiking north and they're passing the key when they cross. Just like Jon and I did in Virginia once. They are a family of four who are known as Swiss Family Robinson. It's a mom a dad and their two daughters. We had first met them in Hot Springs! I had mentioned that my foot was hurting and I was going to try to find a ride to town so I could go to the walk in medical clinic. The youngest daughter immediately said they may be able to give me a ride. She asked her dad if he could give me his number so that I could call them when they got to their car. Right then the mom pulled up in the car! She said she'd be happy to take me so we headed into town. The clinic was way further away than the guidebook said, so I was happy to have a ride and not have to walk!When they dropped me off, they told me to let them know if I needed a ride to the hostel when I was done. I felt so very lucky to have their help. The doctor did X-rays of my foot and felt I had broken the nevicular bone and wants me to see a specialist. He put a splint on my foot and ordered me crutches (Of course, I'm uninsured and unemployed and didn't want to pay for crutches, so I didn't get them from the office. I figured I could find them somewhere else for a fraction of the price). He told me it was imperative to stay off the foot. Meaning my hike is over once again. But this time it's probably over for good. Heartbroken and devastated are the only words that come to mind. But it is what it is and I can't change it. I feel lucky to have gotten this opportunity and to do as much as I have. I've met some wonderful people and had a blast! I SFR came back to get me and brought me to the hostel where I met the boys to give them the news. The hostel is in the basement of St Thomas Episcopal Church. It's an amazing thing they do, letting us stay here. The pastor was nice enough to let me stay for more than one night and he even brought me a cane and a walker thingy to use. He said he'd ask his church people tomorrow if anyone has a set of crutches they'll donate to me! I feel blessed to have so many amazing people around me. For someone who is so unlucky, I'm also very lucky. My plan for now is to actually ride up to Vermont with SFR (they are going there to continue hiking north) and stay with my friend Denise. My mom offered to get me, but VT is closer to here and this way I'll be able to see the boys again in a few weeks and we can all ride home together when they're done hiking. I want to think I may be able to get back on the trail again up there, but I'm not holding my breath. However, the "optimistic" side if me still thinks maybe there's a chance!