Day 57: It’s Nice to Get Up in the Morning, But it’s Nicer to Stay in Bed

Zombieland

I woke up multiple times last night. The first time, it took me a full minute to figure out where I was, and a few moments longer for anything to make sense. Northstar told me it was only 10:30 p.m. I sat up thinking I felt better, but as soon as the covers fell off, I started shivering again. I dug in beneath them and was asleep again in seconds.

I woke again around 1:00 a.m. but didn’t have the energy for anything other than looking at the time on my phone and fumbling around in my first aid kit for some Advil. At 2:30, I woke finally feeling warm enough to be clammy, and shed my sweatshirt, base layer, and hat. And for some reason, just one of my socks.

By sunrise, I woke to find that I’d pushed off the extra blankets. I had a slight headache, my knees throbbed when I moved, and my stomach had that bloated feeling you get before a mass exodus from the deeps. I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling, deciding what kind of hike I’d do today.

Better is Not Necessarily Good

Northstar woke sometime later and asked if I was feeling better. The correct answer to that question was “Yes.” I did feel better. But I did not feel good. Then she asked if I wanted to hike or stay another day, but immediately followed up with, “Never mind, I know you, you’ll want to hike.” And then proceeded to suggest that I was an idiot (respectfully) and I should just rest.

After a long pause, I answered that I wanted to do exactly nothing today. I was wrung out.

I don’t know if I had a virus, some kind of fast-moving flu, mild hypothermia, or just wore myself out, but I knew for certain that I didn’t need a repeat of anything close to yesterday’s 22-mile slog.

Nap My Own Nap

Around noon, I got up just long enough to force down some oatmeal before heading back to bed. By evening, I felt well enough to eat dinner with Northstar, but my heart really wasn’t in it. If you know me at all, you know that lying in bed all day and not eating are not normal for me.

Just before I fell asleep again, I got a text from my Alaska clients saying, “We want you to finish the AT…bucket lists are important…don’t worry about this summer’s field schedule.” Best clients ever. Jim, Lael, Ron, Rocky, Tisha, Danny, Jamie, Wendy, and Kara – I owe you. Stay safe out there.

Here’s hoping for a solid night of sleep and fresh start tomorrow. If I hike, it’ll be a short day.

Daily Stats:

• Start: Bearwallow Gap (Mile 751.9)
• End: Bearwallow Gap (Mile 751.9)
• Weather: Perfect day for hiking.
• Earworm: None
• Meditation: Sermon from Bedside Baptist
• Plant of the Day: Me
• Best Thing: Sleep
• Worst Thing: Residual nausea