Date: 2015-05-16
From: Pen Mar Park

To: Old Forge Picnic Area - Fayetteville
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

5/16, 7.5, Old Forge Picnic Area / FayettevilleToday I experienced the challenge of an injury not fully healed that refuses to heal with continued use. My right foot was considerably painful this morning from the very start. My plan today was to hike near Caledonia State Park where some long time family friends had graciously offered to be my trail angels for the night. Nevertheless, it became clear very early that I was not going to be able to hike that far.It was 10 am after breakfast when my friends returned me to the trail. What a treat it was to spend some time with guys from home, and a bonus to get a bike ride! As I began hiking on a beautiful but warm morning my foot pain appeared within minutes. In addition the trail was relatively uneven and rocky making it unlikely I would avoid advancing the injury as I hiked. I stopped to rest after a couple hours at Deer Lick Shelters, had some lunch and determined it was decision time. If I hiked on I could cover the remaining 10 miles to US 30, my original goal, but the pain in my foot was something I could no longer ignore. Just as there are times in life when one must stop the forward momentum to rest, repair and refresh the things of life it was obviously time for me to take that step. Making the decision much less difficult was the plan I had for the next several days. After staying with family friends in Fayetteville, my brother, as he likes to say the younger and smaller one, was to be in Carlisle on business for the coming week. This situation afforded me the opportunity to get off the trail to heal for an extended length of time at minimal cost with the bonus of great company and conversation. I decided to call my friends when I reached the picnic grounds nearby. As I arrived at the Old Forge Picnic grounds Quebec, as I have decide to call him, was resting there. He had returned to the trail this morning after his first hostel stay and looked refreshed like only that first trail shower can refresh. He was still uncertain about the length of his hike but I encouraged him to give it two weeks or so to begin experiencing the conditioning of the trail that make a thru hike possible. They were originally going to pick me up at US 30, but graciously agreed to rescue me from the Old Forge Picnic grounds where I was resting. In addition, they were genuinely pleased to let me stay two nights, until my brother arrived nearby and I could begin my stay with him. With five full days of healing I was sure I could be back to 100% and return to finish he second half strong. Back at their beautiful home I was treated to the guest room with private bath and all the amenities of a visit home to loving and caring parents. It was becoming very clear I had made the right decision and as the retired nurse examined my toe and suggested a course of action. I agreed and quickly located an urgent care, within my insurance network, and headed for the shower. Cleaned up I headed for the clinic. I have to say of you ever have need for an urgent care ....... Is one of he finest medical providers I have experienced. They were friendly, positive, gracious and made me feel like a valued customer, as well as a patient they genuinely cared about. The Dr. addressed my wound quickly, carefully and left me with all of the instructions I needed to get back on the trail on schedule. It was very clear though that having the several days to heal were the key component. For the rest of the evening my friends treated me to dinner, and we returned back to their home to visit and catch up on family. I am looking forward to staying here another day, having time to worship with them tomorrow and refresh my spirit as well as my body. Silverback