Date: 2003-08-13
From: Manchester, Vt.

To: Peru Peak Shelter
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: moderate rain

I usually write journals on my zero days, but didn't do so for Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th. Jack was visiting and I didn't make any miles while he was here.On Monday I was able to make an appointment with a podiatrist in N. Adams by the name of Dr. Saan. He was a very likeable, and patiently listened to my story of woe. When I was finished talking he examined my tootsies and proclaimed me ok to hike on. I most likely am not doing long term damage to my feet. I have plantar fashiaitis (sp), Morton's Neuroma between every toe, and the fatty tissue on the balls of my feet have moved up under my toes. That's why my "swelling" never went down! I promised to take the Celebrex and to have new custom orthotics made as soon as I get home. I'm massaging my feet twice a day using the amazing Burt's Bees Foot Creme that came in my goody box last week. I purchased new trail runners in wide, built up my arch a tad, and am wearing the foam things that take the place of the pads on the balls of my feet.Jack and I did some antiquing on Tuesday, and enjoyed just tooling around the Vermont countryside. I bought 2 big moose cookies for Jack to give "the girls" when he gets home. He's #1 on their list right now, I know they'll be happy to see him when he gets back.We slept in this morning and didn't leave the motel until around 9. After arriving in Manchester, we went to the EMS to get me a long sleeved shirt and Jack returned a pair of jeans to Orvis.I made the guilt laden phone call to work requesting an extension on my leave of absence, and was told to complete my dream and come back as soon as I can. Thanks Mark, you are the best, truly the best.We arrived at the trailhead around 11 and as I finished packing up, in walked Morph and Moon Shadow who were just arriving in Manchester. It was so good to see them! While we were catching up, Jane (of Cornpatch and Jane) arrived with Stripe. Jane had to leave the trail at Harpers Ferry and comes to visit Cornpatch on the trail. While here she gives hikers rides to and from the trailheads.We all said our goodbyes and Jane took Morph while Jack took Moon Shadow and they headed into Manchester. The hikers were delivered to the boarding house and Jack headed home to Pa.I headed back onto the trail with Takereasy and Stripe. By this time it was noon and my goal for the day was the Peru Peak Shelter a mere 9.8 miles away.It was slow going due to the 6" of mud on the trail. We had gone a few miles when I stepped on a wobbly rock that sent me flying down into the mud with my left foot and onto the bank from there. I landed on a rock with my left knee, scraping it, but doing no other damage than having a very muddy boot and legs. Yuck.On Bromley Mountain we stopped in the hut for a break, climbed the tower to enjoy the view, and I called Jack from the phone inside. This was an unusual hut because it was at the top of a ski resort. I wish a building like this could greet us every night!We arrived at the shelter around 6pm. I'm here with: Stripe, Pace, and Jim and Eliza, Long Trail hikers.In front of the shelter is a beautiful water source and behind a composting privy. Tonight, what more could I ask for?