Date: 2017-03-26
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap, NC
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

3/26/17 Allen Gap, NC Stealth SiteMiles hiked: 288.2, Miles to go:1901.6Prior to starting this endeavor, one of the things I wondered about is what would happen if I got sick on the trail. Well, today I found out. I had a pretty restless night at Elmer's and when I awoke in the morning, I ached all over. The very thought of dragging myself out of bed and packing my pack seemed too exhausting to contemplate and the smells of Elmer cooking in the kitchen downstairs turned my stomach. It took about an hour and a lot of sitting on the edge of the bed just sort of staring at my pile of equipment,; but, I finally got my things all organized and packed. I contemplated talking to Elmer about spending another night; but, he had made it clear upon check-in that there was a two night limit. He said he instituted that rule because he's learned over the years that people tend to get caught in the vortex and not leave if they are allowed to stay on longer. I'm sure that, under the extenuating circumstances, he would have made an exception; but, I did not want to stay in town any longer. After a day and a half, I really had the urge to move on. I settled my bill, put on my rain gear (of course, it had to be raining), shouldered my pack and headed out into the rain to the diner across the street. Even though I wasn't really hungry, I felt I'd better try and eat something. I joined J, Push On, and Buddy Al at their table. They all had these big breakfasts with eggs, sausage, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, etc. The very thought of eating any of it turned my stomach. I ordered plain toast and apples and was only able to eat about half of it. I decided to go ahead and start hiking because I knew I was going to be really slow. Every joint in my body ached and I felt like I was walking in molasses. By this time, it was obvious that I also had a low grade fever. Of course, Mr Paramedic was carrying antiinflamitories, antibiotics, antihistamines, antiemitics, and antidiarrheals; but, no antipyretics. I took an antiinflammitory and made a note to pick up some aspirin at my next resupply. As I headed out of town, Lumber Jill caught up to me. We crossed the bridge over the French Broad River and began the long climb up the steep switchbacks on the rock cliffs on the other side of the river. Going uphill was quite exhausting, and we had a lot of it today. Lumber Jill was obviously worried about me because she hiked much slower than usual and took many more rest breaks to keep me in sight. I finally convinced to go on and that I'd see her at the shelter. Luckily, the rain didn't last long and the sun actually broke out and it was a pretty day. Before long, Rash and Pi±ata, a brother and sister hiking pair from PA passed me. Then Glim Glom, Hummingbird, Wet Wipes, Darwin, Legs, and Strider all came by in short order. Everyone commented on how bad I looked and that I should have stayed in Hot Springs. I continued to trudge along through the day and finally reached the shelter at 11 miles. Everyone was there and debating pushing on. The problem was the shelters were either at 11 miles, which was generally too short, or 19 miles, which was too long, especially after just coming out of town, which are harder days in general. It was decided to push on another 3.8 miles to Allen Gap, which showed a water source in the guide. I contemplated staying at the shelter; but, I didn't like this shelter. It sat in a gap with a lot of wind and there were no flat tent sites. I did manage to nibble on some food, which made me feel a little better. While eating, I realized that I had hiked all day with my shirt inside out. I'm sure that added to my pitiful appearance. Most people set out while I was eating. Lumber Jill, Winter, and Oz were debating only going another two miles to Deep Gap rather than pushing on to Allen Gap. I hiked with them as far as Deep Gap; but, then decided to push on to Allen Gap since it was mostly downhill. By the time I reached Allen Gap, I was feverish and pretty swimmy headed. Everyone else had already taken most of the flat spots for their tents. So, I just sat there for awhile, trying to muster enough energy to look for a tent site. Eventually, I got off my butt and found a site on an old forest service road that ran next to where everyone else was camped. Big O and J arrived and joined me on the road. It's not a perfect site; but, it will do. I still wasn't hungry; but, I forced myself to eat dinner because I knew I needed the calories. When Bo, an anthropology professor at Duke, saw me shivering by the fire in my long pants and down jacket when everyone else was sitting around in shorts, he gave me two aspirin for now and two for later. I was so exhausted by the time I hung my bear bag that I crawled into my sleeping bag and immediately fell asleep, even before taking off my glasses. It is now the next morning and, after a good night's sleep, I think I feel pretty good this morning. Hopefully, it was just one of those 24 hour bugs. We'll see what the day brings...