Day 43: Back on Trail

Starting Point: Erwin, TN (344.6)

Entrance Point: Hughes Gap Road (374.4)

Ending Point: Roan High Knob Shelter (379.3)

Total miles: 4.9 trail. 29.8 missed.  

Steps: 15,493

Injuries: Intercostal Muscle

Achievements:

With my back injury, I decided to have a shuttle take me to where my crew would end up for the night.  As the Sweeper is a 30-year physical therapist, hanging close to him is a priority.

Steve the shuttle driver got me to Hughes Gap by 9:45.  I saw Hawaii crossing the trail.  She is half a day ahead of the rest.  Also crossing the trail was a hiker I never met before, All In.  He is finishing his triple-crown, and struggles with back problems.  He and I moved quickly up the mountain.

The difference in my pack was obvious.  Ultimately what I did was the following.

1.) I raised where my hip belt sat.  This reduced the amount of weight that sat on my shoulders.

2.) I tossed my cold weather gear.  This reduced the amount of gear in the dry part of my bag.  I also moved my air mattress from the dry portion to the wet.

3.) Now my food bag sits lower in my backpack.  Even though I'm wearing the hip belt higher, my food is lower.

4.) Now, the heaviest thing in my pack is below my injury.

5.) Finally, all my straps are adjusted to support this new configuration.

The net result is that I could still feel the injury, but nothing is banging on to it.  My ribs are no longer getting compressed.  The pain is minimal.  I can continue.

With All In's help, I really put my back to the test, and all was good. He did a fine job keeping me distracted.

Captain Blogger, Kia, and the Sweeper made camp at 3 p.m. or so.  We are back together and will march to Hampton, TN.

Finally, and I mean finally, we are going to pick up speed.