Death of the 1000 mile boots, hurt in Duncannon, PA

Over 1100 miles in, my body has had enough

Shenandoah National Park 

  It all began on a rainy, foggy, 30° day in the Shenandoah National Park. I had just stayed in a really nice hotel. Ate a lovely steak dinner with an old friend. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Great start to the week. It all changed the second I got out of the car.

  Meanwhile, the rain moved in fast over night. I woke up to a very cold morning. It ended up being a 2 to 3 day ordeal. The rain never stoped. I became very wet fast. Soaked to the bone all day. It was also in the thirties. Bad combo. Getting very concerned about becoming hypothermic. After a long day finally making it to the shelter, but on the last .5 mile it felt like my shin exploded. It took me 45 mins to drag  my self up to the shelter. A pain I’ve never felt before. After a short day at the Lewis campground, 6 pack of Devils Backbone and a chicken sandwich. I was ready to hike. Got through the park just fine after that. Eventually getting to Harper’s Ferry.

The death of the 1,000-mile boots

  Continuing on, finally arrived at the ATC headquarters. Took my picture. Hung out with some good friends. Enjoyed this milestone. After all the excitement I went to go eat with another hiker. Soon realized that my wallet was gone. Heart sank deep into my stomach. Thinking the trip is over. Luckily another hiker was trying to find me in town. Thankfully she found me not long after. After tearing up my ankle in my boots I figured it was time to say good bye. Got some new shoes but my ankle was so swollen the nice lady at the outfitter told me to rest. I only half way listened.

  For this reason is why I’m stuck in Duncannon. Pushed too hard in those boots with big mile days. Now I’m in so much pain I’m trapped here. Sleeping 50 yards from a train track. Sounds like it’s going to run me over when it goes by. Hopefully I’ll be back on trail soon. Lesson learned. When your body says stop. You better or you’ll regret  it.