Day 15: Another Injury and the Encroaching Rain

Decision Time

I woke up to the sound of Newfound whispering, “The shuttle leaves in ten.” I have no idea who that was for, but I merely closed my eyes and tried to fall back asleep. I was so cozy. It didn’t work out since I needed to pee.

I had a big decision. Do I stay in Franklin another day to rest up and avoid the rain predicted, or do I just go? I peered outside and saw it was sunny. I tested my ankles and knees and felt no pain. Sighing, I made the decision to hike.

I rushed to pack and change into my hiking clothes as quietly as I could. Despite it being 8:15, the hostel was silent as people still slept. It definitely wasn’t like that yesterday. I saw Nate was up and asked him to tell Steve that I said goodbye. I paid for the nights I stayed and headed down the hill to walk into town. I very quickly realized I didn’t have my trekking poles and headed back up the hill.

Heading to Town and the Shuttle Ride

Unfiltered was just pulling in and he asked if everything was okay. I’m very sure he saw me sobbing outside last night, but I said I was fine. He offered me a ride into town so I could make the 9:00 shuttle provided by the town of Franklin. I must have looked frantic. I got two donuts and munched on them as I waited for the shuttle.

When the shuttle arrived, two people got out and as I was stepping inside, one of them asked, “You blog for the Trek, right?” “I do.” “I’ve read your stuff.” “How cool. Thank you!” I was quick to plop down and began searching for my wallet to pay the five dollar fare. The man who stepped on with me said, “Don’t worry, I’ve got us both.” He put ten dollars in. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. Here.” I handed him a five dollar bill. He shook his head and said, “Just pay it forward.” Trail magic being performed by another hiker. Five minutes later, he asked, “You blog for the Trek?” #famous 

On the way to Winding Gap Staircase, I tried not to be lulled by the movements of the vehicle. I closed my eyes anyways. Fifteen minutes later, we arrived. I got out and there was a couple performing trail magic. I didn’t speak with them or take anything – I just headed for the trail. I was in a weird mood.

Restarting the Hike

I filled up with water and started hiking. It felt kind of freeing to not have a destination in mind or try to keep up with others. I enjoyed the sun and the sounds of nature. I was, however, extremely paranoid about the possibility of getting injured. With Steve’s hike done for the year and several people saying that so many are off trail because of injuries, the statistics weren’t looking great.

I passed Sunny, a hiker staying at The Grove Hostel, who was slackpacking the day southbound. We chatted and she continued on as I headed uphill. The positive feelings I was having earlier in the day were drying up. I made it to the sign pointing for Siler Bald Shelter (3.7 miles into the hike) and sat down. I had no energy, but the sky was still sunny. I can do a little more. I continued on. 

Up to Wayah Bald

By the time I made it to Wayah Gap, I was seriously considering calling for a shuttle. I had no desire to continue. My Achilles tendon was stiff again and I feared that if I pushed myself, I would start getting the stabbing pains that would tell me it’s inflamed. I didn’t want to pay an outrageous shuttle fee, though, so I continued on.

I regretted every step. I knew I needed to stop and eat, but I didn’t want to. The sky was getting darker, and I had no desire to hike in the rain. I pushed on. If you are to learn one thing from me, listen to your body. What I did and will probably continue to do, is stupid. Don’t be me.

After what felt like hours, I made it to Wine Spring Camp. The entire way uphill, I was trying not to cry. Some tears fell, but when I wanted to sob, I suppressed it. Sobbing and hiking uphill leaves you gasping for breath. I’d much rather get up the mountain and cry later.

Wine Spring Camp

There were two other tents set up and the woman, named Whim, who had just recently passed me was claiming a spot for herself. Seeing them setting up made me feel like I could allow myself to stop for the day. I debated continuing on, but the hike so far was miserable, so why continue? I pitched my tent, got my bear hang up, filtered some water, and cleaned my face and feet.

I came back to camp to see two older guys sitting down on one of the numerous logs. “Are you guys debating on staying for the night or continuing on?” I asked. Earlier in the day, they said that they were shooting for Wayah Shelter. “I think I broke my ankle, so I’m debating on going to the closest forest service road or wait for tomorrow,” said one of the guys. “Oh shit,” I whispered. “You should head out today before it gets swollen.” “It’s already swollen. I broke my ankle two months before starting and I guess it wasn’t fully healed.” I watched the two go as it began to rain. He rebroke his ankle by tripping over a root.

It was 3:00 and I spent the rest of my day in my tent. I would occasionally have service, so I’d go on Facebook and ended up making a reservation at Gorgeous Stays for the day after tomorrow. I will stay in a tiny house – an obsession I’ve had since I was fourteen. How could I say no? Plus, they have an onsite chiropractor specifically for thru-hikers.

The Encroaching Rain

As the rain continued to pour, I noticed some water creeping its way towards my tent. I got out my poop trowel and carved a small trench so the water would flow elsewhere. My tent’s soaked anyways, but I prefer not waking up in a puddle. It has happened before and none of that was a good time.

With the heavy rain, droplets were hitting the ground and bouncing into my tent. Not enough to soak everything, but enough to get water in places. If only Durston tents had higher walls, this problem would be fixed.

The rain was a nice lullaby, though, and I fell asleep to its hypnotic rhythm.