Off the Trail (Heidi)

Well, I'm off the trail again. For good this time. I guess my feet just aren't made for long distance hiking. I'm glad I didn't quit after Patagonia because I think I would have always wondered if I could have done it. Now I know.

McKenna's few blisters were deep and, once drained, left nice thick calluses. My skin is tissue paper thin and tears and shreds, and I kept getting blisters no matter what we tried. Blisters on top of blisters. It's been discouraging and frustrating.

And it's been disappointing, of course, but it's been an interesting three weeks and I wouldn't trade it. I also think all of my training over the last year really paid off... Agility, strength, endurance, flexability are all good. I was tired at the end of each day, exhausted really, but muscles and joints all worked well. I emailed my physical therapist in Montana at one point to remind me how to tape my knee, and she not only emailed me instructions, but taped and photographed her own knee. But even that one problem was minor and more a preventative measure as much as anything.

I met so many interesting people and had so many experiences I would never have had if I had not been on the trail. I might have shed a few tears, but at 95 miles, this is the right decision for me.

McKenna is amazing. She's strong and determined and will probably finish this hike much faster without me. But she WILL finish, of that I have no doubt.

Thanks for all your well wishes and support. I'll be home in Montana by Tuesday night. And on Wednesday I'll start my new hobby: trail riding on horseback!