Date: 2011-06-08
From: Day 90 Waynesboro Quality Inn

To: Day 91ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Going home to get better
Miles today: 3.5

I have a heavy heart and tears in my eyes as I write this journal entry. I am not Superman and I was not magically healed overnight, but I set out anyway. I started out with full intentions of making it all the way to Front Royal in less than 7 days, but after only 3-1/2 miles, I started to feel woozy, I was stumbling, tripping and dam near fainted. The trail had been pretty easy, it wasn't too hot yet, only 70* and there was a light breeze keeping me from overheating and quite comfortable. I don't  know why I felt this bad because I had a good breakfast, drank plenty of water and felt ok when I started out, but none of that seemed to matter. We were at McCormick Gap so I decided to lay down and take a rest, Tramp commented that I looked white as a sheet. I felt very weak and concerned that my illness had not passed. I laid down and rested for about 1/2 hour but when I tried to get up, I was still dizzy and every joint hurt. Tramp helped me over the fence stile and get to the shoulder of the road. Once there I decided that it was in my best interest to go home and recover. Maybe I could return to Waynesboro to recover but I feel I will be better taken care of by Gerrie while  recovering at home. Believe me it was a heart wrenching decision. I had cell service so I called the trail angel Bill and asked him to pick me up and take me to the Charlottesville bus station.  He arrived in about 30 minutes. Tramp insisted he accompany me and keep me company and Bill said he would return Tramp back to where he picked us up.  When we got to the bus station it was about noon. I learned that the next bus wasn't leaving until 5:00 so we decided to check out the train. From there I could take the train to NYC and then catch a bus home. The next train from Charlottesville would be leaving at 2:50 so I decided to take the train.  I bought a ticket and sat down to wait. I must have dosed off. When I awoke I checked the schedule and now the train wouldn't be there until 5:25, the delay had something to due with the excessive heat we were experiencing. Still the train would be faster than the bus so I wasn't too concerned, I just wanted to get home and get better. Well the time for the train to arrive kept getting later and later with it finally arriving at 7:30, almost 5 hr late. Finally on the train I was able to sleep, kindda, the best I could do in my seat. I had never given up on myself before, this just breaks my heart and it's all I can do to keep from sobbing out loud. It was only yesterday I boasted that nothing could keep me from the trail or making it to Maine but right now my health is more important to me than my ego. Maybe it is just a reaction to the meds (Avelox) or maybe something entirely different, I just don't know,  but I am definitely not feeling 100%. I have always said there are many dangers just hiking the trail and that I need to be operating at 100%, both physically and mentally, to make it safely to Maine. Not being 100% is dangerous, one fall or mistake and I could get seriously injured. The trail will still be there when I am healthy enough to return. After a very, very long day I finally arrived home at 3:30 am, very, very tired........I cannot express the profound sadness I feel writing this journal entry. I feel sad and depressed that I have let all of you down, your comments, support and encouragement always kept me going and with a smile on my face, but this health issue has me really concerned. Thank you, thank you all very much ........This will be my last entry until I return to the trail. With Gerrie taking care if me and her love and support, I hope it is sooner than later......Nite all.