Trail Miles: 53.1 (McKenna will do more)
Daily Miles: 2 (ditto above)
Starting and Ending Elevation: 4078
We share a bed in a retro trailer refurbished as a studio-size apartment. Our resupply boxes were waiting for us when we arrived last night, and we start packing our supplies to start what is supposed to be a short, easy day of less than 5 miles.
As we are getting ready to leave, Mike, the owner of this Airbnb property, stops by and gives us a lift to The Gathering Grounds for a hearty breakfast.
We hit the market on the way out of town after breakfast, and pick up something for lunch later on in the day. And then we head out...More road walking. After a couple miles of painful walking, I have to tell McKenna I can't keep going. My feet are just too bad. Before we can even discuss options, a pickup crests the hill and I stick out my thumb. I'm 61 years old and never hitched in my life, but I never even give it a second thought.
This wonderful retired couple says they can not only take me back to town, but I can stay in their private guest casita as long as I need to. McKenna and I quickly exchange the Inreach Garmin that I have been carrying and I give her a 30-second lesson on how to use it, we hug, and say we'll keep in touch, and then I'm off. Without Kenna.
Chris and Mary are wonderful, generous trail angels who tell me to make myself at home. We find we have some things in common, such as the fact that they own the Missoula Montana Holiday Inn. A small world, filled with good people.
I let family and friends know Kenna and I have had to split up, and don't know yet what our plans will be. I'm sad to be off the trail and realize before the night is over that I've also caught McKenna's cold. I hope she's ok.
Oh no!!! Is this foot sore hiking pain or pain from the surgery? I hope you are going to be okay. Plans to meet up with Kenna up at the next off trail point, maybe? Amazing "coincidence" with finding the Missoula couple! How awesome is that! Keep us posted. I hope this hiccup doesn't sideline you for long.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't see the posts prior explaining the blisters. Ouch! I hope you heal up quickly and can reinsert on the trail to continue the adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your supportive comments. Yeah, some nasty blisters. My feet are sort of shredded. Right now I hope to rejoin McKenna in Mt. Lemmon next week.
ReplyDeleteThat makes me cringe! Ouch! I'm glad you have some great places to stay and heal up. You have met some great folks, too. All part of the adventure! I'm looking forward to more stories.
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